It's common knowledge that PR and marketing folk get paid more than (most) journalists. But just in case you weren't sure, the Wall Street Journal really lays it out for you.

In an interview with Eric Gerard, senior vice president of Great Ink Communications, the former journalist explains why he made the move:

"Every Thursday night, I'd work until midnight to meet deadline and one Thursday at around 8:30 p.m., I got a call from a publicist I knew who was having two people leave her practice. She asked if I knew anybody who would be good. When I asked what the pay scale was, I was floored. It was 35% to 40% more than I was making. At the rate I was going, it would take me 15 years to make that salary, so I took the job, and in one jump I made a 15-year leap."

What's better about PR:

"Basically it's a nine-to-five job. It's more family friendly. Instead of 2% raises, there is an annual 5% to 10% raise, and you don't have to crawl on your hands and knees for it. I now make over $100,000. I am also able to vacation more regularly -- I never had more than two to three weeks' vacation at the newspaper. In public relations, especially in a small firm, if you bring in clients you get a commission. There is a constant ability to supplement your income -- with one account you can make an extra $10,000."

Interestingly enough, this article showed up in a Google News Search as posted 21 hours ago, but a note before the article stated, "Originally published September 6th, 2006." Old or not, we felt it was worth a read, especially in these economically turbulent times.