As an editor and writer, the thing I hate the most is being pigeon-holed in the eyes of others about what I can, and cannot do.
I've found this frustrating phenomenon inside the journalism biz in the
past (as have many colleagues), and more recently outside the office in
freelance work.
Certainly, folks DO have limitations and should accept them (like Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" Callahan advised, "A man's got to know his limitations.")
But I want to protest, nonetheless. In my decades I've worked a dozen
beats, written books of fiction and non-fiction, technical papers,
poetry, in-depth investigative articles, briefs, cops-and-robbers yarns,
medical and high tech stories, magazine pieces, won more than my share
of awards
.
I know. Yada, yada, yada . . . still, I don't see the same limitations.
But that's my judgment, based on what I've done and know; others make
their judgments based on what they perceive. And ultimately, you can't
really counter those gut assessments.
Life is like that, regardless
your profession. You do what you can do, and move on -- always keeping
in mind what is truly important: the ability to make a living for your
family, love of wife, kids and friends, taking pride in your work and
walking humbly before your God, or at least consistent with your
principles.
And, so it goes.
Still, it sucks, as least for a moment or two.
Onward.
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