Where there once was work, now there is none.

This is a tale of mirth and woe. A tale with a grim truth but, an inherent optimism.

I was a journalist...

After a three year hiatus in Asia, I seem to have un-serendipidously returned to a world where devastation reigns in print media and society has turned a cold shoulder to my trade.

Previously, in the Canada I once knew, I had planted a few roots and made a few small claims to be proud of. I had conquered the beast at CBC. I had survived the bureaucracy of the Department of National Defence, and fit snugly into writing positions at community newspapers.

The written word was still king. People held tangible proof as they leafed through their daily paper on the subway. Now, layoffs are strangling my newspapers and magazines. The goliath called the Economic Downturn has subjected loyal employees to draconian budget cuts and restructuring, pushing opportunity out into the cold.

The Toronto Star. Once, a 400-strong editorial staff, has now bowed to budget cuts and is outsourcing 100 of those coveted spots. A small percentage of those have been outsourced to India... India!

I have stepped in it. The slap of reality was the realization that no one with less than 10 years of experience, and their lips planted firmly on the behind of someone with clout, has any chance of a job in journalism. I can do little but stand by and tearfully wave goodbye while the industry implodes.

But, as the phoenix rises from the ashes, so shall I. From the ashes of print media I will rise into the new digital world.