What do you do when you realize you don't really like the beat you got hired for?
I've been here for less than six months, and I was really excited about my beat and I'm in a wonderful newsroom.
But my beat is taking a turn toward a direction I don't like at all.
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I thought I'd be writing about personal struggles, human-interest and feature stories. However, the stories I'm being asked to do are mostly investigative and have to do with lawsuits, county boards and bills. And I have to tell you -- can't tell my editors -- I don't enjoy or understand the stuff.
I have already made an attempt by suggesting that they break up my beat and have someone else do the investigative/political stories, but we're short on staff, and the suggestion was pretty much brushed off.
I'm not sure if I can already start looking for another job, given the fact that I haven't been here for too long. But I'm really unhappy and I know I'm not doing a good job with my stories. What should I do? If I leave the paper, would I be ruining my career forever?
And, are there jobs for reporters who despise investigations? Or am I better off finding something else to do?
Thanks,
:-(
First of all, yes, there are jobs for reporters who despise investigations. Some of those jobs are more human interest. Others are for quick-hit reporters who like to be in the paper frequently and who don't want to get tied up on lengthy project work.
All decent reporters are interested in news, though, and lawsuits, boards and bills should not be so much of a turnoff. This concerns me.
The best way to get a new beat is to excel at the one you have. A reporter who is struggling can have a hard time finding a new home in the newsroom. Stick where you are and try to get better. Quality work always gets you to the next job. Try to bring in some of the human-interest elements you prefer and -- I'm guessing now -- are best at.
It sounds as if you're in over your head and lack confidence and competence. You need training, editing and guidance to get through this. More time on the beat will help, too. Keep talking to your editors so that they know what to expect, and cultivate mentors on staff or, perhaps, on the beat, to help you learn this. It takes a solid year to begin to master any beat. I'm betting that if you stick with this, you'll start to feel better with it, even if you don't love it.
Coming Wednesday: The world has changed a lot since she graduated from J-school, and now she is worried that she will not be able to catch up.
