Nearly three-quarters of former Los Angeles Times journalists feel less secure about their lives since parting the struggling Tribune Company, a recent informal survey has found. Some of the journalists also reported increased health problems, concern over long-term health insurance and heavy reliance on their spouses’ incomes.
The poll was conducted among former Los Angeles Times journalists who are members of a support message group. Seventy-five out of 124 members responded.
Despite the loss of security, several journalists were happy to escape the pressures of working for the newspaper and the constant threat of layoffs.
“I really could not have continued to have a productive work life with the job insecurity I had at the Times,” wrote a woman who left in April without a buyout but found full-time employment. “It was very hard on my family and on me to never feel secure in my job.”
“It’s odd, but despite the financial ruination and the prospect of never being able to fully retire, I’m happier than I’ve ever been,” wrote another woman who had been laid off. “Life is good, and the bitterness comes from the big financial losses and from the overall lack of appreciation by the LAT.”
Some journalists, however, are working hard to get past the bitterness over how they were treated during their final days and weeks at the Times. “I feel that I’m a champion at making lemonade out of lemons,” wrote a laid-off woman. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not very, very angry... . It was unconscionable.”
Without directly relating health issues to losing their jobs, 27 percent of the former employees reported new problems since leaving the Times. Nine reported bouts of depression while another five experienced nervous tension. Other conditions reported include cancer and heart problems.
The good news is that all but one of the journalists have health insurance. That security is shaky, however, as several respondents expressed concern that COBRA benefits were about to expire.
COBRA – which allows employees to continue coverage under a former employers health insurance at a higher price – is generally valid for up to 18 months after leaving a company. A subsidy designed to offset the high insurance costs expired on Monday.
“My husband and I are both covered by my COBRA,” wrote a laid off female. “I am hoping that the subsidy is renewed after Dec. 31. We both have pre-existing conditions, which could make finding other insurance difficult.”
Out-of-work journalists are also struggling with co-pays.
“I can’t afford needed MRI scans because of The Times’ insurance out-of-pocket expense requirements,” wrote a woman struggling with depression.
In a couple of cases, health improved after leaving the Times.
“I’ve been able to eliminate two medicines since leaving the paper,” wrote a laid-off make staffer.
“Because I am no longer putting in 40, 50 or 60-hour work-weeks, I am able to address some health concerns that I was putting off,” added one of his former female colleagues.
While former Times employees struggle with their own careers, 65 percent report spouses working full-time. Another 16 percent are working part-time and 7 percent are freelancing. Only 4 members report a spouse receiving unemployment benefits.
Perhaps because many of the families surveyed now depend on one salary, concern was expressed over spouses losing their jobs.
“If my spouse’s job disappears – and it’s possible – then we will probably be selling the house and moving on,” wrote one laid off woman.
– Brett Levy
For more information, contact the author at Brett.Levy@thejournalismshop.com. Journalism Shop member Scott Martelle edited this report.
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I'm sorry to see so many of my former colleagues suffering. It wasn't easy leaving the LAT as I did in 2004 on a buyout after 20 years in and out of TMS, the zones (great starting place), OC (loved it), and (the worst decision possible by the management team in 1993), the failed Nuestro Tiempo. And, yes, despite attempts to make it civil, it wasn't fun the way I was treated out the door (But I always took my wife's medical benefits anyway. Made the transition more seemless.) Being just a number in a cutback is bad on one's ego. I was sitting in a gas station smogging the wife's car when I got the call from former sports editor Bill Dwyre who pleaded with me to help him make his "quota."
"You can stay," Dwyre said, "But I just can't say what beat you'll have." (I haven't told that story to many people). But all you ex-LATers will survive. If you were strong enough to make it to the once-great LAT, you are strong enough to turn your fortunes around. I haven't worked a full-time job since that day I took Dwyre up on his offer five and a half years ago, and I've got so much work. I can't be happier.
Paul McLeod
2009 Cal-Journalism Educators Coalition two-year journalism instructor of the year
2009 Journalism Association of Community Colleges Volunteer of the Year.
Journalism adviser/lecturer,
Saddleback College
Harbor College
Posted by: Paul McLeod | 12/04/2009 at 10:07 AM