Friends, I’ve pretty much decided to give up on journalism as a potential FT career. I’ve seen way too many talented fellow journos walk away, get laid off, or can’t get staff or freelance jobs. Now, it’s my turn to go.
I come from a working-class background and am the first in my family to get a college degree. I’m no stranger to struggle.
My path in journalism has never been linear. For the majority of my career, I’ve freelanced to supplement a truthfully poorly-paying FT day job outside of journalism to pay the bills. It’s basically always been a side gig. I spent decades building my experience & knowledge in a wealth of areas, and think that I’m a damn good journalist, writer, & creator. I’m immensely proud of my work, and I thought my talent, effort, and passion would eventually get me a comfortable living in a profession I love.
I wanted a staff job so badly & spent so much time chasing it. I tried. And tried. For years. I briefly had that success when I FINALLY got a staff job, but I departed. Ultimately, despite it all, despite the dreams I had, I feel like I have failed.
I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, but I need and deserve more.
I’ll still do occasional freelance work, and I have some projects to announce, but I will no longer actively pursue FT staff journalist roles unless its an AMAZING local or remote opportunity or an editor reaches out.
To the editors that took a chance on me and recruiters that were willing to talk with me and got me interviews, thank you. Always.
Now I search for a FT position somewhere in an industry where I and my accomplishments are transferable, well-compensated, and valued. I will find it. It truly pains me, but I must think of my current situation and the future.
I love journalism. I wish it loved me back just as much.
My heart is truly broken, because this is what I put my entire soul and a lot of tears into. Plus, my identity is very much tied to it. That’s why it pains me to have to do this.
KATY KOSTAKIS 