Broadcaster Ranks Among Top 10 Worst Jobs
Being a broadcaster is the worst.
That’s according to a new jobs report from CareerCast, which ranked the best and worst professions of 2012. TV and radio broadcaster ranked #10 on CareerCast’s list of worst jobs, just behind butcher and a few notches better than newspaper reporter.
Here's the best jobs: Jobs Rated 2012: Ranking 200 Jobs From Best to Worst
Web Developer is # 15.
That’s according to a new jobs report from CareerCast, which ranked the best and worst professions of 2012. TV and radio broadcaster ranked #10 on CareerCast’s list of worst jobs, just behind butcher and a few notches better than newspaper reporter.
Here's the best jobs: Jobs Rated 2012: Ranking 200 Jobs From Best to Worst
Web Developer is # 15.
Sight... Oh well. At least this is not news for a lot of us. My personal experience is that, through my classes, I have always been aware of the tough working conditions that journalists go through. For me, it is more of a heart vs. mind dilemma. My heart tells me to follow my passion, but my mind tells me to find a better-paying job. For now, I'm just going to pursue my passion and get it out of my system.
ReplyDeleteI think this really depends on what you are covering. Over the weekend, I covered the Washington Wizards and if anything, it reinforced my desire to pursue a career as a sports reporter. I got to the arena at 5:30, interviewed the players, was directed to court-side seats, received free food and then interviewed the players afterwards. As a beat writer, I would also be able to travel with the team, form relationships with the players and be totally involved in the sport. Now I'm not the biggest NBA fan or Wizards fan, but if I was able to cover a sport or team I remotely like, I would be happier than any high-paid person working 9-5 who hates their life. I would rather make no money doing something I love than a lot of money being miserable. That's just me though.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say that I'm particularly "passionate" about journalism (I like writing I guess, which is why I'm here), so this makes me second guess what I'm doing in college. But, talking to my father last night, he pointed out that when my mother was going into teaching, no one wanted to teach because there were too many teachers. Now, there's a huge shortage, so she's in high demand. I think it'll be the same for journalism, even though online is supposedly taking over print. Right now, no one wants to go into journalism, but by the time we get our careers really going, there could be a shortage, so I think it's worth it to stick it out. Personally, I believe my life is in God's hands, so I don't worry too much. But I also saw this that my friend posted on her Facebook: http://www.poynter.org/how-tos/career-development/170328/5-ways-young-journalists-can-stay-motivated-thrive-in-the-newsroom/
ReplyDeleteI think we've all learned about where this industry is going, so this just further raises the point. Similar to Jordan, I see the truth as being in the eyes of the beholder. If you love what you're doing and willing to put in the hard work and long hours that it takes to get things done, then you can love what you do and not have to worry about what others think. If you really enjoy what you're doing, then it doesn't matter whether some view being a broadcaster the worst job. There's more to life than just the money, contrary to Rod Tidwell's motto. Plus regardless, people will always think you're awesome when you tell them you are on tv.
ReplyDeleteI was a digital media intern this summer, and as a proof that that's really a growing industry I got hired to work there after the summer ended. However, though I really like my job, I spent a lot of time at a desk, behind the computer, which isn't the most exciting thing in the world. I feel like going into web developing is definitely a safe option, it's not my dream job. I'd rather make a lot less money and do something I feel passionate about, like covering topics that I feel deserve more scrutiny.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the 'hardships' of a reporter is surprising to many journalism students, including myself. I knew going into this major that being a reporter is hard work and definately not a job everyone will love. Though some stories and jobs can be tedious and boring, the reward and excitement of reporting a breaking news story or a great, in-depth piece is worth it. That passion I have for journalism, like I am sure many others have, is what makes going into this field worth it even if does rank as one of the worst jobs. If you like what you do, I don't think a ranking means much as long as you are aware of what you face before you get into it.
ReplyDeleteHaving looked extensively at the list, it certainly seems suspect to me (I didn't realize you could just go around being a mathematician...and being a dishwasher better than being a reporter?). But the point stands that the journalism market poses an obstacle many of us will be facing sooner than we realize.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm most frustrated at that list for its emphasis on traditional jobs and lack of creativity. As we've been told over and over, the roles of broadcasters and reporters have been blurred. My real passion lies in web developing (ironically enough), so what about combining that with journalism? Once the industry figures out how to truly capitalize on online content, I think we'll see there are many new journalism-related jobs. Hopefully.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sure on average journalists aren't going to make much money right out of school. But it sure beats sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day.
ReplyDeleteAnd Jeff is right, if you tell someone you're on TV, that's gotta be worth something!
This article lists the criteria as physical demands, work environment, income, stress and hiring outlook. But I believe that if you truly have the "news jones," you enjoy every part of being a broadcaster. A true wannabe broadcaster: (1) doesn't care that the odd work hours will take a toll on their physical health, (2) enjoys the fast-paced newsroom environment, (3) doesn't care that they have low pay because they enjoy what they do, (4) enjoy the rush of breaking news, and (5) works their hardest to ensure that they make it as far as they want to go. For the average person, yes, being a broadcaster does not sound like an appealing job (at least the entry-level positions). But most people also don't have the passion that most broadcasters do.
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