When asked the other day why I had left The Paris News, I simply said, “I thought I found a better job.” As simple and true as that was, the so-called better job was far from better.

It was simple and not nearly the headache. However, the better job I thought I had turned out to be underfunded, and I was let go not long after I had started. The job itself wasn’t difficult. I interacted with the children and wrote a couple stories on their lives for the school’s newsletter.

But, when asked why I left, because, as they said, “You were considered one of the best ones there,” I didn’t have a better response than, “I thought I found a better job.”

After thinking about the better job and then working with the Lamar County Jail for a few weeks, because I was let go from said better job, I decided the better job wasn’t the less stressful or a more financial bonus. However, the better job is one you adore.

Sometimes, before making a dire decision, ask yourself if what you’re looking for is better because it’s simpler, or because you thoroughly enjoy its controlled, yet energizing chaos. If you don’t, there’s a chance the stress and chaos could become consuming.

The other day, I received a message out of nowhere with excitement asking if I was getting back with The Paris News. I told them I had something up my sleeve but not with The Paris News. I share no disdain with the paper, because it taught me what journalism really was and how to convey meaningful stories to the public so the general community could make their own decisions.

I’ve come to realize the better job for myself is sticking with the community and speaking up for the voiceless.

We all have a right to speak, and we should use it to fight for what’s right. As the song “For those who can’t speak” says, “I will use my voice for those who can’t speak.”

The person who messaged me expressed their excitement toward the “remote possibility … that you will be back …”

Well, the good news is, I am back, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.