A Career in Writing Doesn't Mean You Have to Be Broke

I remember since I was little I always told my mom I wanted to be a writer and write stories and books. She would tell me that that was wonderful, but that I should look towards something that made more money, such as a doctor. I was perplexed by how writers could make so little money when their words could change lives, cause revolutions, and other radical movements. But anyways apart from me drifting away nostalgically, a career in writing doesn't mean you have to be broke.

Here are companies most writers would be honored to work for.

Associated Press - Journalists needed, but not just any, only the brightest. Reporting and condensing the world's news to "just facts" is not easy and it has to be done meticulously. It is a big company with big exportations, providing news for over 1,000 US newspapers, web portals, and TV stations. This prestigious news agency pays its writers handsomely, with its lowest pay being a solid $65,000 a year.

National Geographic Magazine - Have a passion for geography, animals, or developing science? Writing for this company blends knowledge and research on the environment with English skills. Most of its writers get to travel to exotic locations to cover stories and make interviews, giving this career a different feel. With its publication in numerous languages, job opportunities open up all over the world, not just in the English-speaking nations. Entry level journalists receive $60,000 a year, but the exposure and having your name in "National Geographic" can boost you up to higher places.

Time Inc. - It is on every newsstand on the street, which makes sense to believe that its writers should be the highest paid. But unfortunately, the salary of a Time Magazine writer turns out to be a mere $40,000 a year. But yet again, the exposure that is handed over to their writers is immense. Having small publications and works on the side can be profitable once you have established a name for yourself at the actual magazine. Millions of Americans pick up a copy weekly. More than your local newspaper, right?

The Onion - The finest sarcastic newspaper in the US that parodies actual headlines is a dream job to me. Writing humor all day seems like an easy job to do. The average "Onion" salary is around $55,000 a year for a staff writer. Gossip, sports, international, all kinds of columns are mocked at this skewed newspaper. But just knowing that you work for "The Onion" is pretty cool itself. Once again, it can be a launching pad for young journalists and writers.

Your success as a writer depends on your motivation, skills, knowledge, and mostly style. Everything is possible, and if people play their cards correctly, they can propel themselves into the realm of journalism stardom.