In keeping with my recent theme of media perspectives and public perceptions, this post covers yet another way journalists (or any career-minded person) could ruin her/his professional reputation.
The U.S. job market and economy has waned -- causing a decrease in raises, hiring freezes and even layoffs. This type of climate has pushed many media professionals to take on supplementary employment -- the ever popular (amongst students at least) second job.
Now, merely having a second job doesn't automatically cause conflicts. Some may jump to conclusions about how you manage your funds or the security of your primary job. Still, it isn't likely that the public will question ethics or integrity simply because a journalist has more than one job. (I mean, let's face it, with the holidays around the corner, people of all professions may need additional income.)
Articles on how to land a second job and making time for a second job give readers great information; and I've seen several of those. Yet, they have missed a vital point. I have yet to read one of these stories or see a news package that addresses how certain side jobs are viewed -- by the public or potential employers.
Knowing what others think about your part-time job may seem irrelevant or intuitive. But, to make a truly cost effective decision, journalists need to know how the public will view their "hustle" -- so to speak. If powerful enough, public reaction might cost you the primary job.
Likewise, grad/media students need to know how potential employers feel about or respond to a job they may hold. No one wants to give up the main event for a side-gig! So, why is there no news on employer sentiments about jobs unrelated to your career?
Someone should cover this...I guess one day it will be me. Until then, I'm sticking to making the extra money in ways related to my career goals. At least that way, I'll end up dancing to a tune I like.
4 years ago
