There are two careers that most people think of when it comes to writing. One is journalism and the other is copywriting. While the two have a lot in common, they are not exactly the same. The main difference between the two is that journalists typically report on events as they happen, while copywriters create content to drive business.
To determine which career pays better, you need to think about what you want out of life. If you want to be able to write about what you see every day, then being a journalist may be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you want to be able to write about what you experience and want to change, then copywriting may be the right fit for you. Let’s take a look.
The Paycheck
The first and most obvious difference between the two is the paycheck. Journalists typically report on events as they happen and are often paid per article or per story. Consequently, their paychecks can vary widely, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month. On the other hand, copywriters create content that is meant to drive business. As a copywriter, you will typically be paid per piece or per project, and your paycheck will be much more stable. Some copywriters even report earning six-figure salaries.
These are some of the things you need to consider before making a decision. Do you want to be able to write about what you see and experience, or do you want to report on events as they happen? There are definite perks to each career. So, consider what you want out of life and decide which career makes the most sense for you.
The Benefits
The benefits in each career are also quite different. Journalists can enjoy the freedom of the press and being able to speak their mind. The downside is that since they report on events as they happen, there may not be all that much you can do as a journalist to change things. You can expose corruption or wrongdoing, but other than that, you’re pretty much on your own. The same goes for reporting on political debates and quarrels. You will likely enjoy these perks as a journalist, but you might find that you run out of things to write about after a while. On the other hand, copywriting can be a very flexible career. You can pursue it virtually anywhere and can even start your own agency, if you so desire. The benefits of copywriting include the ability to choose your own tasks and stories, and having complete control over the content that you create. These are all very attractive perks for a copywriter. The downside is that you will most likely not enjoy the direct interaction with customers that you get to have as a journalist. Nevertheless, in a world where content is consumed on everything from mobile phones to tablets, laptops, and desktop computers, interaction through copy is more valuable than ever before.
These are just some of the differences between the two. In addition to the obvious differences in the paycheck and the benefits, there are also a few other things you need to consider before making a decision. If you’re not sure which career is right for you, ask friends or family members for their opinions. People who know you well will be able to tell you what you need to know without you having to ask very many questions. They can also give you advice about how to navigate your way through the application process if you’re planning on applying for a job in either one of these careers. Good luck!