Journalism

Why not add a

I just returned from a conference that was both stimulating and scary. At a gathering where premier journalists typically congregate to talk about craft and their commitment to accurately and artfully write and report true stories, most of the talk at the bar was about the carnage in the media industry. While I was there to speak about career advice, I wasn't immune to the concern. Last year I lost a regular gig blogging for the New York Times with very little notice. 

But unlike most journalists who are panicking about what they'd do next if they lost a steady paycheck, I quickly replaced that work with high quality work that I enjoy--coaching other writers, teaching, and public speaking. As an experienced freelancer, I also knew how to find writing opportunities even in a shrinking market. 

Way back in pre-recession 2007, I wrote a book about people who pursue multiple careers by choice. I call these folks "slashers" because--like me--they need a slash or two to define what they do.