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Original poster

Fallen out of love with journalism job but now what?

13 replies

HopefulRose · 23/01/2023 22:58

Hey all, coming to Mumsnet for some help on what to do on my career situation.

I’m a slightly disillusioned local journalist who is due to return from maternity leave in late April. I’ve fallen out of love with my job but it’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve worked for the same company for over a decade and I’m scared to make a jump into something new.

I’ve recently been offered a political writer/ comms job for a campaign group. The hours and salary are favourable but it’s a field I don’t have any direct experience in and I’m worried about the long term implications of switching sides. Also concerned taking the job will risk my credibility. I am passionate about the cause though.

What should I do or what would you do?

Also are there any other journalists here or former hacks here? Where did you go and how? Any advice?

Thanks x

OP posts:
Ellmau · 27/01/2023 00:21

The ex journalists I know all went into PR.

Mediumred · 27/01/2023 01:05

I’m one still but I think taking a new direction coming back from mat leave could be really exciting, especially for a cause you really believe in.

And if you wanted to return to journalism you could just explain, quite rightly, that the comms job was something that worked better while your baby was small.

I think it sounds great and bet you will be fantastic. I have friends who have moved into charity/campaigning PR, some in more corporate PR jobs either in house or for agencies and some now copywriters etc.

SayMyNameProperly · 27/01/2023 01:38

Another option could be developing thought leadership for corporates; insight pieces and the like. Look at the websites of the Big 4 accounting firms for inspiration.

Wildehorses · 27/01/2023 01:44

Still a journalist too but I did spend a short while in PR when in between jobs a few years ago, money and pay was good, if the hours are child-friendly, I'd say go for it!

Wildehorses · 27/01/2023 01:45

Sorry meant to say money and work/life balance were good

DustyDoorframes · 27/01/2023 12:41

Third sector Comms and PR posts are really hard to fill (this has been the case since 2020) so if you don’t by like the job you take, I’m sure you will be able to find another job in the sector easily!
and local journalism is not exactly a growth industry these days, so having a plan B sounds wise…

crosstalk · 27/01/2023 12:59

Former journo here (still do a bit on the side). Well worth going for it especially if it's something you're keen on and it fits in with bringing up small child. Just nail down WFH and further training - depending on the size/wealth of the organisation being confident on social media would be a bonus if you don't have those skills including shoot/edit, and new things will be coming up. You'll also gain more knowledge of the issues and contacts in that sphere which could help if you want to return to journalism.

Sallycinnamum · 27/01/2023 13:17

OP I work in comms and half the people in my team are ex-journos as am I.

Seems a natural career path for many journalists and the hours are probably a bit more family friendly.

Although having said that the last 3 years have seen my workload increase hugely in my public sector comms role. Good luck.

Papergirl1968 · 27/01/2023 13:29

I went into comms/PR for a police force after journalism but pre kids, as did several of my journalist friends. I loved it, found very interesting, felt much more appreciated than I had at the paper, and only took redundancy because the press office was relocated too far away and by then I had kids.
I also did a bit of freelancing for an agency though and didn't enjoy that very much. The staff were nice enough but we didn't have much in common.
A couple of friends have set up their own PR agencies but again that wasn't really for me.
I'm now an NHS receptionist though, just because I had a very stressful few years with my kids and have a serious health problem, and I know I couldn't handle a job which is stressful and responsible. Not that a receptionist is always a walk in the park but at least it's regular hours and I can go home and forget it.
This opportunity sounds like a good move for you. Trust your instincts.

Original poster
HopefulRose · 29/05/2023 00:31

Thank you everyone for your advice. The job didn’t feel quite right so didn’t go for it in the end. I returned to my old job after maternity leave but a few months in, I am absolutely desperate to leave. While I’ve been away things have gone from bad to worse, it’s so sad what’s happened to local news. And it is causing me so much stress.

Any advice for applying for comms roles when I have no experience at all?

OP posts:
Mediumred · 29/05/2023 01:11

Hiya, so sorry things are so tough. I was a PP on your post but still in journalism so no direct comms experience but hopefully I can give you a little boost and some other hacks/ex hacks will see.

I would say, fairly obvious, but sort out your own comms/social media, scour LinkedIn, Twitter etc. Another PP did say comms folk were at a premium in some sectors so hopefully something will come up. Good luck!

TeenLifeMum · 29/05/2023 20:43

I moved to nhs comms from local journalism and now earn more than double what I was in there. That was 9 years ago. Your skills are transferable so get on the nhs jobs website and take a look. Good luck!

TeenLifeMum · 29/05/2023 20:44

What’s your rough location? If I have any knowledge I would happily dm you.

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