I have been a journalist for over 35 years; first as a staff writer for my college paper and later moving to online. Most recently (about six years) I have maintained a website of my own. Because if I was only going to get paid peanuts for my work, they were going to be MY peanuts.
Let’s face it…if anyone is going to work for nothing, they better LIKE what they do.
Earning basically nothing for the hours I spend in front of the computer or behind a camera can be very discouraging and there have been more than a few occasions where I have seriously thought about hanging it all up; but I just can’t do it. Like my Dad says, it’s a part of who I am and I can’t stop.
So, yeah, to answer the question…I do enjoy my job…mostly 🙂
I recently signed on to a “writing site” that is supposed to guarantee making lots of money. So far, all I have seen are tons of emails in my mailbox offering to SHOW me how I can make a pile of money…for a price!
After 35 years, I think I already KNOW hose to write, it just getting people to read it that’s the problem…or rather the “exposure”. With AI and the internet, anybody can churn out copy – good and bad – and claim it as their own. I have never used AI, nor do I plan on it. After seeing an email about “making six figures” and discovering it was another one of those “courses” and used AI to do the writing – creating an article in “seconds”, I knew it wasn’t something I would even consider.
It may take me longer to compose something, but at least it is all MINE. And of course there are things like the race recaps that can only be done in person…or even one of these prompts.
Over the years I have met a lot of people, even a few very famous ones. My very first press conference was for Astrophysicist Carl Sagan! Needless to say, I was terrified! But 25 minutes into a 30 minute press conference, I gathered up enough courage to ask a question. While I don’t remember the exact wording, I asked about the future of the space program and would international co-operation be required in order for it to survive (I’m a “Star Trek” fan). Dr. Sagan told me it was a good question before answering (whew!).
In covering hundreds of concerts, I have met Johnny Mathis and Tony Orlando. And I have made a few friends along the way.
Word Press doesn’t pay out any money until the “kitty” reaches $100; at the moment I am a little over a third of the way there…maybe one of these years I’ll get there.