Journalists - Lost Contracts, Forced Into Freelance & Pay Drops

I’m currently writing an article for Fourth Wave, Medium’s largest feminist publication, for my wonderful Editor-in-Chief Patsy, who has just won an award at Medium Day for being every bit as brilliant as those of us who work with her already know she is. The piece is looking at how difficult it has become for journalists to retain contracts, secure permanent roles and stay financially afloat in an industry increasingly reliant on freelance labour. I’d really like to hear from journalists who have lost contracts, struggled to find another staff role, been pushed into freelance work, or are finding that opportunities have simply dried up. I’m especially interested in what has changed over the past few years, how long people are now spending looking for work, what rates are like, and whether freelancing was a genuine choice or something you were forced into by the state of the industry. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please comment below or DM me. You can speak on or off the record. This is a safe space. And if you know a journalist who should see this, please tag them or share this post with them. Thanks !