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At the moment, I get an almost daily request in my DMs from someone asking me "How do you make it in sports media?" Usually, I send back a positive message encouraging the sender to work hard with a few "tips" I've picked up along the way.
The thing is, I don't know why I do this. Probably it's because it feels harsh to shit on people's dreams. Also, it's because of pride. The truth is: I haven't "made it" in sports media. And it's embarrassing to admit it.
So some honesty for once:
This tax year, I will have put in around 50 to 60 hour weeks and will hit the yearly salary for someone on the minimum wage.
This tax year, I will have put in around 50 to 60 hour weeks and will hit the yearly salary for someone on the minimum wage.
Of my salary, only about half of it comes from actual sports media work. On the side I do editorial work, copywriting work, podcasting work - anything to make sure I make a bit more money.
On top of this, I have to make certain "lifestyle" choices to get by. I have gone on holiday once this year. I will have taken about 3 weeks off where I'm not working in some capacity. Last year, I lived in a boat in order to afford living in London.
Over the last 4 years, I've applied for a number of jobs in the industry and only got one. My CV is fairly healthy looking, I think. I've got bylines at good places and can do most of the things a multimedia journalist would need to be able to do. This hasn't seemed to help much.
Being freelance feels like being endlessly unemployed: you have to go out and find your work. It won't come to you. If you don't work, you don't earn. Living under that burden is pretty miserable at times too.
Now, I don't post this as a "woe is me" story. Media outlets have every right not to hire me. I have the wherewithal to get a job in another industry, etc. etc.
I just wanted to be honest about how difficult it can be to get by in this industry.
I just wanted to be honest about how difficult it can be to get by in this industry.
I don't want to shit on your dreams. If you want to try and make it: all power to you. But don't get confused by the facade: I think a lot of people see me as being "successful". I'm not so sure that's the case.
Anyway, please don't respond "nicely" to this. I'm not fishing for compliments. And if you find an answer as to "how you make it," please let me know.
