Well, I have to say this job isn’t so bad.
Sure, I have to pull some ridiculous hours on occasion. And it can be very annoying when you’re on deadline and the sources you need just simply refuse to call you back. It’s almost as if they’re sadistic and just want to see how you pull your story together without their critical bon mots.
But then there are other times when this job can be some of the most fun you’ll ever have.
Like just last week.
I’m sitting in my office, pounding out stories because I want the weekend to be completely free of any obligations because my parents were in town and I haven’t seen them since last November.
When suddenly my phone rings and it’s a member of the campaign team for PC leadership hopeful Doug Horner, seeking to arrange an interview.
Now, my immediate thoughts were I really would rather write my stories and get out of here. But, as I was sitting there, I realized that it’s never a good idea to turn down an interview with someone who is looking to do one.
Especially when that person could become the premier of Alberta within 10 days.
So I did the interview, and I have to admit it was interesting.
It also means that I have now either spoken to or met five premiers or soon-to-be premiers, and one could-be premier.
Who are those five?
Ontario premier Mike Harris, Ernie Eves, Dalton McGuinty, Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall and Alberta premier Ed Stelmach.
Horner is the could-be premier.
Now, I must admit I met the three Ontario leaders when I was only 13 and serving as a Legislative Page at Queen’s Park in Toronto. But this is my story, so I’ll spin it however I choose.
Anyway.
As I was saying, this job can be really fun if you want it to be.
You have the chance to speak to people you wouldn’t normally be able to.
You can relive parts of your childhood because you’re reporting on something.
You’re able to chase ambulances and fire trucks as they race to the scene of an accident. For some reason that is the part of this job I love the most. I don’t know why. I just do.
Of course, as I’ve mentioned, there are parts of this job that really do try your patience and drive. As much as covering court is something that needs to be done to hold the justice system to account, it seriously is a drag to spend eight hours in court and at least three of those are recesses.
Fortunately, the benefits outweigh the sacrifices I have to make.
