I'm a newspaper reporter and having a hard time finding a job...?

Question

I am told I'm either over qualified or don't have the degree they need, despite my 10 years experience as a war correspondent (Gulf War) and hard hitting news reporter. I feel like I'm sinking into some sort of depression and can't be motivated to look for jobs. I am in a city where there is only one newspaper. People say I should move cities but I can't because of family reasons, not for another two years. Some people I should just take any job - be a secretary or a receptionist - but I don't know. I feel like it would be a step down for me and I really love being a reporter. I know I should be motivated, but it's so very hard. I cry all the time (crying right now) and feel so lost. No one is really helping me and I find that employers could be very rude when answering you back and wonder why I even bother sometimes. What can I do???

Answer 1

Since you can't move, probably your best tactic would be to do some freelance work in the meantime, while taking any job that's full-time so that you can eat. I've been where you are, more or less, and it's not a pleasant situation. But it happens. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride, and then take steps.

And yes, employers can be rude and make little sense in their decisions. I remember applying for a job in which the deadline for applications was Dec. 31, and I got a letter of rejection dated Dec. 28. Made me feel really good, as you can imagine.

Answer 2

Nothing you haven't been doing...keep looking but sorry to say you will have to move....there are many small towns and cities who could use your skills as well the tri-state and LA areas....if nothing is happening for you there and it depresses you than you have to go where the jobs are...since you say you can't go right now why don't you look for jobs in the media field but not reporting that way you can still stay connected to the industry until you can leave.