I nailed it. I passed the interview. Some lucky how, I got the job as a stringer. Stringer for anyone who is not familiar with the definition is:
A journalist who works for a publication or news service on a part- time basis to cover a particular town or area and paid space rates. Merriam Webster Dictionary
So basically, it’s a freelance reporter job covering certain areas, in my case it is Negeri Sembilan the playground of culture. However the part of the state which is still not taken and vacant for me to ponder and indulge myself into is yet to be known, subject to availability. The reporter is paid according to the rate of the story that is written.
Not much different from the previous newspaper publication company that I worked before, this time it is at the government convenience. Do you find this fascinating? I’m moving from a global racist community to narrow minded supporters. How inspiring.. This is the time I can prove the semangat kemelayuan in me...well that was what the guy who interviewed me said. Not sure if he was being sarcastic or he was genuinely trying to pump up the nationalism from inside this weak heart. I couldn’t care less. I was busy calculating the cheap pay in my head.
In half time of the session I realized that I wasn’t really sure if I want to do it or not. Those late night calls, crime scenes, press conferences, politics and what not. However, I do appreciate the free gifts given to the reporters in any events. I remember getting a lot of souvenirs back then when I was in that line. I am confused. The pay is not rewarding but the experience is what I have been dreaming of- ever. Money was not the reason I look for when I first asked for the job, but now it has become the motive for me to contemplate.
I haven’t called the guy for a yes yet.( Note that I only put yes here because no was not in the option at all) I told him I think about it first. I want to sleep over the decision and I think I was lucky enough because the guy said he will wait for me to call. For an inexperienced writer such I, I think he is a very kind and considerate guy or maybe he is desperate looking for a worker or maybe vice versa.
Husband said go for it. My dad said it’s a low pay, what’s the use? Two reasonable answers from the two most important man in my life. Thanks, but you both are not helping.
So I decided..I will call him tomorrow for a yes. This time is a not that happy yes. It is an uncertain yes but not a desperate yes. Please mind your word. I want this and I can do this. I should be happy to be offered with this. A friend told me she has to produce a story in her interview, I didn’t. Luck was with me all the way that day, although all the readings and general knowledge digging did come in handy. I know the 2011 cabinet for a start, which is seriously a joke.
