Tag Archive for: Journalism

Forbes Publishes Tyler Man’s Article On Dark Side Of Journalism

For many people, the start of a new year can also mean the start of new lifestyle changes. Some may choose to begin a diet and exercise plan. Others might try to break a bad habit. And many unhappy workers look to the new year as motivation to switch career paths.

Trent Spradlin joined Stonewater Roofing in 2018 as the Chief Marketing Officer, but he previously spent more than a decade in the broadcast journalism industry. He detailed his experience in a newly published article for Forbes entitled “How To Find Empathy Inside The Newsroom.”

Trent Spradlin

Trent Spradlin

In his article, Spradlin touches upon some of the traumatic experiences that journalists are forced to endure in the pursuit of breaking news. He also explains how journalism employees, much like the industry as a whole, are expected to be desensitized to whatever tragedies they may encounter.

In my 13 years of broadcast news, not once was there a mental health service offered (even when requested) to employees to navigate the things we experienced. Unlike emergency service personnel, we were not on the scene to help — we were there to exploit for ratings and financial gain.

The article paints a bleak picture of a journalism job that was often exhausting, unsettling, and sometimes downright gruesome. It became obvious that, for Spradlin, a career in news was ultimately not the right fit.

I was miserable, but numb thanks to external substances. It kept me going. It kept my job. The cycle continued with no help from supervisors.

Thankfully, with support from his friends and family, Spradlin was able to escape this industry that tied him down. He found new life at Stonewater Roofing. Spradlin is now extremely proud of his work. He has the freedom to be creative and expressive, and he is able to enjoy his job without a need for mental healthcare.

Does your current job leave you feeling frustrated, depressed, or underappreciated? Perhaps the new year is the time for you to switch career paths as well. Stonewater Roofing is currently looking for salespeople in both the Tyler and Longview areas. Visit our Careers page to apply today and get your future back on track.