Why I turned down my first salaried journalism job offer

Brittany Cruz-Fejeran

By Anissa Durham

People ask me every day, ‘why did you become a journalist?’ To me the answer has always been simple, I love to write.

While I realize that’s an easy and somewhat cheap sentiment, sometimes I don’t always feel like elaborating on why I love writing so much. But for this piece, I will.

When I write articles about topics and people and issues that matter to me, it’s like nothing else matters in the world but what I’m writing.

Now that I’m a published writer, I often have to tell myself to write even if I don’t think my work will be very good. Prior to becoming a published journalist and an emerging reporter, I used to write about my day, about the boys I liked (yes there was usually always more than one), and what I was feeling.

Writing has always helped me process any emotion or feeling I was experiencing. As often as I write, sometimes I miss the writing that was only for me, without the pressure of making a profit, an impact or meeting a deadline.

But, you may be asking ‘what does this have to do with my headline’. Well, as a young Black and Central American journalist, I’ve reflected on the strengths, values and assets I bring to a newsroom — what I offer in a position.

I realize there aren’t enough people who look like me and have my life experience in a newsroom. Which is why I was especially excited to interview for a nonprofit that was focused on Black voices in education. Before I even turned in an application, I asked a few other reporters what they thought of the nonprofit and the editors.

The feedback was all positive. And I figured it was a plus that the editor reached out to me personally suggesting I apply.

After three interviews, I was offered the job.

I told them I looked forward to reviewing the contract and was excited to get started.

But, that’s when things went downhill.

During the entire interview process and writing test, I was told the position was for one year and after about nine months of being in the role we would reevaluate the salary and I could get a pay raise.

But, the contract told an entirely different story.

Instead of a one-year contract, it was suddenly two. Instead of a cost of living and negotiated salary increase, the salary would be the same for two years. Granted, the salary I was being offered was more money than I’ve ever made — but being born and raised in San Diego, I already knew that salary wouldn’t allow me much breathing room.

As you can tell by the headline, I turned down the role. I’m humble enough to know I have a lot of room to grow, but I’m also smart enough to know my worth and value wasn’t about to be cheapened into accepting the first salaried offer. Especially not one I was already starting to feel weary about.

If my circumstances were different, I probably would have had to accept the job. I would be bound to a two-year contract but at least I’d have a set position for the next two years. With housing being unaffordable, my options to live anywhere but at home are limited. While I am grateful to have that option, I would have loved to accept a position that was transparent and honest throughout the hiring process.

As I was debating about taking the role, my main reason for thinking of saying yes is because I’ve never said no.

Until now.

I knew I made the right decision when all I could feel after sending my rejection email was relief.

Now that I’m juggling freelance roles, I do think about how nice it would be to have a steady income — but at the same time, I realize my worth is so much greater than my first job offer.

As an emerging reporter of color, it's easier to accept the first offer that comes and if it’s the right fit, you absolutely should. But, if something doesn’t feel right and the role is making you question your worth or is making you feel like you are not valued, don’t be afraid to say no.