Jack Shafer Warns Journalists: Always Be Looking for Your Next Job

Posted on August 29, 2011

Poynter.org has a very interesting interview with longtime media critic Jack Shafer. Shafer was just laid off from Slate after a round of cost-cutting. He will still be a freelance contributor.

When asked if he was surprised by the layoffs, he replied, "Everybody should be expecting a layoff in hard times like these, so no, it didn't surprise me."

Shafer also has a warning for journalists adapted from a line in Glengarry Glen Ross.

Shafer says, "Do you know the play/movie Glengarry Glen Ross? There's a cliche the boiler-room salesmen in it use: 'ABC,' which stands for Always Be Closing. I believe in ABL for journalists: Always Be Looking. No matter how good your job is--and mine was great--you should always be looking for your next gig."