It's not all about the Benjamins

Lately I have heard a few people say that maybe I didn't pick the best profession to go into. Newspapers are hurting, the pay is bad and (as a copy editor) the hours worse.

And I've been giving non committal answers to those comments with "It'll be fine" or "This is what I want to do." But what I really need to say is NO, I did not choose the wrong profession -- I chose the one I've wanted since I was 15. In life a job shouldn't always have to be about the money, and maybe not always even the security, it should be about following one's passion.

When I try to imagine what else I could do after graduating, there's nothing but being in a newsroom. I love every aspect of newspaper work, but copy editing is where I found my niche. It's also what I am good at and what comes naturally, which is also very important. If you enjoy something, but are bad at it that doesn't make an easy career path and nor does being good at something but hating it. I've found the perfect formula of something I truly enjoy doing and also do well.

It would be amazing to be a doctor ... but that's not a possibility considering I cover my eyes at many of the surgery scenes in "Grey's Anatomy." I'm tone def, I can't act my way out of a paper bag and being a lawyer is out since I don't particularly enjoy arguing with people. So copy editing looks like a pretty good deal stacked up against that.

And the hours are late -- but that gives me sunny afternoons to read on the balcony of my apartment or volunteer at the library or local arts center. The pay isn't fabulous, but why does it have to be about the money? It's paper and metal! Why does it define our lives so much? I admit I have never had to worry too seriously about money -- so that may cloud my view of it -- but all the same I am willing to forgo some luxuries to have a job I love. In essence, to be happy.

Material things are wonderful, but I don't think it would do me any harm to cut back on what I spend my money on during the next few years. As long as I can afford to eat (and drink coffee), have gas in my car and pay rent and cable/Internet, then that's all I really need ... well, besides a library card and sunny days.