A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Right - I topped my class in journalism, but I now desperately need some counselling!During that time, and consciously, I made journalism my LIFE. I treated it as a year-long interview and it affected my relationship with my boyfriend (which I know I cannot blame myself for), but I realised by the end of the course I completed, that I was absolutely 100% consumed whole-heartedly in the industry and had allowed NO time for living. In that one year, I can count on one hand the number of times I did something that TRUELY made me happy, compared with the life I led prior, where I spent EVERY minute outside of work doing something fun or carefree. I'm a big believer in cherishing even the simple things in life. I was also EARNING twice the $$ in my job than I would be as a reporter.When the course finished, nothing was moving in the industry so I took some gap-filling non-writing related job to get me by until something came up. Now, almost a year later, they're starting to come back to me.. and I'm confused about what to do.Don't get me wrong - I love writing - but when you're working in the industry while you're learning, you get to see the good AND BAD sides and I often felt there was more bad than good. I'm a firm believer that you have to be happy in your life, feel and enjoy things as much as you can etc. I felt that while working as a reporter, I spent more time writing about OTHER people enjoying life instead of doing so myself! I missed being able to emotionally switch off at the end of the day and enjoy ME time, rather than thinking about where and who could be a potential scoop... working night shifts for minimum pay and being a slave to deadlines!You would think that finding a career where you can use a natural gift would make you happy, but I tell you, working in my local newsroom, I have never met so many unhealthy, overweight, cynical, negative and depressed people in my entire life! That's not to mention the alcoholism and chain smoking! I have my own style of writing and regularly made front pages because I would take a different (quirky) spin on an ordinary story. I find that the local reporters I admired most over the years have now lost their identities. One reporter in particular, who I always admired for his quirky take on stories, now writes news so boring you wouldn't know the story had his byline unless you checked! I assume this is because they're so strapped for time and such slaves to the deadlines, they can't really let their individual writing styles shine through - too much pressure and stress.I achieved my results because I wrote my stories from home, early in the morning, in a relaxed, peaceful environment where I could hear my thoughts. I was alwayas proud of what I'd written when I submitted it.Working in an newsroom, no matter how much practice I got, I couldn't THINK. I felt trapped and confined in the small space and I couldn't get my thoughts together. By the time it came to submitting my work, I always hated it and felt it could've been so much better. My tutor told me this would eventually go away in time, but I just kept thinking I was more suited to being a freelance writer or maybe a book author rather than a newsroom journalist.I need to decide on a job I've been offered and this is all swirling in my head! Any advice would be helpful. Thank u all.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (18 August 2010): Thanks for the wonderful advice RCN. I've been thinking about whether to get a life coach.. you've convinced me :)
A
male
reader, rcn  +, writes (18 August 2010):
 You're a writer....but does that mean you're writing and displaying your talent is best shown in a newsroom setting? I'd take a look at all your options. Freelance can pay well, so can being a book author, but are those areas that interest you? Make a list of all the different avenues you have opportunities for, and write out your pros and cons of each one. You have the skills, so I'm sure you can find happiness using your talent, it's just a matter of where. It can be difficult, and can be trying hanging around depressed people as well. It only brings you down, being around so many that are already down. You might even talk to a career or life coach, who can help you sort these things out, and assist you in establishing your path.
I hope this helps. Take care.
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