On the Move, Again
I am leaving journalism.
Probably not for good – it’s what I know and newsrooms are
like crack – but I’ve accepted a position in the nonprofit sector.
I will be a prevention specialist in Wyoming, working toward
awareness and action in suicide prevention, as well as drug, alcohol and
tobacco suppression.
Go ahead and laugh, those who know me all too well.
But I think you’ve got to have experience to fight a good
fight.
And I’ve got street-smarts. In spades.
I will use my communication skills to a new advantage –
public speaking and setting up coalitions. Being an active participant in a
community to enact change. It's exciting work, worthy work.
Besides, it’s a 40-hour-a-week gig, with a huge raise.
Meaning I will have time to write again.
Yes, write fiction.
Finally get that e-book of short stories out.
Get my life back.
At some point, I will move to Sheridan Wyo., where I will be
based. I’ve already found a couple of lofts that look promising.
And I will be able to be a part of two communities, without
being an interloper, a journalist looking from the outside in. I will be able
to volunteer, have friends, without feeling like I can’t. Because when you’re a
journalist, you are never really off. People are forever telling you conversations
are off-the-record – even when you’re sitting at a bar.
And there’s always the chance you’ll have to write about
someone. That limits the friendships you can forge.
A buddy of mine said a very nice thing recenty: “If guys
like you leave journalism, we’re going to die.”
I need a break.
I still think community journalism will save the craft, the
profession.
I just couldn’t make the current situation work. I, in my
opinion, was never set up to succeed. Too many impediments to being truly
great.
(And I love and adore my staff; we kicked ass – and took
names.)
So I did something for myself.
The nonprofit gig is a one-year state contract, with no guarantee
that I will get a second year. And that’s OK by me.
We’ll see how it goes.
And adjust later.
Comments
Congrats to you!
Huge pay raise, 40 hour week, time to write again, altruistic new job. . . congrats to you!!
I'm very happy for you Thom.
It sounds like a very good thing.
Yea!
Congratulations on leaving a job to do one that will give you much more freedom to creative write and also hopefully bring you much in the way of job satisfaction.
Can I ask one thing please? I joined your site a long time ago now as a member but would really like to be added to your Blogroll list. I notice a lot of members don't seem to participate so, maybe if the roll is limited I can be added?
Whatever the answer, good luck with everything.
Thanks.
I wish you Godspeed, friend. You deserve this break. And if there's anything I can do from South Dakota to help you along now or in the future, you know how to find me.
Cheers.
Scott from Redding