CURIOUS CSR RE-ENTERING FIELD

[Ruth Grant]

After a five-year break, am re-entering the field of reporting and will be freelancing in Northern Cal (hopefully, if there's work). I hear things have really slowed down and gone are the days of being as busy as you want to be. Would greatly appreciate any feedback as far as whether or not things are picking up, reporters' opinions on the cause of the slow-down (the economy?), if you see a light at the end of the tunnel, and any other feedback you are willing to share. Thanks!

[Ruth Grant]

I think you're both right on target. Just have to be be available and make those calls, take the out-of-town and difficult jobs. Thanks for the input!

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

I think it depends on the area you are moving to in Northern California. If you are moving to the Bay Area, you probably will have more work than say the Valley, which is Stockton/Modesto and surrounding cities. Right now I have been slow for the past three months, so now I have told the agencies I am willing to travel to the Bay Area or even go to the Sacramento area just trying to get more work.

[Kyung]

I think you can be as busy as you want to be. But it's a lot more work now. You have to be very "aggressive" in getting yourself out there and calling the calendar department. You can't wait for multiple calls in the day for work the next day.

It also helps if you're flexible in your schedule, the areas you'll go, and the jobs you'll take.