reporter

producer

journalist

intern

editorial intern

TORONTO STAR

This job is one of those jobs where you have your ups and down since the pay is all commission-based.

You get $15 dollars for every daily subscription you get, $10 for the weekends and just $5 for a single day. If you get many subscriptions, you can see why I say this is double-edged; you'll make a ton of money, more than minimum wage. Otherwise if you get none, you have wasted your time (not necessarily since you do learn different methods and skills to persuade the customer).

The co-workers and the boss himself are very very friendly. Very good people. Definitely there is no worry about the community for what I've experienced.

Since the boss does drives us (co-workers and I) to selected neighbourhoods, the job security varies. I do feel safe enough, but for some, particularly females, they may be a bit frightened since sometimes we work in the evening. Fortunately, sometimes we are sent in teams of 2 and possibly 3.

There are small fusses about there not being enough pens, but besides that the management is fine.

Balancing your life and work is not hard at all. I, however, chose to quit in order to get amazing marks at school. That's just me though. I'm sure there are others who can keep the job and still do excellent.

My typical day for this job implies ensuring delivery of the Toronto Star Newspaper in a vehicle from 3am to 9am, seven days a week. I also would have to keep up to date records on the Routes and upkeep specifications based on the customer's need.

I learned how to communicate and provide excellent customer service and adapt to the needs of others. I also have much more first hand experience with defensive driving in all road conditions and weather. 

My management for this job provided me with a previous employee to train me, ensuring I met the standards' of the clients. 
I was also provided updated information to adjust any changes the client/customer had involving his/her rural delivery services. 

My co-workers were cooperative and helpful. Everyone always lent a helpful hand to ensure delivery was completed, if issues had risen. 

The hardest part of the job was the weather conditions. Although a time frame was expanded, if need be. 

The most enjoyable part of the job was the customer's feedback to fulfill the needs in which they required.

During my time in the IT department at [Company Name], I gained valuable experience and contributed to various projects that supported the organization’s technological operations. Over the years, I developed technical skills, collaborated with colleagues, and navigated challenges that came with maintaining and improving systems. While the work was generally acceptable and provided opportunities for professional growth, it did not leave a lasting impression that would make me consider returning. Unfortunately, I was eventually laid off, which marked the end of my tenure with the company. While I appreciate the experience gained during my time there, I believe my future lies elsewhere, in an environment better suited to my professional goals and values. The layoff provided an opportunity to reevaluate my career path, and I am now focused on exploring new opportunities that align more closely with my aspirations and work preferences. Moving forward, I am eager to apply my skills in a setting that fosters growth and fulfillment.

The Star was my first Canadian news organisation and so I cut my teeth on a very complex and fast paced environment. 

My typical day involved working with many different teams internally to explore new areas for growth and revenue within pre-existing content models.  Research, Audience Development, Editorial and Sales were all departments that were involved in the creation and execution of any new initiative I brought to the table. 

The opportunity to 'blue sky' new ideas was a very significant part of my job that I enjoyed immensely.  I was able to dive deep into the world of content solutions and architecture and propose new concepts that would be a success both with audiences and with advertisers.

Challenges included the internal navigation of the different departments and the different agendas that they held.  Challenges also included the different approaches of each department and finding a happy medium.

They paid per commission, had terrible reputation, would not give you day off if you're ill or tired. They throw you to the streets, with no log of who already has subscription and a pathetic script to memorize so people feel bad for you and subscribe. They have pretty terrible reputation and they send you on your own with a partner to a lousy neighborhood and don't pick you up till 3-4 hours later. Their commission pay is less than promised and you barely get any, when I quit they never paid me back and blocked my number. You can't get paid unless you make a TD account. Their drivers are inexperienced and once they even had a car accident that was the driver's fault. On weekends they force you to work for 7 hours before giving you your promised meal. You're lucky if they give you a water bottle and they once offered me drugs while tired so I can focus on work.

Typical day there is very routine. We had a time frame to get things done. Typical day there is we’re always on the clock, working fast paced. Very routine.
I developed my skills and experience in numerous different ways. While I already had strong IT skills, I didn’t have any previous experience of Microsoft Access. When my employer introduced a new order management system which used Access they gave me the opportunity to undertake additional training so as to be able to work effectively with this. I was then able to put this training into practice on a day-to-day basis and I am now extremely adept at using the package. I also learned a great deal about handling customers.
It was very fast paced but very friendly work environment, with good coworkers.

Working for the Toronto Star can, at times, be very interesting. The Sales Representative position in the Toronto Star requires its workers to go door-to-door and interact with people in order to persuade them subscribe to the Toronto Star Newspaper. 

The job doesn't often involve teamwork, rather an individual effort to make sales. The most enjoyable part of this job is that you meet some very interesting characters when knocking on the door of an unknown potential customer.

The hardest part of this job would probably be the amount of energy one would require in order to do well. Whether it's winter or summer, Sales Representatives are expected to walk through each neighborhood, which usually takes several hours, and talk to each and every house in the area.

A Typical day at work usually is waiting for the paper from the press room. Most of the work involve physical and manual work with the final products. Working for Toronto Star, I have learned to operate and fix minor problems with the machines. Also I have learned to work with co-workers and management. The co-workers come in many different backgrounds and I have learn to work with them in team work fashion. The most different part of the job is maintaining the machines while the paper is coming from the press room. A small glitch or obstruction while the machine is running can shut the stacker down and in the extreme situation it can stop the press. The most enjoyable time at work is enjoying the down time.

I enjoyed my time working at the Toronto Star. There I was mentored and given the opportunity to expand my coordinating and project management skills. I flourished in the environment and thrived working with my PMO team as well as the Directors and Executives. I would easily return to The Star if given the opportunity. 
The Project Managers were all very effective and high class professionals.The hardest part of the job was coordinating amongst the many departments as it was a fast paced environment; this was also my favourite part of the job as it presented a challenge I was happy to meet and successfully pulled off.

Toronto Star is going through a major shift from paper to media; albeit, the culture is in rapid change as well.   I feel honored to have worked for the Toronto Star, but the future is uncertain and the culture in flux.  If the company is to remain the moral compass of Business, Government and Society, then they need to dig deep into their own conscience at this time.  The newspaper was "built on the backs of the working man" (Atikinson Principles), and I think they need to return to their roots as they navigate their future.
I have deep respect for the amazing people I have worked with, their dedication and commitment to independent journalism.  You feel you are part of a greater cause.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Reporter 5 salaries reported	$62,629 per year
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Journalist 3 salaries reported	$58,000 per year
Intern 1 salary reported	$55,210 per year
Editorial intern 1 salary reported	$1,072 per week

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