"Money's nice, but you'll end up hating what you do"

Absolfrigginlutely

 

I went into my MBA basically thinking "something else besides journalism," not just because I was pessimistic about my future in newspapers, but also because I was genuinely curious to try something different for 40 hours a week. I had job offers in straight sales, consulting and banking, which was a combination of the previous two. I chose banking for that reason as well as the fact that banks are closed on the weekends and don't require you to travel four days a week.

 

Thanks for the perspective.

If it's not too personal, did you supercharge the salary the way most folks feel you can with an MBA? Have a lot of offers to choose from? What sort of school did you go to?

I'm curious because to me it almost seems like the MBA is some sort of magic money machine. I don't know anybody who's gotten one who hasn't made out well, but - OTOH - I have a limited experience.

FWIW everyone I know who's gotten one says it's certainly a bitch while they're in school.

 

attempting to cure cancer is a higher calling. heart surgery is a higher calling. hell, working at a suicide crisis hotline is a higher calling. journalism is not a higher calling.

 

Why do people always equate health issues and/or life and death as the only things that "matter"?

Journalism isn't a higher calling. It's just a job.
Sports is a frivolous endeavor. It's just a game.

I hear those two statements all the time, even here. If the only things that "matter" are being healthy and alive, then what the hell's the point of doing anything else?

 

because, buck, so many journalists attempt to put the two on the same level.

if that wasn't true, you wouldn't "hear those two statements all the time, even here."

 

Hmm. Fair enough.

I don't think I could say they're "on the same level," as you say, but I don't think anyone should have to apologize for devoting their life to journalism, or sports, because it's "frivolous" or whatever. You only get one life.

 

naw, shit, buck. i agree with you 100 percent. my original post was in response to "money's nice, but you'll end up hating what you do."

i get sick of people in our business labeling the folks who leave as sellouts.

 

A very good point.

Mine was more of a tangent to that.

 

hating what you do . . . .

Well, what you do also involves:

- Ability to feed your family
- Ability to pay your bills
- Ability to take vacation
- Ability to have your car fixed when necesary

I would never hate these things. Never let a boss' pressure or pretty words affect your doing what is best for you.

 

color me stupid, but i didn't see that one coming ... and i sure as to hell should have.