HOW WAS THE FIRST DAY THEN?

First day on the new job and in a matter of hours, I can tell I think I am going to really like it. <Profound!!!!!!

THANK GOD. Not that I ever thought the role would be bad - it’s REACH after all! But I think any time you make a decision that clearly defines a path in your career it is terrifying. 

For me, I had to weigh up a couple of things. If I stayed in Broadcast, I may get the chance to present - which is something I will never do in the written field. Equally if I leave Broadcast, I will likely get to do multimedia investigations - something that longform caters too. I really enjoy aspects of both because they are two things I have never done before. It was just about choosing the one that felt like it called to me more. Apparently, I would rather be nosey than chatty!

Secondly, I was apprehensive about working from home. I like water-cooler natter. The idea of rotting at my home desk and not leaving the house is terrifying. HOWEVER, already one day in and I can tell I am going to love it. I work best early-early and at bloody midnight - no inbetween. Working from home means I can pace the day. Of course, I still have shift work, but that is wayyy easier in my own home than at an office. 

I CAN ALSO HAVE A HOBBIE AGAIN. I would have made the commute to my broadcast job for as long as necessary. Having said that, I would be lying if I said my lower spine didn’t feel like it was made of paper-mache. My work-life balance as of late has been horrendous and to get that back, is a crazy prospect to me. 

Lastly, I think the tipper for me was that - despite it being a slight ‘demotion’ (Reporter to Trainee reporter) the TRAINING itself I think was something that I really want. 

Sod imposter syndrome - I like to think that when all is said and done, I am a good journalist. 

BUT (and a very crucial BUT) I want to be great. That comes from listening and learning. Of course the people I worked with on broadcast were eons above me too, and there was lots to be learnt. However, I felt like once I had picked all of the practical elements of the job and tinkered away at the many buttons, my opportunities to grow were slightly less than those REACH were offering me. 

I am excited to get my dirty mitts on some local journalism in a patch that I bloody love. Especially now it’s from the comfort of my own hovel. Mostly, though, I am excited to do something I love AND NOW ALSO have time to spend the rest, with the people I love.

(Now Pass me a sick bag xoxo)