After experiencing two job interviews in opposite areas of Indiana, I’ve grown concerned about the state of opportunity for young, entry-level journalists like myself. Not only are jobs scarce, but the pay—that I’ve run into—is incredibly ridiculous and won’t make a living for anyone. I understood the field was not the biggest goldmine of fields, but if this is the beginning of a deeper issue, journalism itself may be in more considerable trouble than I thought.
Journalism is a field where if you haven’t worked in it for at least two years, you won’t understand its culture. Yes, journalism is a lifestyle, a 24/7, constant headache, and an information mission for the public. We are wearing posters on our chests and targets on our backs. True, there may be loopholes to make it work with insufficient wages, but at what cost?
Freelancing is easier to come by than full-time jobs, and even those don’t pay ideally, even for experienced journalists. In this field, connections are everything and not just for a good story but also a possible job opportunity. It’s possible to advance in positions, but after brutal years of no vacations, no mental health self-checks, and on and off relationships with local officials, it begs the question, is it worth it all?
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