Q. Love your column. I've been wondering about this one thing while deciding what career transition to make and if journalism in any form is a direction I should go in.
I love to sing. I was a church soloist for a while in my 20s and did a tiny bit of musical theater back then, too. I've done none of that for 20 years because I've been busy raising a family, going to college, and working.
Now my kids don't need me anymore and I've been thinking of singing at cabaret clubs and in church again.
Here's the thing: because churches and cabarets publish all sorts of info on the Web will I lose any tiny shred of credibility I have as a potential journalist, or even just as an office worker for CNN, if I have my name out there online as a singer?
From what I know of all the organizations I've ever worked for, most employers can't understand that an employee or potential employee might be good at many other things besides their jobs.
Your opinion? Can a reporter or producer be a singer on the side?
Karoline
A. Like your kids don't need you anymore. Whatever. Maybe you should do comedy.
As part of Poynter's
Standing Up for Journalism program, I was talking to a reporter at a D.C.-based news service.
Her phone message and speaking voice are so good, I had to ask her if she has ever thought of audio journalism.
Funny, she said, she performs in an a cappella sextet. Her name and photo -- along with the other five -- are on the Web. It hasn't hurt her at all.
Sing, write, produce. And look into podcasting. Quick, now, before the kids move back home.
Coming Monday: He has a job, but as others are cut and the workload is increased, even as overtime is frozen, he wants to know how he can keep his job and his sanity.
I've been a journalist and a gospel pianist for more...
