Life after newspapers.

These past few months have been a whirlwind. Case in point: I am writing this from 30,000 feet above ground on an iPad, en route to Denver with my partner-in-crime, Mallory, for work. We’re spending a few days at an “offsite” sale for the Go Cars and Trucks market. You know, the used car sales where they unload hundreds of vehicles at the stadium. We’ll be at Mile High Stadium, taking photos, meeting customers and Twittering away.

We’re both thrilled to be traveling and spreading the social media gospel to our other markets. We might even try and stop by a store or two while we’re out there. June 18 marked my two month anniversary on the job and there’s plenty to show for it:

Things have been moving fast! I like to think it is because our social media team really gets it and we work together so well. Stephen, our social manager, and Gary, VP for marketing, are touchstones for positivity and encouragement. Our partnership with GOSO, the automotive social media outfit, have kept us inspired and on our toes at the same time.

Working with my best friend has been nothing but fun, too. I knew Mal and I had really hit it off when we first met over Twitter when she joined the Herald in November 2008, but I am continually thankful for what great friends we have grown to be.

The contrast between my job as a social media coordinator and a newspaper designer is night-and-day (and not just literally.) As a designer, I felt like I was always striving to become an artist, but working in newspapers meant I often just ended up drawing boxes. I lacked the confidence to immerse myself in art, but I really enjoyed the information architecture aspect to designing a product for consumption. As a social media coordinator, I get to interact with our local and national community and am continually thinking up new ideas for blog posts, contests and campaigns. The creativity I sought after as a designer is being fed. Sure, I miss geeking out over leading sizes and kerning, but I do get weekends and holidays. I can’t really complain.

For any of my friends in the newspaper business who are looking to branch out and try something new, or those who feel don’t know how to make the first step towards a career change, it is true: there is life after newspapers. Find something that excites you. Find a way to work it into your current job. Start looking for other opportunities – they’re out there. You just have to be willing to give them a try. You can’t win if you don’t try.

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Comments ( 3 )

Well said. Even though you spent much more time at newspapers than I, I felt a similar pain leaving and a similar feeling of relief where we have landed. Here’s to social media!

Mallory Colliflower added these pithy words on Jun 22 10 at 7:54 PM

Great post Lori. I just woke up and I’m drinking my coffee and came across this. What a great way to start my day. I love that you are out there doing this. You are razor sharp, sky’s the limit!

Lilly added these pithy words on Jun 23 10 at 7:35 AM