Here's to the business owners who get up early, watch the stock market, analyze data, and wear fancy suits. Here's to the guys who host meetings over computers and have someone fix them their coffee. Here's to the ones who obtained their MBAs from the nation's best colleges and bring home paychecks that easily cover their former tuitions. Here's to you business man, with just one question...
How do you live that way?
Seriously. I used to want to be a teacher, and I still may do that for a couple of years with Teach for America. But, once I had reached my breaking point with the education system, I switched to the one career that actually brings home a salary smaller than that of teachers: journalist. I may never live in a three story home out in the country, wear designer clothing, and eat $18 salads, but I think I will survive. What do I get in exchange? Maybe I will spend time on Capitol Hill, interviewing the nation's most powerful (and idiotic) people. Maybe I'll fly out to the Super Bowl and rush into the winner's locker room after the game for a post-victory interview just as all the Champaign is flying. Maybe I will expose the nation to the hardships of some small country and set up a relief effort. Or maybe I'll sneak into the deepest jungle in search of some deadly beast, just to get a good idea of its true nature. Hey, it beats teleconferences!
I know that journalists sometimes work weird hours, and I know that my income my first year of employment will probably will be less than my entire student loan debt. I also know that when I look back at my life, I won't be thinking, "Man, I wish I had done this or that." I'll have the opportunity to experience all of what life has to offer, all through my career.
Even if I never get to travel outside of the state of Alabama for any incredible story, there is still the greatest thrill of all: knowing that someone somewhere is reading what you are writing and having some sort of reaction to it. So, no offense to Donald Trump, but I will pass on the big business, big bucks route of life and will instead take the one that leads to adventure. Because you only live once, and I intend to do it right.
Happy trails!
Really, you're failing at mercantilism more so than capitalism :)
ReplyDeleteEven as a journalism, you'll be subject to capitalism: you will have to write article/columns, produce stories that are, essentially, a commodity. If your stories don't sell, you have to come up with something that does.
Just because you're not making the big bucks doesn't mean you're not being a good capitalist!
But, all the same, I'm with you: we can let the Trumps of the world stimulate the economy. We'll just work on stimulating minds ;)