Every profession has its own pros and cons, including those working in the journalism industry. As one of the oldest professions in the world, journalism has changed monumentally owing to a staggering growth of technology. This means that the skeletal structure of this career remains the same, yet the responsibility and the view might differ. Compelling storytelling and fact-based are still its strongest pillar, however.
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So, if you are interested in joining this industry, you better aid yourself with this information of working as a journalist.
Pros of being a journalist
- In journalism, you are working with ever-changing expectations. For example, you can work in a very confidential matter but the next day, you might be asked to cover funny nerve-wracking news.
- You will always have a new challenge and demand, thus this job is great for you who can work under pressure.
- You get to meet and talk to a variety of people from all walks of life. You might also have a chance to cover and interview highly influential people like a minister.
- Your name will be published in print and on websites. This is a great way for you who seek professional identity.
- Lastly, you have a better chance to be invited to cover various events, such as theatre performance or restaurant meal reviews for FREE.
Cons of being a journalist
- Whilst the job is challenging, this role is among the lowest salary rate. Unless you reach the highest and most popular level of a journalist, do not expect a fat paycheck. Reported by payscale, an average annual salary of a journalist is $40,839 with an hourly rate of $14.81. However, if you have editing skills, you can expect a slightly higher salary. Yet, even with years of experience (5-9 years) in journalism, the average annual salary is $44,384.
- Being a journalist is also a long and often unsociable journey which might demand you to work on weekends and public holidays.
- As a journalist, you have a greater risk of death or injury for covering a riot, war zone or other violent disturbance.
- Lastly, the peril of being a journalist is you might be blamed for bad news or being seen as the enemy by members of the public when covering sensitive news or events.
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