It has happened to me and perhaps to you, or a spouse, friend, or relative. It can mark one for a lifetime. I decided to put my feelings on paper...yes paper. Then the editorial board of my local daily newspaper, the Salt Lake Tribune, was kind enough to publish on paper, yes...paper and online, my thoughts.
Pass it along to someone you know who can relate.
Why should we only have funny Friday's? We need more humor to survive a summer Monday. And so, the latest treat from one of my favorite magazines, The Columbia Journalism Review - I highly recommend subscribing. It is a great "behind the scenes" read. And from its regular feature, "The Lower Case," the latest funny headlines:
If misery needs company, today's Ragan Communications column on "Horror Stories From The Front Lines" lists real life testimonials of a layoff, or firing handled badly.
I'd like to add my own personal story to the list. At one of the first radio stations I worked at, it was clear that the new management wanted to get rid of me. Daily cruelty was the first attempt. One day, after finishing my morning news, management pulled me into a very quiet production booth and accused me of "deliberately sounding bad on the air to hurt ratings."
Whenever I run into someone going through a similar situation, I can always bring a smile to their face by saying, "Hey, if you've never been laid off or fired, you aren't an official member of the communications profession."
Now, enjoy the Ragan article here.
Just got back from the Seth Godin speech in Salt Lake. Packed house and words of wisdom:
"If what you do can be written down, you are interchangeable."
"People will pay you well if you can figure things out."
"The risk is not in standing out, it is by fitting in."
"Definition of a genius: Someone who solved a problem in a new way."
"The more you fail, the more opportunities you have to succeed."
And finally, this gem about the current economy: "Just because the tide is out doesn't mean there's any less water in the ocean."
A special thanks to Startupprincess and all those who organized, sponsored and brought the event to Utah!
New research by job search site CareerCast.com indicates that of 200 selected careers, public relations is ranked #79 of 200 professions (#1 being the best, #200 the worst). The best part? PR job prospects look very good for the coming year.
The rankings compare physical demands, the work environment, income, stress and the future hiring outlook. Each profession is scored in all areas.
Guess what profession comes just before us, at #78? Cosmetologist. Guess which one comes after at #80? Attorney...(gasp). AND, the PR salary listed (which I assume is an average) is about $90,00.
Being sandwiched between such different careers does make me question the research a bit. But read on....
PR Has One Major Flaw
Surprisingly, according to CareerCast.com, "there are more high-paying, well-respected jobs ranked between 61 and 80 than there were from 41 - 60. However, while positions such as attorney, federal judges, psychologist and public relations executive boast average median salaries ranging from approximately $89,000 to $152,000, each career has at least one major flaw that prevents it from finishing higher in the rankings. Judge, for example, is the highest-paying position in the group but suffers from a poor hiring outlook, while attorney is hurt by high stress levels and a difficult work environment."
Go here to see the top ten jobs. Click here for the ten worst. And if you'd like to see all of the research, here you go!What do you do when you want to be a journalist, yet the world of journalism is in chaos? Like many former or laid off reporters, you can always shoot for the stars and start your own news operation. With some sweat equity, good journalism ethics and an eye for the hyper-local news no one covers anymore, you just might get a good reputation. You just might one day make enough money to live on.
Here's one story, right here in Utah.
Meet Richard Markosian, creator of Utahstories.com. "Read all about it" here.
Been thinking about starting your own PR firm, or becoming a consultant? The time is almost over-ripe and I suggest you take your plunge sooner, rather than later. Competition is about to heat up, according to the July 2009 issue of Money magazine.
In an article on top trends in the new economy, Money predicts "The Rise Of Freelance Nation," citing that an estimated 30 percent of today's workforce (about 42 million people) are either freelancers, independent contractors, part-time or temp workers.
AND...in the next 10 years we can expect that number to grow to 40 percent. Ravin Jesuthasan of Towers Perrin is quoted as saying, "Companies want a workforce they can switch on and off as needed."
Read all about it here. By the way, I've never regretted the creation of my own business back in 1996.
Remember as you read this...that I work very hard to be independent in any politically related posts. Just minutes ago, I received the following email map from Obama's David Plouffe. Basically, you roll your mouse over the state you live in and you will receive specific details, numbers, dollars, etc. that your particular state has received thanks to stimulus efforts. You can even see the number of children who didn't have health care who have it now.
I'm not quite sure how they came up with the numbers...but right now, numbers speak loudly in a "moving through molasses" economy and high emotion. If this email builds confidence and helps stifle fear, that's strong strategy. Check out your state.
Once a broadcast journalist, I now work as a PR, media relations, social media advisor for my firm, Cartwright Communications. My profession grows more complex each day. This blog helps me cope :) Selected as one of the 101 Women Bloggers to Watch for 2009 by WE Magazine.
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