Tech journalism is often regarded as an exciting and attractive career.
And you know what?
But its also a damn tough business to enter.
Getting your foot in the door is hard.
Making enough money to live is even harder.
Next month marks my third year at TNW.
Ive been working in tech journalism in some capacity for almost eight years now.
Its been a wild ride.
From time to time, I receive emails from strangers asking how I got my job.
So, here it is: all my tech journalism career advice, distilled into one simple blog post.
It helps to be a bit middle class
My first paycheck as a writer was $500.
Not bad for a first commission from an otherwise unproven author.
One that could pay the bills.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
I didnt pay rent, or for food.
I didnt pay utilities.
If it wasnt for them, I probably wouldnt be writing this right now.
Id be working in the tech industry, making use of my Computer Science degree.
I just want to say that again:Im lucky.
Things might be a little bit different in other sectors.
I could be wrong, but I dont think Ive ever worked alongside someone with a journalism degree.
My colleagueTristanserved in the U.S. Navy for a decade, during which he obtained a degree in psychology.
Technology journalism can be hard.
If you enter this industry already bestowed with that knowledge, you give yourself a massive advantage.
Journalism is unique in the respect that your clumsy, inelegant early work is shared publicly.
Theres a permanent record of your career growth.
And while its sometimes good to see how youve developed as a writer, often you cringe.
This also means that when you make a mistake, its there for the world to see.
Great way to start Monday, eh?
My phone vibrated every other minute with GitHubs representatives calling to yell at me.
Id had better days.
Github still hasnt forgiven me.
Another thing: journalism doesnt exist in a vacuum.
Anything you write will be seen by other people, and theyll have opinions.
Sometimes, they arent.
Im sure other publications have something similar.)
Remember youre standing on the shoulders of giants
Last week, I was in Toronto, Canada.
Thank you@the_ezuk.
Thats no small thing, and the best way to honor that trust is to pay it forward.
Thats something Ive resolved to do.
Dont get too comfortable
Technology journalism is a young persons game.
I dont say that because Im ageist.
The ailing journalism industry isnt really a place to start a long-term career.
Its unstable, and quite often, the pay is abysmal.
Thats partly why there arent too many old technology journalists.
They exist, certainly, but theyre the exception, not the rule.
The good news is that working in journalism gives you skills that can be applied in other fields.
Many decide to work for technology companies churning out copy, in turn helping to develop the brand.
And some even choose to teach!
You get a pay rise, and in turn you make room for someone else.
Have fun!
This is my last bit of advice.
Working in this industry is nothing short of a privilege.
Believe me, I know how lucky I am.
Working in technology journalism often feels like being the dumbest person in the room.
On a daily basis, I speak to scientists, PHDs, and industry experts.
Ive also accumulated some awesome stories along the way.
Like the time when I broke into a conference by pretending to be the 16th richest man in Australia.
I love my husband!
Ive driven Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
Ive met some damn smart people.
And Ive drank so much, Im certain my liver will never recover.
Tech journalism is a hard slog, dont get me wrong.
But if youre not having fun, youre doing it wrong.
