This chapter discusses Ida B. Wells's transformation from teacher to journalist. When social relationships failed to satisfied her yearnings, Ida turned to her work and political activities for sustenance. Working in the public schools during a period of increased politicization of the system exposed her to the racial politics of Memphis, which stimulated her newspaper career. Dissatisfaction with teaching pushed Wells toward journalism as an alternative vocation. Increasing political militancy came to provide a focus for the anger that poisoned her relationships with others and also with herself.