Tag Archives: priority

Academia disrupts my journalistic mojo

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It is not an easy balancing act, being a freelance journalist and a full-time academic. One is fairly scheduled and eating up space in my calendar, while the other suffers for those exact reasons. Not really how I like it, as it makes me drink more, use more snus (Swedish smokeless tobacco) and leaves me exhausted every day.

It is Saturday, just before 10 pm, when I’m typing this exact sentence — I am at home. Just clocked out for an hour or so from a presentation I am working on. Gathering sources, piecing together information for a slide show and drafting a short script.

The thought of putting on some music after I publish this short write-up is very appealing. What is unfortunately not so appealing is reading a book, even if I want to. The thing with academia is that you kind of get sick of reading, mainly because you often have to read things that you already know or find mind-numbingly boring. Do not get me wrong tho, academia has taught me a lot of good and interesting things, but that is the issue. Certain things I prefer to stay as good and interesting, not having to take the step further and be tested to check if I have memorised it verbatim.

Attaining knowledge is of course the least of my dismay. It is the lack of time to actually work as a journalist that suffers.

Oh, sorry. I have a 2000-word academic essay due soon, so I can not cover that story for you. Maybe next time?

Between trying to find time for journalism and academia, I also need to try to be social and spend time with the missus. Maybe also try to stay active, instead of sitting hunched over a keyboard all day and all night, consuming snus, energy drinks— during the day to keep me going —and beer— at night to wind my mind down.

Living like this does however teach me how to be better at prioritising tasks and obligations. Not to mention, understanding that mostly ignoring things that will benefit me now, instead looking at what will benefit me years to come.

It is kind of ironic tho, that my degree in journalism is somewhat in the way of my career as a journalist — holding me back a bit … for now.

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Do not call me

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Some might think, as a journalist, I’m mad as hatter for not wanting to be called on the phone. Telling people “I will not pick up” unless I’m expecting their call.

There are better ways to pass on a message this day of age.

I usually are at arms reach of my iPhone or iPad. In other words, I will be notified within seconds if you send me a SMS, email or a Shortmail.

“But I need to talk to you now,” is a too common argument, which I loathe and find utterly selfish.

Oh God, I’m such a selfish bastard!

Or am I?

That the caller assumes I’m just sitting there, waiting for the phone to ring is not just selfish, but a bit ignorant – if I may be so honest.

If I want to talk to you, I want to be able to give you my full attention. Also, a quick message can and should only be delivered via any form of messaging – such as SMS, email or Shortmail.

Why?

By sending me a SMS, an email or a Shortmail, I will have your statement recorded. The luxury of giving it my 100 percent focus when I’m not busy.

Regardless if it’s spoken or written, at the end of the day, what matters is how well you communicate your message.