Ask the Recruiter

Q: I've been working at a small-town newspaper daily for four months now. I work in circulation, but one month after I was hired, I asked and began writing articles for our weekly entertainment magazine.  In the beginning, my articles were short, and I was not getting paid.  But now, 15 articles later, I get paid a very small amount for each contribution (which I had to ask the editor for).

Though I'm new, I've been the strongest contributer to the entertainment magazine (i.e. I have the most articles published in each edition.).  Quality-wise, I'm doing well and improving with each story. I graduated from a great writing program at a state university.

The problem is this: There is a position opening up for a feature writer of the entertainment magazine, and due to a budget shortage, I'm worried they may just move one of the reporters into that spot and not hire anyone new.  Right now, that's what they've done.  They pushed off interviewing for the position until the fall, but another reporter (Ms. X) has already taken it over and assumed all the responsibilities.

I enjoy writing for the paper.  My writing technique has improved, and length-wise, I'm finishing with upward of 1,000 words.  I just can't help but feel I'm getting taking advantage of in a way.  I write two to three articles a week, the same amount that someone else (Ms. X) is getting paid full time with benefits to do.  My pay is so low -- it doesn't even put a quarter tank of gas in my car.  What should I do?

Jeremy

A: This is a good Labor Day question.

Ultimately, you can withhold your services if you are not being adequately paid. You can go write for someone else who will pay you. But it seems you really want to do this work and that, although money is important, it is not your only consideration. That's what keeps you writing for cheap.

You'll have to go to the editors and try to negotiate a fair rate of pay. Ask whether you can pick up the job Ms. X would be vacating.

We need experience like this to get the jobs we want, but indefinitely working for free isn't right.