With speculation swirling about another round of layoffs, a reader says in a comment: "I would be interested in a thread about what kinds of jobs laid-off workers have taken as they move to 'life after Gannett.' With journalists' need to know a little about a lot of things, there are lots of things that people can do after newspapers if they really think about it deeply. Writing, editing and designing for a newspaper is not the only thing out there. Those skills can translate to many an area still needed in the workforce."Good idea! I've posed a series of questions below, supplying answers based on my own experience. Please post answers about yourself in the comments section, below.
For those who've left the company:
- Years worked for GCI? 20
- Your last job title? reporter-editor
- Why did you leave? Got a buyout
- Your first job after leaving? blogger
Earlier: Reporter wants to interview laid-off newsroom staffers
Questions for people who have left the company:
ReplyDeleteYears worked for GCI?
Your last job title?
Why did you leave?
Your first job after leaving?
25 years
ReplyDeleteReporter
Knew the end was near for me. After a great annual review, bad evaluations started coming my way with no warning. Can you say "Dump the high-priced help!" ?
PR/teaching
Years worked for GCI? 9.5
ReplyDeleteYour last job title? Reporter
Why did you leave? Embarrassingly low pay, not yet eligible for buyout, couldn't wait for next round.
Your first job after leaving? Photo caption copy editor
Years: 29 years with Gannett-- Sun-Bulletin, Ithaca Journal, USA Today
ReplyDeleteLast title: Deputy Editor USA Today; most of time at USAT I was responsible for editorial operations of USAT International.
Reason for leaving: Karen Jurgsensen, just named editor in 1999, called me into her office and told me my job "was being eliminated." I was 51. I got a severance package...
New jobs: Taught journalism at Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Executive Editor, Tribune Media Services International; Now: an advocate at Consumer Watchdog after answering an ad seeking a "hell-raiser". Check out our nonprofit, nonpartisan consumer advocacy organization at www.consumerwatchdog.org.
73s,
John M. simpson
Thank you, John, for signing your comment with your real name!
ReplyDeleteYears w/Gannett: 6
ReplyDeleteTitle: Reporter
Why left: Buyout
Current job: Hedge fund researcher
Years with GCI:
ReplyDelete24.7, from Reno Evening Gazette and Nevada State Journal to USA TODAY (twice, in 1983-89 and 1997-2007)
Last job title:
Reporter, USA TODAY's Denver bureau (which I set up in '97 and closed down in '07)
Why I left:
Buyout in Dec. '07. There was simply too much handwriting on the wall about where the company and the business were going ... and although I had good performance reviews, I had no guarantees from above (not that I or anyone else should expect them in these uncertain times) that a one-person bureau in flyover country would/could survive the next round of layoffs or buyouts.
First job after leaving (and my current one): federal government public affairs -- National Park Service regional HQ
Pat O'Driscoll
John
ReplyDeleteYou are still are still the same person I knew from IT.
Donnie
Years worked for GCI? 5 years
ReplyDeleteYour last job title? Graphics Producer, KUSA 9News
Why did you leave? To volunteer full-time for Disabled American Veterans - I was in line at the VA for my meds, and I saw a polytrauma from Iraq wheel by. I realized I was going back to the station to make a fucking Dog Show Promo for the station, and I couldn't do it anymore.
Your first job after leaving? Freelance special effects/motion graphics artist
No regrets, except for the fact I rolled my 401(K) too early...
Years worked for GCI? 15+
ReplyDeleteYour last job title? director
Why did you leave? 1 of 100 dept heads laid off
Your first job after leaving? still looking
thanks Jim for doing this and thanks for those who posted. Its great to know there is life after any lay off . However, it is still incredibly sad to me to see this industry decline. It is very rewarding and important work.
ReplyDeleteLets all hope for the best.
To 4:19 pm:
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you Donnie. Jim is doing a great service for all Gannettoids, past present and - I hope - future, with this blog.
73s,
John M. Simpson
Years worked for Gannett: 11
ReplyDeleteYears in journalism: 30+
Last title: Metro editor
Reason left: Buyout
New job: Freelancer and part-time PR at college
Why I took the buyout: I was working 10-12 hours a day on regular basis, knew it was about to get a lot worse and took a hard look at my life and wondered why I was killing myself for people who so obviously took me for granted.
I miss my colleagues like crazy and there are times I miss the adrenaline rush of a good story, but for the most part I am a lot saner and a lot happier with my family. Still looking for full-time work but I have my foot in several doors. It is sad beyond words watching my chosen profession implode, and there are times I feel like a deserter, but I know I made the right choice.
Years worked for Gannett: 9
ReplyDeleteYears in newpaper/publishing: 20+
Last title: Creative Manager
Reason left: Mass layoff
New job: Production Consultant
Being laid off from Gannett is the best thing that ever happened to me. Found a awesome job paying almost 2x what I was making with Gannett. Less stress and my work is appreciated! I feel blessed! Hang in there all you job searchers. There is a better life on the other side!
Years worked for Gannett: 7
ReplyDeleteYears in newpaper/publishing: 42
Last title: copy editor
Reason left: buyout
New job: retired & wrote a book!
Years worked for GCI? 24
ReplyDeleteYour last job title? Vice President
Why did you leave? Layoff
Your first job after leaving? Still looking. Probably some consulting.