Motivational Leadership Speaker, Bestselling Oprah Author

I can’t count the times I have thanked the universe for getting me out of journalism before the newspaper industry went to hell. I have so many great memories and it was a part of my life that had a good beginning, middle and end. I don’t know how I would feel if a lifetime of effort added up to the difficulties my former co-workers are now experiencing.

I’ve already written about the fact that the newspaper where I worked for eight years died a terrible death in late February. One of my friends sent an e-mail updating me on what my former colleagues are doing on the rebound. It’s sad, but it is a testament to resilience.

download brother bear online The former managing editor is going back to school to get a master’s in public health. The former city editor is taking classes to become a phlebotomist. An unbelievably talented photographer is cooking at a Panda Express. Some are writing or editing free-lance. A Pulitzer-prize winning photographer is working on a landscaping crew for the city. Others are trying to find something to do.

I wonder if they are bitter or hopeful.

I started reporting for my local paper when I was 15 years old. It was the only thing I’d ever wanted to do. It was a business that demanded passion and originality and commitment. It was so much fun when it was fun. Later on, I knew it wasn’t enough for me anymore. I wrote my last news story for U.S. News and World Report in 2003 — and that was only because my editor pleaded with me to go out there one more time. I haven’t written a story since, and have never missed it. Not at all.

ideal husband an dvdrip But, I made the decision to get out. These people were forced out — and many of them wanted to continue doing that kind of work. But, there’s no job market for them. It’s gone. So, this is what’s left. And, it is sad.