Do You Like Your Job?

I figured I'd start off this blogging thing by addressing the question most people ask. Once they get over the fact that I look very young and have a strong resemblence to a certain former teenage witch...this is where the conversation usually goes. I find it interesting that out of all of the questions people could ask, that this is the one they most often pick. I think people ask this because they have a slight misconception of what actually goes on in a newsroom. It's not anyone's fault, it's the way newsrooms and media types are portrayed in television and movies.

I think most people imagine that it's exciting, that you're always doing something fun and that you're making loads of money doing it. While these things may be true in some of the larger markets (and some of the easier jobs) they're not usually true everywhere else. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of fun and exciting times, but there are many stressful and sad times as well. When you're a general assignment reporter, your days are mostly spent trying to track down information on murders, gathering mugshots and covering bond hearings. You also have to try and get families to open up after major tragedies in their lives. No one likes doing this, but it's something that has to be done. It's a way for families to tell the stories of victim's lives, and it's a small step in the healing process.

As for the fun stuff, there's plenty of it as well. I don't think you can beat a job where you're doing something different every single day. As a reporter you spend about two-thirds of your day in a car. You get a very good tour of the back roads, and you know all the best places to eat in small towns. There are also the days when you get to do a story that just brightens your day...for me it's any story where I get to meet a truly great person that helps me to appreciate the little things in life.

So as for the original question... my answer's always "yes." Why wouldn't I like this job? Each time that I get to help tell someone's story, or make a difference in someone's life, makes it worthwile. The smiles I see on people's faces, the hugs we share, the stories we tell together... more than make up for the day to day stressors of the news world.

Log In | Register as a new member