So what's everybody doing?

Reading about you guys with families, my heart goes out to you all and it makes me thankful for my situation (single and childless). I have the flexibility to try different things without much backlash, while folks have wives (or husbands) and children to support IMMEDIATELY. What a business we chose.

 

I got a secure job for at least a year ( I think), so I have the summer to work on an escape plan -- feelers are already out there. Until then, I'm homebrewing (first batch is in the carboy) and catching up on all the reading I pretended to do in high school.

I second this sentiment.

 

You know what makes it even worse than trying to support a family in this business?

Having a wife who is also a reporter. Two wasted degrees, double the student loans!

 

it may sound strange but losing my job may have been a blessing. helping with recent family health crisis has turned into a quasi full-time job. of course it's also hit my savings extremely hard, especially when unemployment ran out until recent surprise 13-week extension.

 

Working part-time on a burger-flipper's salary (not flipping burgers) and doing some freelancing on the side while still hunting fruitlessly for a job. I got to the point where I was so frustrated I just quit looking for a while, the feeling being that it wasn't doing me any good anyway. Thinking of taking a couple of summer classes at the local community college to gain some experience/skills I don't have which seem to endlessly be popping up on various internship/job postings. It's like everyone expects you to be a pro with endless knowledge but work for a pittance. Problem with taking those classes is I'm not sure I have the money for it. And we come full circle. Sigh.

 

I'm waiting this gig out and hope to pursue dreams/something different in the next stop. We have ties to the area but could be flexible when the day comes that my pass no longer works. Even a half-dozen years ago, I couldn't imagine such a fizzled ending.

 

You know what? I've kind of felt the opposite. My daughter is 8 months old, and while the thought of trying to provide for her future in this business should scare the hell out of me (and on some level, I guess it does) ... mostly, she just forces me to reasses what is important.

This job isn't my life. She is my life. And no jackass newspaper management hack can ever take that away from me.

If something were to happen, and I were to lose my job, it would work out, somehow. As long as I had my family close, I think I would survive.

Honestly, the people I know who are most bummed about the state of the business seem to be the single guys ... whose life really is all about the job.

 

I'm just hunkered down like the rest of us, riding out the storm.

Let's get back to the Craig Ferguson-jack. That's more fun.

 

Just curious - how many of you looking for jobs or looking to switch jobs are focused pretty much on finding another print-media sports gig?

Isn't that just jumping from one sinking ship to another, or is that other ship supposed to have some magic elixir that offers longtime security?

Yes, I do empathize with everyone in here looking for a job. I'm fortunate to have one, and have been on chopping block twice myself over the years.

 

I'm thinking of getting into teaching eventually. I'd love to teach philosophy and religion in a college setting.
However, that career choice has a shelf-life about as long as journalism.

 

I resigned, and am moving to another state. Probably getting out of journalism for the most part. Sucks, because I love it, but it's simply not a legitimate way to make a living.

Almost forgot: I'm considering law school. If anyone has any advice, please feel free to pass it along : http://www.sportsjournalists.com/forum/posts/2417376/

 

I do fall into that latter category, because it's been depressing for me to see things deteriorate in the business, and for me, I feel trapped in an area where there isn't much for a single guy to do, and as for dating, forget it. I do see your point though.