Goodbye to two of my colleagues

Amy Paul of WMBD-TV is leaving the station to head up public relations at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Clare Jellick of the Peoria Journal Star is leaving her education beat to go back to school and pursue something a career in the medical industry. Both will be missed. I especially thought Clare did a very good job on a tough beat -- covering District 150.

Both of these fine journalists came to Peoria after I did, and I believe they are both younger than I am. (I'm not sure about Amy, but I'll be a gentleman and speculate that she is younger.) I point that out only because this seems to be a trend. I am quickly becoming one of the more seasoned and long-tenured journalists out on the street every day in this town. I am 34 years old, and have been working in Peoria for 11 years. To me, that feels like I am just getting started. That doesn't feel like enough time to included in the ranks of "veterans". Yet with more and more younger people coming to Peoria, working as journalists for a few years and then leaving, my hair seems to be more gray than it should be.

I don't blame them for leaving. This is a rough business. The pay is lousy, the hours are awful, and the criticism from the public (mostly anonymous, I might add) is brutal. Media consolidation in broadcast and now print is driving the demand for profits higher and higher, and making it harder and harder to have a long-term career in journalism in this town. Most days I love my job, and couldn't imagine doing anything else. Some days I look in the mirror and ask if its worth it.

I wish Clare and Amy all the best in the world. They will both remain in the Peoria area for the time being, and I'm sure they will continue to find ways to contribute to this community in the way that is best for them.