Is journalism a good career to do?

Question

i would really like some feedback on people who are journalists or know a lot about it....because I love to write and I was just wondering if it's a good career?

Answer 1

It wouldn't be less family time, that's nonsense. But then again you don't just sit there in an office and write a story in an hour. You have to at least make phone calls and do research to get the background. Often you need to go out and meet people, interview the public, "doorstep" someone whose son has just been killed, for example.

So, what happens if the person you desperately need to talk to is unavailable or won't speak to you? You wait until they are there, try to convince them to talk, or you find an alternative source. Suppose you can't find what you're looking for in cuttings or on the internet? This can take many hours and be very frustrating. It doesn't always go like clockwork, in fact it very rarely does.

As for the person who wrote "I'm incredibly bias" and "if you truly passionate" - yes, people will really believe you write for a national women's magazine when you mangle English like that!

Answer 2

I'm incredibly bias but I love my job. I write for a national women's magazine and spend my days chasing leads, interviewing people and writing. I get paid to do something I truly love. But enough about me - journalist is a great career for those who are truly dedicated. It is not something you can be unsure about because it's a pretty hard industry to break into. You've got to give it all or nothing. The up side is once you've broken in, there is a wealth of opportunity for you and so many different career options whether it be newspapers, mags, radio, public relations, legal reporting, producing copy, televsion, even politics. Do your research and consider your options, if you truly passionate about it, you will make it.

Answer 3

its not just about "loving to write" it is a big commitment and very little family time - okay if that is you.

Answer 4

I've been a newspaper journalist for 15 years, mainly in England. I have been a reporter, feature writer and also a sub-editor (it's called "copy editor" in some countries). Whether or not it's a good career depends largely on you - what your skills are, what your ambitions are and how you go about realising those ambitions. Writing for a living is certainly hard work - you can't always choose the subject you're covering, but you still have to come up with a good story - but it can also be very rewarding. If you get onto a big newspaper, it's also very well paid, but the hours can be anti-social.

I am guessing you're in America (want to know how I guessed? Okay, I'll tell. You said "I love to write" and English people would say "I love writing") but even so, journalism is journalism and if you want to know any more about the subject in general, just shoot me an email.

Edit: Well, you know, for someone who "loves to write", you haven't even bothered writing two words: "THANK YOU": for the 600 words of advice that I emailed you in response to your questions. That took me at least an hour to think about and write, and you didn't even have the courtesy to acknowledge it. I believe Woolies are hiring staff ... you'll need to learn much better manners though.

Answer 5

If you are motivated and wants to know more about the world you are living in. I say go for it, write for the local paper.

Answer 6

hey. I answered your question about the story.

Funny you mentioned journalism - because I'm kinda really really interested in it too! And Australia. Now that's getting close to home.

Answer 7

I feel journalism is a great option as a  career. You could write an article sitting at home, but would need to travel to know about the subject,interact with people to get their views and build your opinions on the subject before you share.your writing ability need to be complimented with your ability to travel and interact to make you a good journalist.