Early in my journalism career, I was asked a question that would go on to shape my career.
“What do you think about when you have nothing to think about?”
I was initially a little confused by the question because, well, I don’t think about anything when I don’t have anything to think about.
But I do.
And further reflection on that question helped me realize that the answer I came up with would also be the answer to what I should focus writing on.
When I don’t have anything to write about, there are typically three things I think about:
1. My family
2. Entertainment (usually sports or video games)
3. Education
The majority of my career has been spent in the sports realm of journalism. If I had to choose a specific beat to write on for the rest of my life, it would absolutely be sports. That being said, I have published more articles about academic topics than any other subject. But at the same time, the best articles I have written were on parenting and family issues.
I don’t think I could choose just a single topic to write about for the duration of my career. I would likely get burnt out and loose my passion for writing. But that is why I will always love and appreciate journalism. This career has presented me with amazing opportunities and the flexibility to explore all of my passions.
Hayden Coombs 