Meaningful work

People generally want to know that the job they are performing in order to earn a living, where they spend the bulk of the hours in their day, has purpose and meaning. They want to know that their work makes a difference.

That’s the way I have viewed my 20-year career in education and certainly, my work as the editor of the Clay County Courier. I feel that no matter the personal sacrifices I’ve made in this position, it has been important work.

People need to feel a purpose in order to live a fulfilling life and they want to know that their work makes a difference. And any boss or manager worth his or her salt will ensure that employees know that their effort and work is valuable because what people think changes how they feel and what they do.

What needs to be realized is that potential keeps people going on the darkest or most difficult of days. People need to know their talents and abilities. And the thing that individuals must realize is that in order to grow, we have to leave where we are comfortable to realize our full potential. The next challenge should be embraced.

They say that life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent what you do about it. It’s no secret to anyone close to me that my dad’s passing last February has affected me. I admired him and his guidance so very much. With every good thing that has happened at our newspaper in the past few months, I’ve wished he could have been here to see it. He and my mother are the reason that I felt I could jump into a new field as an editor with no experience five years ago.

I embraced the challenge, knowing that one way or another, I could do it. I think that it is that kind of confidence and support that every child deserves.

As an editor I have tried to help people. I didn’t realize that I would be afforded that opportunity, but I love that part of the job. It is a perk. If I could connect someone with a person who could help them, it was my pleasure. I’ve assisted people in getting help when they didn’t know where to turn. And sometimes in ways behind the scenes where they didn’t know of my involvement. It’s my feeling that helping others isn’t about our egos, it’s about people.

I’ve tried to give people a voice and offered those who I saw as having potential as a writer an opportunity to write a column or an article. The thing about opportunities that are offered is you have to know when to take them. My goal was not only to report and write the news but also help our community to become better by contacting people in positions that could help us and shed light on issues on which our residents needed information.

And that brings to me to what I’m having a difficult time saying. Next week, the December 16, 2022 issue, will my last edition of the Courier that I will write and edit for our community. It’s been a very hard decision. Honestly, there are times I wonder if it is the right one, but as I said, we have to realize opportunities and challenges when they come to us. And I have an opportunity to grow in another direction. I’m excited about that. Next week won’t be the last time you will hear from me. I may occasionally write a Lowe Down or an article about something and submit it.

Before I publicly told others, I wanted to tell you all first. My friends, neighbors, who are what I feel, supporters of newspapers. I will miss you all most of all.

So in order to grow, I’m going to leave the paper where I’m comfortable in order to realize my potential and embrace the next challenge.

I look forward to next week and “talking” with you once again.

••• Pam Lowe is editor of the Clay County Courier in Corning. Her email address is pamlowe@claycountycourier. com.