Exactly How Fun Is It To Be a Sports Journalist?

Everyone wants to be covering the major sports. NFL, MLB, NBA, etc. But covering high schools, and D3 collleges, is the low-paying job still worth it? Is it still a great ride, and very enjoyable?

 

No, not everyone wants to be covering the major sports, or the major leagues. And make no mistake, THOSE can be low-paying jobs, too.

If it's a great ride or not depends on the person and the individual job situation.

 

Is it a great ride? It's something like this.

 

Just cash the checks. You're going to die one day.

 

I still get enjoyment out of high school sports, and I enjoy the small college and juco games. At age 59, if it wasn't fun I sure wouldn't be doing it for what I make.

 

I would say that for 99 percent of us, it's as stressful and infuriating as it is fun.

I remember years back covering a Super Bowl and then sitting on the plane heading home wondering if my name would be called in the upcoming round of layoffs. That's one hell of a roller coaster.

Is it worth it? My answer is no.

 

As I tell people, it beats a real job. But make no mistake, it still is a job. And after a while the games aren't as fun as they were in the beginning. Can be a real grind after a while.

 

Try covering a 65-win baseball team that is out of the race in early May. I can't imagine there being much worse.

 

Let's not forget that you're almost always working when your family and friends are free -- nights, weekends -- so your personal life definitely suffers. I enjoy sports a helluva lot more now that I don't cover them for a living.

 

It took a toll on me. I was glad I was out before I was missing Christmases and birthdays once my kids were born.