In case you're wondering whether you possess job skills the outside world might be interested in, the answer is an emphatic yes from many alumni of the paper. This is not to minimize the difficulty of transitioning from a career many journalists consider a calling. Job searches can be an interminable, ego-draining drag. But it should be recognized that the core skills journalists possess - writing, interviewing, researching - are still valued by employers. You might be surprised how impressed people are at the ability to compose clear, grammatically correct sentences not laden with misspellings. And some of these employers pay pretty well.
Our former DMN colleague, Doug Bedell, advises that we stop whining that we don't know what else to do with ourselves and get busy pursuing opportunities that play to our skill sets. Doug left the paper in 2004 after a highly distinguished reporting career. He now works as a communications jack-of-all-trades at Haynes and Boone, a large Dallas law firm. True, he has to wear a suit to work, but he gets a paycheck to cover the cost. And he loves his work.
Doug says he is available for inspirational counseling and/or butt-kicking sessions.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Do you have an e-mail address for Mr. Bedell?
That's Haynes and Boone, not Boyne.
All --
I'm at Haynes AND Boone, LLP :) We don't like ampersands in our name, FYI. (Obligatory keeper-of-the-brand messaging now concluded.)
I can be reached at dougbedell@sbcglobal.net for non-work-related matters.
My e-mail box is open. Please take a seat in the waiting room while I ready the couch.
Best,
-=drb
Post a Comment