IS JOURNALISM A CAREER WORTH PURSUING? MY TAKE

MY FIRST JOURNALISM LECTURE;

I had always wanted to be a journalist since my primary five. I admired how broadcasters sounded so sophisticated and looked super focused while reporting on various issues during TV news bulletins. I wanted to be them, I loved the way Mr. Bbale Francis pronounced the name 'Gaaga bus' when there was an accident in Mityana.

Little did I know that one day, I would be seated in the front row, listening and enjoying my first ever lecture in Journalism and mass communication by my role model. Now I know that everything is possible because that too came to pass.

Our time table read 'dynamics of broadcasting' but didn't indicate the lecturer. While we sat chit-chatting in the lecture room, I recognized his voice before I turned my head to see him. his intonation of the phrase 'good morning' was so familiar and for a split second, I thought I was only but having hallucinations.

Just like in a flying dream, that moment before you fall off the cliff, I peeked at the guy as he put down his neat file and turned to the class. Starstruck isn't the word to describe that feeling, it was excitement, gratefulness, love, admiration, and all the above. Finally, the fine gray-bearded Bbale Francis(RIP) was just a meter away from me. I think I blushed a lot too the entire 80-minute lecture!

Reminiscing aside, I guess my case is what they call being in the right place, at the right time with the right person. Imagine what it would be like to spend a day per week with your idol! For some reason, I felt like I was learning from the best broadcaster I have ever seen, and my zeal to go and conquer my career was stronger than ever.

he did not only teach us the basics of broadcasting and forced us to repeat some words till we got the right intonation, he also showed us how to navigate and thrive in the journalism rough corridors. Bbale always taught for the first half of the lecture and dived into 'life after campus' talks. 

The late Bbale Francis, my forever role model in Journalism.

While he mentioned to us that our transcripts would be of help, he emphasized that skill was all that would take us places. I have never felt bad for missing a lecture like the days the ever smart Bbale Francis issued a 'not around today, we'll pick up from last week when I get back' notice. It was heartbreaking.

Until today, even after hm passing, Bbale is still my invisible guiding hand. During times when doors are slammed in my face when people doubt my capabilities, and those mornings when I start to get second thoughts about my career, I always look back at the words he said; if your career is in sync with your passion, nothing can stop you.

And I move on with a brave heart knowing that my dream is manifesting and nothing can take that away from me. I will always be forever grateful to my dad, who didn't agree with my decision to pursue journalism, but respected it and held my hand through the three years. 

IS JOURNALISM REALLY A WORTHY CAREER TO PURSUE?

Regarding making a living off journalism, God has seen me through the days when my monthly expenses weighed more than the salary I got but believing in my ability to demand more through my work, God has blessed me with a "break-even curve" and I can enjoy a few simple luxuries."

I want this to be clear that what Sheila Gashumba mentioned about low payments for broadcasters is the truth even when many won't let you in on their rough days. Many bashed her but a good percentage is behind her, thanking heavens that at least someone somewhere got to introduce the topic.

If you haven't achieved close to what she has, put some respect on her name!

The other thing that folks must understand is that Sheila watered down the 50k because she has had more than that and it's never an offense to know what you want and what's worth your effort. If her business can sustain her, why then bend low to spend more than she earns for a show? And the human race is funny, if she came to TV without a nice face beat, headlines would read, "Is Sheila going broke?" or "Truth revealed, Sheila can't afford the luxurious life anymore" ...blah blah.

Also, we all live within our means,  if I earn 100k and it solves my issues, well and good. If someone else earns 1.3m and that's what caters for their expenses, let it be! There are so many radio and TV presenters who actually don't even earn a penny, but they love the fame, if there are other avenues they earn from, no worries! 

The issue is TV fame puts you in a spot where you have to play a certain character and sometimes, you don't even earn enough to sustain that kind of lifestyle. So all in all, there are issues so many people shy away from even when they are being pressed really hard. If someone has finally brought it up, be grateful and fight for your worth!

Your ego doesn't pay bills and no one is bothered when you lie awake all night worrying about where to hire nice clothes at a discount. Let not your work demand more from you when it doesn't bridge up the gap at month-end.

Otherwise, thank you guys for turning up yet again and may we all know what we want and be bold enough to go get it. We live just once, i mean once! Enjoy your hustle if it pays you, if it doesn't widen your thinking and go for a catch, there is a whole lot of fish in the water!!!!