Steal This Job Blog

Crafting a career in editing

 Name: Lara Kordic
Age: 30
Occupation: Editor/Writer
Employer: Herself (www.sosuccinct.com) 
Interests: reading, walking, yoga, travel, young adult fiction (writing it), magazines (reading them and maybe starting one someday), history, media, and the history of media.
Favorite quote: “Grammar is the piano I play by ear. All I know about grammar is its power.” –Joan Didion
To explain this, Kordic says: "Ideally, an editor should know her grammar backwards and forwards, but, as I used to tell my ESL students, I can’t tell you why it’s right. I just know it’s right. And yes, I real ized pretty quickly  that teaching was not the career for me!

What's your job?

Lara Kordic runs a very small (as in one-person) business called SO Succinct Editorial Services. Her company provides an array of writing and editing services for academic, educational, corporate, and creative industries. “I edit everything from sci fi novellas to ethnographic field studies to first year English papers,” says Kordic. “I write mostly promotional stuff – website and brochure copy, slogans and press releases.”

How do you spend a work day?

Working for an “extremely diverse clientele” makes every day different for Kordic, and new assignments can often pop up at the last minute. She says that three-quarters of her jobs are booked less than a week in advance. This is a job that keeps you on your toes. “Obviously, this means I have to be extremely organized and stay connected at all times,” she says.

Like cappuccinos? Setting her own work environment and schedule lets Kordic work from home and cafes that have access to the Internet. Most people communicate with her through email, but clients will occasionally want to meet to go over more detailed projects in face-to-face meetings.

How did you find this job?

“To make a very long story short, I had just completed my master’s degree, was finishing up a writing contract and applying for every publishing job that I could find,” says Kordic. “It’s a tough field to get into, though, and I didn’t want there to be any gaps in my resume.”

She is not kidding. Publishing was bad enough before this year’s recession, but now there are even less jobs available for those budding wordsmiths. I was just talking to a former colleague today who worked at a major publishing house in New York. She described the publishing industry in New York City as “cut throat” with bosses can be extremely demanding. According to one blogger, now working as a literary agent in the Big Apple, “Serious work - full-time work at a publishing house as an editorial assistant, with health and dental benefits - usually requires either an "in" (your uncle works there) or a year's experience.” But if this is a field you are looking to go into, be encouraged that there are ways to get in. Starting out in unpaid internships will likely be part of the bargain.

Kordic’s unfruitful job search eventually led to personal inspiration. With the right follow through, she was able to fashion together her freelance editing career. She thought of the name SO Succinct which led to her creating a group on the social networking site, facebook. From there she printed flyers to advertise at her local university, library and community center. The turnaround was lightning fast and, within a week, she had clients. “A couple of months later I had a website, a fancy set of business cards and a steady stream of work,” says Kordic. “Of course I’m making it sound ridiculously simplistic. I must say that starting my business was the easy part. Maintaining and developing it is a constant challenge.”

What's the best part?

When you are setting your own hours, you have got to love what you do. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t love working with words and language,” says Kordic. “There is something deeply satisfying about removing all the clutter from someone’s written work and discovering a strong, genuine statement or idea.” The job also led to discovering an interest in working with fiction.

Worst part?

“Admittedly, I do kind of miss the security of getting a regular pay cheque every two weeks. I have busy months and slow months, and they are not always predictable no matter how much effort I put into marketing. It all evens out in the end, but I could do without the stress!”

What special skills are required?

Kordic calls the freelance way of life “a very straightforward, clean way of doing business.” But running a one-person show is also a solitary career that requires organization, multi-tasking and time management skills, and a lot of self-promotion. You are your own boss, as well as your own secretary, marketing coordinator, and bookkeeper.

In addition, being an expert editor requires a precise sculptor’s hand when it comes to writing: “You need to be good with language, obviously, and it helps if you read a lot, but there is much more to it than that, including attention to detail, an ability to weed through wordiness and jargon, and awareness of audience,” says Kordic. She recommends acquiring formal training and obtaining certificates or degrees. “I went the Master’s of Publishing route, but there are plenty of courses and diploma programs out there that will give you a strong skill basis,” says Kordic.  

Any lingo or jobspeak that you can share?

“First and foremost, it is crucial to know the difference between proofreading, copy editing, stylistic editing, substantive editing, developmental editing, and rewriting – and to make sure your clients know the difference, too. Secondly, familiarize yourself with the format and language of standard freelance editorial contracts. I strongly recommend drawing up a contract for any project of 50 pages or more.”

Where to study publishing:

The Writing and Publishing Program, Simon Fraser University

New York University Center for Publishing

Stanford Publishing Courses for Professionals

Where to look for a job in publishing:

Bookjobs.com

Publisher’s Lunch

Please, act your age.

In addition to profiles of young professionals in interesting careers, Steal This Job Blog will feature regular columns on career news, tips and ideas. Send me some tips if you got them!

Maybe there is a silver lining to the economic crash that is sending companies reeling into mass layoffs. If you are young or just look young, it may boost your chances of getting a job. At least, according to some. I recently came across an article on “interviewing younger” that was published on Divine Caroline, a website “about every woman and the bonds that connect us even though we’ve never met.”

This is the crux of the concept, as laid out by an author, columnist and radio host (who is not a woman and presumably not connected by those bonds, you know?…the ones that connect us):

While many workers have learned that good looks and a polished appearance go a long way toward success in the workplace, too many of them fail to realize that cultivating the perception of youth and a hip attitude is an equally important part of the equation. It’s no secret that we live in an age-obsessed society. Like it or not, “Interviewing Younger” is the new catchphrase.

I could see how this may be the case if you were, say, interviewing for a job with a new media start-up (I think there are still a few of those out there), or some kind of social networking company for tweens, or to work at your local Apple Store. Also, young people, accustomed to today’s technologies, are often more adept at using time- and labor-saving keyboard shortcuts which can add up to save companies thousands of dollars. 

But certainly there must be industries where old fashioned experience, knowledge, and the kind of confidence that comes with a few years under your belt can go a long way. I don’t particularly care if my pharmacist, banker, lawyer know about the Jonas Brothers or the name of that doe-eyed guy from “Slumdog Millionaire.” It would be better if they knew their stuff inside and out.

This article at least could have served to guide women of older generations to update their skills and knowledge. Unfortunately, it was simply grossly insulting with tips such as: get a facebook profile (I like to put my Superpoke rating at the top of my resume), “Watch an episode of Family Guy" (Didn't that show stop being hip in early 2006?), and—worst of all—“Practice ‘sounding young’ on the phone” which in this case means to “talk higher and peppier.” Save the cheerleader, save the world from financial ruin?

One commenter on Huffington Post wrote that higher age may signify a requirement for increased salary for some hiring managers. That may be true, but I am not sure that should require the dumbing down of any demographic within the workforce.

Adaptability is a better strategy. The New York Times reported that many people are transitioning into jobs or environments that are more secure, such as academics teaching in affordable community colleges. The healthcare industry is also adding more jobs across the board, particularly for technicians and medical assistants. And, math and science teachers are still in high demand. From New York Times:

“Teaching math in a high school in an affluent suburb,” said Tom Geoghegan, a labor lawyer in Chicago and a Democratic candidate for Congress, “that is my idea of the ultimate safe job.”

My math teachers in high school were never all that peppy or hip, but they could teach trigonometry.

 

 

 

 

The yoga maven lifestyle

Name: Jasmine Chehrazi
Age: 29
Occupation: Yoga teacher and Owner of three yoga studios
Employer: Self / Yoga District
Interests: yoga, yoga activism, live music, bad poetry, helping people, making a difference with whatever skills i can muster, eco-conscious living, warm socks, sunny beaches, designing fun flyers, quantum physics
Favorite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”- Mahatma Gandhi

What's your job?

This job takes a little bit of everything—patience, organization, love, passion, humility, sweat and tears. “I'm a glorified scheduling secretary, coordinating yoga volunteers and yoga teachers and students,” says Chehrazi. Everyone plays a major role in helping the studio run and thrive. Volunteers assist to sign students in to classes, maintaining clean and well functioning studios, and promoting special events and classes in exchange for free yoga. Teachers hone their craft for a stipend and are able to use the studios for private clients (which can be the major source of income for yoga teachers). “Students come in, pay $10 or less for a class that brings them a little peace, a little sweat, a little sanity, or whatever it is they need,” says Chehrazi. “So aside from trying to make sure all that happens, I just sign my name on multiple contracts and leases to take financial responsibility for everything, which is no problem since I'm not really into money and would rather spend it on this project than buying another pair of shoes I don't need.”

It’s obvious that Chehrazi is not in this line of work for the big bucks. She is going against the tide of $20 yoga classes in luxurious studios, celebrity yoga workshops and designer spandex attire. “I think park of my job and way of life is to live simply,” she says. In addition to running the studio, she will be starting programs to give classes in homeless shelters, as well as providing yoga for people recovering from addiction, at-risk youth, and prison inmates. She also runs a teacher training program.

In order to make this possible, she has found a group of dedicated teachers and volunteers—as well as generous and understanding landlords. “Landlords are happy because yoga studios don't cause problems for neighbors and we take good care of their property,” says Chehrazi.

How do you spend a work day?

Chehrazi’s day usually includes some yoga and meditation to maintain her own practice. She also deals with the less esoteric tasks of reading through emails, coordinating workshops, creating new projects, and addressing any student issues or problem accounts.

Since the studios are her responsibility, Chehrazi has to step in if a substitute instructor cannot be found, if students have any issues with the classes, or any other matters come up. She also assists with teaching when necessary.

How did you find this job?

It took hutspa to take Chehrazi from volunteer to yoga studio owner. She was volunteering at a studio where she found the teacher had trouble running regular classes while maintaining his own teacher training program. She suggested that he allow her to take over the studio and run the classes. “Then my friend and I renovated the space, teachers came to teach, everyone chipping in with cleaning and administration, Jenny Johnson helped manage, Joey Gabisan and I also add some sweat blood tears into the mix, renovating their properties into clean wide open bright spaces.”

Chehrazi’s best advice: “If you don't see an opportunity before you, make one. You don't need to have a plan to act. You don't need a job to work. If you want to open a cafe, go out and do it. If you want to open a yoga studio, do it. If you want to teach, do it. The only thing that is stopping you is yourself. And you'll find that once you start, the momentum will carry you- it's like a snowball rolling down a snowy mountain. You won't be able to stop once you get it going.”

What's the best part of the job?

The physical and emotional benefits of yoga, its unique lifestyle and sense of community drive Chehrazi’s work. One of her favorite parts of the job: “Seeing people affected by yoga, when they smile after class with that rejuvenated look in their eyes, and in the middle of class people get that look of strength and awareness.”

The studio has created a strong base of friends and coworkers. “Another favorite is when all the teachers get together,” says Chehrazi. “It's pretty rare because they pretty much all have other jobs, but being together with other people into the yoga lifestyle is a pretty wonderful thing.”

The worst part?

Running a business comes with having to deal with the inflow and outflow of money, paying taxes, administration and endless multi-tasking.

What special skills are required?

“You have to want to live yoga,” says Chehrazi. “You have to teach yoga, and you have to be in touch with your personality -- my mentor told me teaching is 90% personality and 10% knowledge. You need to help form a community of like-minded people that support the mission, supporting you and each other in the journey. You have to trust people and yourself.”

Any lingo or jobspeak that you can share?

Namaste- light in me sees the light in you. Shanti- peace.

Find out more about the yoga lifestyle.

www.yogajournal.com

www.yogadistrict.com

http://www.londonschoolofyoga.com/

http://www.bksiyengar.com/

Working to get news of international crises to you

Name: Tia Goldenberg
Age: 25
Place of residence: Israel
Occupation: Freelance journalist/ Producer for a news agency
Interests: Politics, international relations, current affairs, cooking
Favorite quote:
"Haraka, haraka, haina baraka (hurry, hurry is no blessing)" – Swahili proverb

How do you spend a work day?

“A lot of the job involves planning – figuring out what it is we're going to cover, assigning crews and keeping on top of breaking events during the day. Basically making sure the whole operation of news gathering and output goes smoothly,” says Goldenberg.

The job affords the chance to use technical and creative skills. After planning her day, Goldenberg receives feeds of news material from producers in the field in hot spots like Gaza and Israel’s West Bank. She sends this on to the head office in London for distribution to clients. The more creative part, Goldenberg uses a directorial eye to edit footage from cameramen throughout Israel. In addition, there are opportunities to get into the action: “Producers also go out into the field, planning shoots, working on feature stories and then putting it all together in a package you can call your own.”

How did you find this job?

Goldenberg was proactive in seeking out journalism work in Israel, without waiting around for job listings to pop up. “I came to Israel entirely jobless, thinking I would be unemployed for a while considering how glutted the journalism market is here,” she says.

 With those old standbys of luck and perseverance, she was able to find something quickly. Goldenberg made cold calls to bureau chiefs, and was able to set up meetings and interviews. She sold herself with her experience in print journalism, an impressive resume and article clippings and promoted herself “as someone reliable, with ample experience and a fresh perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

 By making herself visible and available, she put herself in the right place for opportunities to come her way: “After a few meetings, I came upon an opening with this news agency, so I interviewed for them and ta-da!” she says.

What's the best part of your job?

“The best part, as with any journalism job, is getting out of the office and into the field – meeting people who are affected by the conflict on a daily basis and disseminating their story,” says Goldenberg. “The other great aspect of the job is the formidable teamwork involved in getting the job done. Everyone's involvement is crucial for the success of the entire operation, which really makes you feel like an asset.”

The worst part?

If you like routine and fixed schedules, the news industry might not be the one for you—particularly in volatile war zones. Goldenberg forgo celebrations to work the overnight shift on New Year’s Eve and cover the military crisis in Gaza. It has been tiring working through a number of overnight shifts throughout the events in the region.

What special skills are required?

If you would like to work as a television news producer in Israel, organization is absolutely essential in order to keep track of constantly changing news events throughout the day. Producers also have to keep in mind costs incurred, the locations of their crews, and other logistical details. For those agencies that haven’t yet upgraded to digital, it may be essential to have experience with tape-to-tape editing. Speaking the native tongues (Hebrew and/or Arabic) “is a huge asset,” says Goldenberg.