What we talk about when we talk about sustainability
Last weekend, I went to Tempe for the Society of Environmental Journalists’ annual conference. This is a meeting I’ve been going to since 2017; the people make it worthwhile for me.
A big theme of this meeting was sustainability. I need to clarify that I don’t mean that in the climate or environmental sense, but rather, the way it was discussed asked: are our jobs as environmental journalists sustainable?
I don’t take a lot of photos or videos while I’m at meetings. After I got home, I realized this was the only one I took.
In my view, the sustainability of what one does for a living depends on two main things:
Does it pay enough?
Am I emotionally and mentally supported?
Freelancing for me has always meant making sure I can earn the money I need, to support the life that I want. If you’ve listened to this podcast, taken TWC’s business planning course, or come to any of our webinars, you’ll know that this has been something I’ve been very clear about from the start.
Right now, the answer in environmental journalism and journalism is resoundingly no: things are not sustainable. I know a few colleagues who work a full-time media job and they still need to pick up freelance projects to make ends. At the conference, another friend told me that instead of their news organization laying people off, her employer reduced everyone’s salaries. And she live in one of the most expensive cities in the US.
I was able to catch up with a friend yesterday—the most prolific freelance journalist I know— and even though I know a few years ago they wouldn’t have gotten out of bed for less than $2/word, they’re now accepting less in pay and writing more.
It’s fucked. We all live under capitalism and it’s not like the world around us has gotten any more affordable.
I’m just going to say it: You can’t work more to work yourself out of an unsustainable career.
It doesn’t work like that. You risk burning yourself out—ask me how I know. What you can do is take a clear look at what’s in your control, define your needs, and make the necessary changes. Those changes can be small. But we know something’s gotta give. Freelancers have the ability to set their own rates and earn what they need— possible when you find clients who are able to pay your rates.
SPEAKING OF SUSTAINABILITY…
One of the coolest things I learned in building my agency, Factual, was that just because I was building something bigger didn’t mean that I risked a greater chance of burnout. Next week, I’ll be sharing why and how I started a hyperniche agency on the Growth Without Burnout Summit which runs May 6-9 It’s free to get all the sessions, but you can also pay $99 to get all-access to $3,700+ worth of resources. Well worth it for even just one great insight, in my opinion!
I’m on this month’s Freelance Journalism Podcast, talking about all the ways you can expand your service offerings as a freelancer so, yes, you can create a more sustainable business. You can find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or on a permalink here.