It’s embarrassing. It shouldn’t matter to me, but sometimes it gets under my skin.
Especially when my old teacher friends find out. I’m going to ramble a bit this morning.
You see, it’s the time of year when my old teacher friends come out of the wood work. They are settling into their much needed summer vacation time, taking a deep breath between their teacher workshops and their fall lesson plans.
It never fails. Someone asks about the glories of editing and publishing. Since I’m just a web editor, I don’t qualify, but I have learned some things to help demystify the industry for them.
Eventually we get around to the bottom line. I gently correct their impression that my nonprofit editing job has glorious pay and benefits and weekends at the Foundation beach house. (There isn’t a Foundation beach house.)
Publisher’s Weekly just made this moment of revelation quite a bit easier with their article “Measuring the Salary Divide.” Take a look. (Don’t be distracted by the large CEO salaries. Those equate to central office big wigs at your local school district.) Look at the entry level editors. Then go compare those salaries to entry level teachers. If you take benefits into account, teachers definitely come out on top.
Here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter. I loved teaching. I love editing. I love my family. I love God. I enjoy money and the opportunities it can buy, but that isn’t why I work.
Why do this work?
It’s what God has called me to do right now. That sounds trite. And it’s hard to explain why I can say that with all sincerity. But come down to Kerrville sometime. We’ll have a cup of coffee and a donut, and I’ll do my best.
HT: Terry Whalin, writer, editor, and agent extraordinaire, linked to this yesterday in “A Peak Behind the Curtain.”
{ 5 comments }
Look man, I don’t want to play the “I have it worse than you” game, but did you notice that writers aren’t even on the list.
That’s because writers aren’t even in the equation. We’re raw material – a dime a dozen. Writers make less than editors.
Unless you are a writer with computer skills and can swing a couple of weird deals.
I made a great salary as a teacher. But I was doing two jobs. English teachers have to edit AND teach. Which I think makes their hourly rate come to less than an editor’s.
Sorry, guys. I had a moment of public darkness. See my latest retraction.
It’s okay. I can hear the frustration. Especially since you feel the weight of supporting your family. May the Lord send increase!
Mark, your allowed to unload…
*calling*”Craver! Mark need a man-hug from ya.”
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