Digital AP’s Pam Hess is Leaving Journalism By Betsy Rothstein|February 11, 2010Share By Betsy Rothstein|February 11, 2010Share AP’s Pam Hess is leaving her position for a job that is “outside journalism” she says in a farewell e-mail to friends, colleagues and sources. Though her last day is Feb. 14, she has great affection for this profession: “The last 20 years have taken me all over the globe and given me the great privilege all reporters have: knowing first-hand that the world is both more terrible and more wonderful than most people ever imagine,” she writes. Read the full goodbye note after the jump… Friends, colleagues, sources – I am leaving AP Feb. 14 for a new position outside journalism that will start March 1. I’ll let you know more about that in a future email. The last 20 years have taken me all over the globe and given me the great privilege all reporters have: knowing first-hand that the world is both more terrible and more wonderful than most people ever imagine. I want to devote this note to saying thank you for your friendship and help these last two and half years. I apologize if you are one of the many sources whose children and spouses I awoke when I called you at midnight about breaking news. This happened more than I care to think; that you answered your phone at all after looking at your caller ID always amazed me. Thank you. A good friend once remarked that journalism is a backstage pass to life. Starting 5 pm Valentine’s Day, I am trading in my backstage pass for a front-row seat, and I can’t wait to watch the show (and not have to write about it). After the 14th, I’m going gloriously cell phone-free for a couple of weeks. Please in the meantime contact me at. Updated phone and work e-mail to come. Stay in touch. Best wishes, Pam Adweek Adweek