Week 8: Getting Ahead: Working with New Media

New Media: Working to Live
By Shaun Buzza

“I do find the speed of Change intimidating at times, I admit that. I find it difficult to keep my work in check”. Gill, R. (2007)

New Media is evolving at an exponential rate. We are constantly adapting ourselves to the change in order to keep up with these trends and movements, whether it be phone technology or how we manage our online communications. In a working environment it is increasingly essential, especially if we are working in an environment that is dependent on modern technology. There are many jobs associated with New Media such as development, integration, testing and interaction, as well as many more that use New Media on a regular basis.

There are many opinions when it comes to working in an are heavily associate with New Media. Freelancing is one career path that depends quite solely on the use of modern web technology, and while content pouring onto the web is infinite the security found in a permanent job is one to be desired. A common worry seems to be based on the notion of keeping up with the field, and this can impact directly on income. Someone with grater experience and knowledge is obviously more likely to get paid for a job than someone who isn't.

The main argument could be that Freelancing is all about keeping up in the field, and that ongoing learning and experience is mandatory in such a job. In a business structure on sight training is usually given to keep up with modern advancements, and it is this kind of security that is difficult to find, especially in areas associated with writing for the web and web development. Undeniably so, New Media is apparent in all fields of work and is constantly on the change for bettor or for worse.

References

Gill, R. (2007). Informality is the New Black. In Technobohemians or the new Cybertariat? New Media work in Amsterdam a decade after the web. Amsterdam: Institute of Network Cultures: 23-25