I have three years experience in general-news reporting at
a regional newspaper. I have gathered enough experience but feel my
career is stagnant.
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I feel I have failed to look for innovative story
ideas. I seldom get positive feedback on my writing style. I don't want
to quit journalism -- until I have improved.
How can I change the situation? Is it time to go to a new newsroom?
Anonymous
Well, something sure needs to change.
But let me ask you this: If you're saying, "I don't want to quit
journalism -- until I have improved," it sounds as though you plan to leave,
anyway. So I would just go now rather than remain stagnant or work
through a job change.
Revisit the reasons why you chose journalism. Ask yourself whether those goals have changed or if the business has. Try to understand your motivations and what you need to be doing to feel you are doing worthwhile work.
If you plan to stay indefinitely, I would look for mentors in your
present job or get inspired to come up with the innovative ideas that
will help you get a new job.
Either way, you're going to have to light this fire yourself.
Coming Wednesday: He realized he is not interested in local-news coverage and wants to go straight to writing nonfiction, such as travel articles for magazines and op-ed pieces.
