So says a study published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. As a copy editor currently out of work, however, I'm struggling to see it. But one can never argue with the data, and in a survey of nearly 500 copy editors in various fields such as news media, book publishing, corporate communications, and academic editing back in late 2021, most reported high levels of job satisfaction and work quality, as well as low levels of burnout and role overload.
To be fair, most copy editors also reported general pessimism about role advancement and potential for higher salaries, but this is journalism we're talking about here. No one gets into journalism to strike it rich.
The authors were also fairly surprised to discover that the pandemic had little effect on job satisfaction, but in retrospect they noted that many copy editors already worked remotely and that the ones who went full remote likely saw improvements in work-life balance. I know I certainly did when we went full remote. It was sure nice not having to spent 8 hours a week in the car heading to and from work on busy roads.
So, just to recap, copy editors by and large are having a good time; it's not a well-paying job, but it's a satisfying one. So, why did I have such a miserable time the last couple years? Oh yeah, our company got bought by Internet Brands. I think they might be colossal morons over there. Just a thought. Having the entire Internet laugh at them has certainly made this copy editor feel cathartic.
No comments:
Post a Comment