Ask the Recruiter

Q. I feel like I may know Mr. or Mrs. Doing The Job of Three. All of my supervising editors are well aware that I and many of my co-workers are hourly reporters who routinely work well over the 37.5 hours that we are asked record in our time sheet. And to be quite frank, I'm beginning to feel abused.

ASK JOE A QUESTION

To get your question answered on this page, send it to Joe. Please include your full name in your message. If you prefer that your surname not be published, please indicate that. Sign up to receive Ask the Recruiter by e-mail. (sent Monday-Friday at 8 a.m.)

To add insult to injury, I'm doing two jobs. Several months ago a coworker left and the higher-ups eliminated her position, stuck me with her duties and have refused to compensate me for the additional workload. More and more I am being asked to write briefs and re-write press releases to fill pages in the absence of another full-time reporter.

Is this the future of newspaper journalism? Or should I start looking for another job?

Journalism Workhorse

A. I don't see how this is an either/or question. If this is the future of journalism, then it sounds like you don't want to have anything to do with it.

Joe Grimm

There's no sense in elaborating on what we already know -- newspapers, trying to cope with declining revenues, are combining and consolidating work and departments wherever they can. I don't see any sign that revenues are perking up, and I don't expect the working conditions that you describe to turn themselves around for no reason.

There is another trend you did not mention that holds other options. It is the swing toward more digital journalism. That is where we can expect improvement.

If you want a change, get involved in your newspaper's online efforts -- or move to one where you can.

---

Coming Tuesday: He has tried to become adept at writing, photography and new media but now finds he is having trouble advancing.

---