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A Little Advice?

S

stevie

Guest
I've been reading this forum for a while and have a lot of respect for the knowledge you all have and I need a little advice. I grew up in Harrisburg during the 60's and have always loved Central Pa. radio but never worked here. When I was in radio I worked in Williamsport, Atlantic City, Wilmington and upstate New York while in college... in the 70's and early 80's. Some of the best memories I have are from the times I was in radio.
Here's my question: I'm 59...recently retired...thinking about how to spend my free time...still have a passion for radio and wondering if it's realistic to get back in on a part-time basis? I'm a little concerned about my age, since I remember radio being a young persons business, and don't want to embarrass myself.
What can I expect if I decide to try to get back in?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts on this.
 
stevie said:
I've been reading this forum for a while and have a lot of respect for the knowledge you all have and I need a little advice. I grew up in Harrisburg during the 60's and have always loved Central Pa. radio but never worked here. When I was in radio I worked in Williamsport, Atlantic City, Wilmington and upstate New York while in college... in the 70's and early 80's. Some of the best memories I have are from the times I was in radio.
Here's my question: I'm 59...recently retired...thinking about how to spend my free time...still have a passion for radio and wondering if it's realistic to get back in on a part-time basis? I'm a little concerned about my age, since I remember radio being a young persons business, and don't want to embarrass myself.
What can I expect if I decide to try to get back in?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts on this.
Click to expand...

Well, first off, stop worrying about your age. You'll soon find that radio is populated with pretty much the same people you worked with in the 70's & 80's--though most of us have changed addresses a number of times since then. Digital automation and downsizing have effectively slammed the door on youngsters (with the exception of the handful of youth-oriented formats)--so the industry is made up largely of your contemporaries.

On the other hand, automation and downsizing have also dramatically reduced the sheer number of part time gigs in radio. And, of course, part-time pay is pretty much the same as when you left--though it sounds like that may not be an issue for you, anyway.

But if you come upon an opportunity to slip back into the industry in a situation you think you'd enjoy, come on in. We're always glad to see an old friend!
 
Hell, I'm 48... been out of the business for about 5-years, and at this point don't miss it. I say more power to you! Go for it! :)
 
Stevie, I'm glad you asked. I've worked in radio for years, and I'm happy to say that you couldn't have picked a better time to reprise your career in this exciting field. Opportunities are plenty, and unlike a lot of job sectors, the security level has never been higher.

I'd recommend adding a long string of letters to the end of your name, and when people ask you what they stand for, you say, "That's all my computer certifications."

Ideally, on your resume, your name should look like this:

Stevie, MSPL-WS-OG-LLC+

Now, nobody has to know that it actually stands for "Stevie, Microsoft Programming Language, Web Surfer, Online Gambler, Little League Coach". (The plus is just thrown in for appearances.)

Next, download someone else's aircheck off the web and immediately present it as your own. Do yourself a favor and try to find someone who sounds similar to you. If anyone notices the difference between the voices, just say, "Those engineers at my old station could make Ethel Merman sound like Charlie Sheen."

Back to your resume. Add the words "Operations Manager" to at least one of your radio station entries. This WILL NOT be a lie. Obviously, if you're the only person in the building, you're the Operations Manager. You're managing the operations, you dig? Surely there was some point when you were the only person in the building.

Have a funny story from the old radio wars on hand when you interview. Drop in references to equipment older than the interviewer, and you'll look like a stinkin' genius.

Hope these tips have been helpful. Feel free to come to us with any other questions you might have.

Cheers,

HardCore
 
Stevie,

Being out of Radio for a little over 20 years and looking back at all the fun I had - I say this.... if you have the heart of a 25 year-old, the wit of a 20 year-old and the common-sense of a 9 year-old....GO FOR IT! ! ! If you had a blast at it when you were younger, that's great. You have only aged by the calendars-of-time. How young you think and feel..... that's the key. In my years of working locally at WFEC, WIOO, Starview-92, WQVE-FM (QV-93), WQXA (Q-106) and WLAN-FM (FM-97), I would not change a thing. So, why not create a few more good memories. Good Luck!
 
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