Ask the Recruiter

Q. For the last four years I've worked as a reporter at a mid-sized daily newspaper, my first job out of college. I've wanted to be a reporter since I was 12 and have always had a passion for it until recently.

The problem is the environment at my current job. Many co-workers have said this paper has the most top-down leadership they've ever seen. If an idea doesn't come from the top, management doesn't want to consider it. I feel as micromanaged as when I first started here.

One editor who works with my stories often does background research on them, as if I haven't already, and sometimes rewrites them to the point of introducing errors. I've pitched story ideas I'm excited about, only to have them dismissed or micromanaged once I'm given the green light. I've asked questions about why things here are the way they are and it seems to be taken as me having an issue with authority.

I've dealt with depression and anxiety before, and now those problems are starting to come back. Twice in the last two weeks I've cried at the thought of going to work.

I've heard that reporters who don't do well here do a great job everywhere else. I'm looking for a new job, but you can guess how difficult that is with the state of the industry. Also, I'm focusing on the area where I live now and another metro area where my husband may be able to get transferred to. He earns more than I do and loves his job, so I don't want to take that away from him. I've responded to job ads and visited one newspaper I'm interested in, but have had no luck so far.

In recent weeks I've thought about becoming a high-school guidance counselor. I've decided to explore that path seriously if a.) my next job in journalism doesn't show an improvement over this one or b.) I'm still working here in another four years. But now I'm wondering if I can wait that long.

My husband says I should just quit now and find another job, even if it's not in journalism, for the sake of my mental state. We can live on his salary. Do you think he's right?

My Job is Making Me Sick

A. I understand where your husband is coming from; no one likes to see their spouse in torment.

You love journalism so much, though, that I am afraid you would have some deep regrets if you left the profession because of one dysfunctional newsroom. Still, I am worried that your job is making you sick. We have to get on top of that.

Because some of your more experienced colleagues say this is the worst newsroom they have ever worked in, it stands to reason that almost any other newsroom you work at would be better. That would make me want to give journalism one more chance. I'd keep looking.

As you look, search for all kinds of news operations, not just newspapers. Convergence and change mean that reporters can work on several different platforms. I would not limit myself to newspaper jobs, especially given the pressure they are all under. Expanding your options might help your job search.

For the interim, try to protect yourself at work. Avoid working more than is asked, as it does not seem you'll get the opportunities and trust you're looking for. Anxiety and depression, combined with overwork, can burn a person out.

My new book, "The Best of Ask the Recruiter," contains two chapters on newsroom culture and bad bosses.

Coming Wednesday: She taught following her buyout, but she would really like to get back into writing. She is not having luck. How can she launch a freelance career?