No matter what track you decide to focus on – whether you get into broadcast journalism, print journalism, or web news production, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. As with any job where much is expected from you for not a lot in return, these feelings can make you wonder if it's really worth all the effort you're putting in to your work.

As I've said in previous posts, journalists often feel like the poster children for the phrase, “Don't work for the money, work because you enjoy it.” That sounds idealistic but once you begin down that road, sometimes the enjoyment can be overshadowed by the pressures and demands of a stressful job. But – if you're doing what you love – you shouldn't let that get you down too much. That being said, you also can't let yourself work too hard or a job you loved can become a job you dread. Unfortunately in the journalism field, often the decision about how much you work isn't up to you.

That's why you must know your own limits and – in some cases – know when it's time to move on. you don't want to get burnt out and have a job you dislike turn into a career you dislike, especially if you were once doing something you loved.

If it's time to get out from under the often crazy demands placed on you by a newsroom, consider something in the same field, but perhaps more low key – a cable station, a web writing gig, working from home or becoming self-employed. I talk more about some of these different options here. But always remember you HAVE options and that you should enjoy what you do.

(www.10thfloorpr.com)