The grass isn't much greener on the other side

[Magnum]

I'm looking for a new career because of all the layoffs and buyouts.

I've been lucky enough to get some calls back from a couple of the publishing and PR jobs I've applied for, but they all start and end the same way: "We can only pay XX. Do you still want to know about the job?"

Today's phone call was from a state government position. The advertised price range went up to like $70,000 but because of the crappy economy they could only pay half that - no negotiating. I'm not sure why they called. I gave them a minimum salary requirement that was well above what they were offering.

Another job wanted to pay me less than I make now but give me commission as merit pay. Thanks but no thanks.

Looks like I'll stay in journalism as long as they'll have me.

 

[amraeder]

For those of us who were victims of recent layoffs, this is, umm, less than encouraging.

 

[tapintoamerica]

I'm figuring I'll hang in this business while they'll have me, but there's a part of me that would welcome some sort of professional change.

 

[buckweaver]

I'm figuring I'll hang in this business while they'll have me, but there's a part of me that would welcome some sort of professional change.

This is where I stand, I think. Hear too many horror stories from outside journalism to think the grass is that much greener, at least at this point in time.

The Titanic has sunk, and we're all clamoring for lifeboats. Doesn't matter what industry anymore. A lot of people are hurting.

 

[STLIrish]

I'm figuring I'll hang in this business while they'll have me, but there's a part of me that would welcome some sort of professional change.

This is where I stand, I think. Hear too many horror stories from outside journalism to think the grass is that much greener, at least at this point in time.

The Titanic has sunk, and we're all clamoring for lifeboats. Doesn't matter what industry anymore. A lot of people are hurting.

Indeed.

 

[Mark2010]

Yep, there is much less leeway in negotiating salary than there used to be.

As much as we, as journalists, discuss and bemoan this, it is worth keeping in mind that other industries are experiencing the same things. I know people in real estate, banking, hospitality and retail who have either lost jobs or taken substantial pay cuts in the past year. In fact, one even asked me about getting into journalism (I told her the truth). We're all in this boat together.