Finding the perfect balance

Charlie Hatch

Gh181212@ohio.edu

What’s the most important thing in life?

That’s a question that often goes unanswered, or may vary depending on the individual.

But it’s an important question for all people to think about, especially as journalists.

It’s no secret that journalists work like robots—long hours for little pay, often resulting in making sacrifices in life.

If journalists could learn anything from “The Paper,” it would be the ability to prioritize the most important things in life. But that’s something that a lot of journalists ignore or overlook.

During the film, when Henry Hackett (Michael Keaton) is offered a position at one of the premier newspapers in the world, the editor of the phony New York Sentinel says the job would offer better pay and better hours.

At this moment, another student turned to me and said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just work nine-to-five?”

…

It’s an honest statement, but it’s also incredibly depressing as a journalist.

By working abstract hours, think of all the opportunities in life that are passed by?

For Bernie White (Robert Duvall), he sacrificed working at the paper in exchange of losing his wife, his daughter and her young, growing family. Is that worth it?

Even on a local level, what are the boundaries?

Is not answering calls from my parents or my grandmother really worth it if I can break a story on a women’s basketball paper getting caught for an open container? (This actually happened, but there were more negatives than positives to come out of the story if it was published.)

Obviously there are times when work is more important than something going on—maybe a birthday party—but it’s important that work shouldn’t become the priority in your life.

It’s understandable if it’s something important, such as President Obama announcing a new immigrant policy. What about a two-game suspension for a player who doesn’t see the court as much? Those are ethical questions journalists need to think about and answer.

Or, if you do think work is the most important, at least inform your family/spouse of what the new job promotion might mean.

From Virtual-History

There are plenty of ways for journalists to find that balance and perfect it. That’s a goal that all working individuals should strive to achieve.

When Hackett’s pregnant wife, Martha (Marisa Tomei) is stood up at a dinner date with her parents so that her husband can get a quote for a paper, she gets stressed and is carried out of their apartment on a stretcher.

Ultimately the wife gives birth and the husband’s paper has an exclusive story. Perhaps the signature moment is when they look at one another in the hospital room the next day and he realizes how significant family is to him.

He found that perfect balance.

We’re not going into journalism to make money; that’s a fact.  Well, we will, but not that much.

Journalists are going into the field because they love to provide news for citizens, and they’re driven by the need to know more information. 

Journalists need to be driven to find personal time as well.