If You're Job Hunting...

[Mike_Hennessy]

I just wanted to take a moment to remind you that you have a lot to bring to the table if you've decided to look for a career outside of radio. Radio people have an incredibly strong work ethic. Those who survived the turmoil of the last 20 years or so have learned to cope with incredible changes in working environments. You have also learned to do what's inaccurately called "multi-tasking" and can deal with work loads that are incomprehensible to people in other fields. You also have learned to survive, and in some cases, thrive in high pressure environments and you have computer skills such as digital audio editing and website content management that make you very desirable to future employers.

It's tough moving on from an industry that you love so much and it's much too easy to think that you're not good for much else, but the fact is you are going to be an enormous asset to your next employer, whether it's in radio or another field.

I'm pulling for all of you.

 

[Bored Op]

It was a hard decision to make but after 29 years, I got out last January. I really enjoyed the ride and was fortunate enough to work at some great places with even greater people, but it was time to go. Among other things, radio gave me the opportunity to pick up computer skills which led to my new career in IT. Better pay, benefits and more importantly, appreciation for a job well done - which has been sorely missing in radio for quite some time. Anyone considering a change should keep in mind: there is life after radio.

 

[radiogeek07]

I actually will be working in an inside sales environment, and one thing I have pointed out to the company I will be working for was this. Because of my radio background, I've learned a lot about how to convey a message without seeing people. I've learned how voice inflection, etc. can make a difference when discussing products or issues with people. They absolutely loved it!

 

[Wazzie]

Mike said a mouthful. And I hope radio people keep that message in mind when the bean counters decide to swing the axe again. Don't sell yourself short. There are a ton of things you CAN do outside of radio. If you're still employed, daydream about what else you'd like to do. If it's possible, do a little part time moonlighting to get a taste of that job. If you hate it, try something else.

Resolve for 2009 to brush off that resume. Try writing one that doesn't involve call letters... only the skills you have aquired. I bet you'll surprise yourself.

Wishing my radio friends, and radio's fans, the best in 2009!

Waz :-*

 

[radiodork]

Amen to everything said so far.

To anyone still in the business, now is the time to freshen up that demo and resume, and to see how your skills can be used outside of radio. To rip one from FDR, the only thing you have to fear is fear itself. Let go of the industry that has or soon will mistreat you and find some industry that does crazy things like "vacation", "raises", "bonuses", "appreciation", etc. And to those of you who feel safe or protected by who you know or what you did 20 or 30 years ago, forget it. I for one know what it's like to work 24-7, 365, all in the name of making the station/company/myself look good only to get the boot and a lame-a$$ severance because it was budget-cut time.

To those who have left recently, godspeed. Enjoy the holidays, and start cranking out those resumes and demos in January. Businesses aren't hiring like they did in the past, but it's still first-quarter and between now and June is probably your best chance to get your foot in the door somewhere. I'm praying for you and your families, and I know there are many others still with a toe in this business doing the same.

 

[Razed On The Radio]

Everyone has brought up great points. Our industry "ain't" what we all got weaned on, but it is the sign o the times. Keep the faith. Regardless of the doors that might get shut...somewhere one will open. I have worked with phenomenal people who were talented....and then some who were complete A-holes. Sems the good guys sometimes wind up on the wrong side of the desk. It used to be the Holidays were a time of celebration, reflection on a great year, and the opportunity to reinvent yourself for the ensuing year. Now it's duck and cover and hope that you are still drawing a check in the new year. One thing hasn't changed. Use the Holidays to reflect on what YOU have done and take notes of your accomplishments...and if you do get knocked down. Learn and dust yourself off and get back up. Reinvent yourself again! Good luck to all in 2009!

 

[Ferreri]

Mike is so correct. Radio people have a work ethic that is unheard of outside of the business. Mainly due to the fact that we got in the business because we loved it. We worked in small towns. We worked Christmas, weekends, and all nights. It didn't matter. We were doing what we loved. Radio sales people, for the most part, are head and shoulders above all others. Anyone who has sold radio and succeeded knew how to sell. No "order takers" in this business. There have been a multitude of changes over the years, however, radio has a tremendous knack of reinventing itself. Just keep in mind that the cutbacks and corporate dictates are not exclusively the property of the radio industry.

 

[David Sharp]

Just a quick note to say, I agree with everything said. I have been in radio 30 years...hope to stay in the business...but was probably "saved" by going overseas. Doubt I would be in the biz if I had stayed in Tampa. Having said that... there are many other possibilities for ex-radio people, looking for work. IT, sales, public relations...the list goes on. Have a friend over here (Australia), who got tired of the business after 30 years...and he had worked at some really big stations on "this side of the pond." His level of stress lead to a heart attack, and that was his "wake up call" to do something else. He actually re-trained and went into the medical field. Much better pay...much better benefits...and believe it or not, MUCH LESS stress. I have been told it's hard to get radio out of your blood...once in, you're drawn to it. I asked my friend about this and his reply, "I forget about radio every time I look at my pay check." Good luck to all of us.