A biz journalist who now works in retail

Mark Patinkin of the Providence Journal writes about former Wall Street Journal reporter Suzanne McGee, who now works at a Banana Republic in Providence to make ends meet.

Patinkin writes, “As the two of us strolled into the mall at 10 a.m., Suzanne said she likes the work, and her reporter’s background even plays in — asking questions helps her lead customers to the right choices.

“Suzanne hasn’t given up writing. She still contributes to the Wall Street Journal, is proposing another book, and is working with a friend to start a business writing personal histories for families.

“Meanwhile, she’s glad to have the retail job. Though she agrees her career path is a reflection of tough times in journalism, she said it’s also about renewal through change, and the dignity of making ends meet.

“‘It’s been fun,” she said, ‘and it’s been different.’

“Then she spotted a customer wanting to try something on, and Suzanne McGee was off to begin her shift.”

Read more here.