From the pressure to pitch stories to navigating burnout, the challenges of a career in media reveal the personal toll of an ever-demanding industry.
SINGAPORE: After five years in the media industry, I still find myself grappling with imposter syndrome, pretending to have all the answers when interns ask, “How do you find stories?” While I usually offer standard advice about networking and staying informed, the real answer is simpler—anxiety.
For writers, the fear of running out of ideas is constant. Each story pitched feels like a test of competence. Despite compliments from editors, I’m haunted by doubts about whether I can replicate past successes. These insecurities aren’t unique; many peers in the industry echo the same struggles. As former RICE writer Ivan Wu once said, “To write is to grapple with your own insecurities, flaws, and neuroses.”
A Tough Audience
Publishing your work introduces another layer of anxiety: scrutiny. The media rarely wins public approval, often accused of bias or irrelevance. Journalists routinely face personal attacks, from LinkedIn stalkers critiquing resumes to TikTok creators blasting articles about their public dramas.
Thomas*, a seasoned entertainment writer, recounts how readers frequently dismiss his work with “Why is this even news?” After years in the industry, he’s developed thicker skin. Yet the constant criticism highlights the tension between public expectations and journalistic efforts.
The Grind Never Stops
Behind the scenes, media life is relentless. Writers pitch ideas, conduct interviews, transcribe recordings, and produce articles, often under tight deadlines. The pressure to churn out stories, even on slow news days, can lead to burnout.
Riley*, a former writer at two fast-paced publications, recalls working tirelessly for just S$1,600 a month. “No one cared about writing standards—they just wanted new, new, new,” she says, reflecting on a culture that values quantity over quality.
For many, the job blurs into personal life. Cara*, a digital news writer, finds herself constantly scanning social media for potential stories, unable to switch off even during downtime. “It’s an occupational hazard,” she admits.
Underpaid and Overworked
Despite the demanding nature of the job, many writers are underpaid. Fresh graduates in media earn lower starting salaries compared to other industries, and raises are infrequent. Riley notes, “It tells me we’re not worth a living wage, even when our work reaches thousands of readers.”
Burnout is another common thread. Thomas left his previous role due to toxic management, despite his love for writing. He considers himself fortunate to have found a better environment but acknowledges the uncertainty that looms over the industry.
A Fragile Industry
The media landscape is volatile, with outlets like Yahoo, Buzzfeed News, and VICE cutting staff or shutting down entirely. Even as technology like AI threatens to replace human writers, the passion for storytelling keeps many in the field despite its challenges.
Why We Stay
For all its struggles, the industry offers moments of fulfillment. Writing allows us to connect with people, tell impactful stories, and experience the world from unique perspectives. But the price—burnout, low pay, and constant pressure—remains steep.
As media professionals, we persevere not because the job is easy, but because the alternative feels worse. Yet, acknowledging these challenges is essential for creating a sustainable future for those who dare to write.
