It's been nearly four weeks since I received my walking papers, but I finally found a new job... well, sorda. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review last week offered me a freelance reporting position focusing on the Mt. Lebanon area. I begin tonight, but I don't have those normal first-day jitters because I won't actually be entering the Trib's offices in the old Clark Building. Instead, I'll be sitting in the audience of a school board meeting - something I did many times before with the O-R.Maybe the real reason I don't have those jitters is because I spent four years walking the halls of that antiquated Mt. Lebanon High School building. It's seems fitting I'm restarting my career in the building that was supposed to jump-start my life. Just like Billy Madison, I'm going back to school.
UPDATE: 9:21 p.m. - Nothing substantial to report from Mt. Lebanon, except I ran into another former O-R staffer, Terri Johnson. It was really nice to see her and we talked for a few minutes before the meeting. She landed on her feet and has been hired by The Almanac to work as a regional reporter. I wish her the best of luck, and look forward to seeing her at more Lebo meetings.
Good job finding something to do... how does the freelance thing work, anyway? Do you submit stuff and if they use it, you get paid?
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about you getting laid off at the O-R. You always were kind, classy and a talented reporter. Best wishes from the PA Focus & Weirton Daily Times. We're all rooting for you.
Summer Wallace-Minger
You get paid per story without benefits. It's a filler position for now, until I find something permanent.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks a lot, Summer. Don't have too much fun without me at those Hanover meetings!
I'm glad to hear you finding some work in your field. Don't think too lowly about the assignments. Your exposure to situations may put you in contact with somebody who is able to help for a permanent position. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteBack to school, back to school to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool... Thanks, Jimmy. Now that Adam Sandler ditty will be stuck in my head all day. Love the blog, brother. I felt similar when I covered a Monessen council meeting last week. I, too, felt a bit of comfort and I think it might have been because going back to The Valley Independent was like going home again...I restarted my career where I started it. And I agree with Roger -- the stringing isn't making us rich, but at least out bylines are out there and we're keeping any rust from setting in. -- amanda gillooly
ReplyDeleteI'm rustier than the tin man from Oz.
ReplyDelete