Requiem for a TV news career.

[mothball]

It was 1991. I was a young pup just entering college, and I had a chance to do something I'd always wanted to do. I had a chance to be a disc jockey, and I took it.

Part of the job required doing newscasts every hour. I quickly found that writing the five minute block was engaging and fun, and I could include things people would talk about. It was something else fun to do while I played my music.

I went looking for a talent job in a bigger market and ended up in a newsroom of a talk station, editing together bits of reel to reel with a razor blade and putting soundbites on carts. I counted myself lucky to get a job without the degree yet, and kept up the overnight work through my college career.

Graduation day came and went, and I dutifully submitted tapes across the states to radio stations, looking for something, anything better than $3.75 an hour. And I got it -- but not in radio. I got picked up by a TV station and within a month was producing a morning show.

At first, it killed me. I lived on coffee and Twix bars, trying to stay awake long enough to talk with my future spouse on the phone each day. I was making more money, sure, but I was scared and alone in a new city, and I didn't know anyone. I had no idea what my future held.

But I knew I enjoyed what I did for a living. And it was EXCITING. I grew to love the dark drives out to the station, my co-workers, and the freedom of 9am.

It was all great until one day in March 1998, when two kids opened fire on their classmates. Something clicked in my head... something about things being wrong. I had to get out. And I did, just a few months later.

But I missed it terribly.

A year later, I was living in my hometown, working in radio again and wondering what the hell I was doing, when I got a call from a local shop. They needed producers, bad, and would I be interested? It was only a morning show, they told me, but it might lead to bigger and better things.

I never looked back.

Five months after my return to TV news, I was offered an evening slot. I refused. I didn't care if we were a last place show... I believed in what we were doing and saw something more than the day to day grind.

After a couple of tries to lure me to the nightside, my news director gave up, and the morning show was mine.

Well, mine and a fantastic team of people. When we first met each other, we didn't know our potential. But we grew together, a very odd and eccentric family, and we started to grow a morning show that wasn't like anything else I'd ever done in my life.

And in the middle of this growing... there was September 11th. And I had to decide if I was going to keep running from the bad news or embrace it.

I did neither. Instead, I reevaluated what it was that kept me in news. And it wasn't the adrenaline, or the rush to be better than anyone else. It was the ability to change lives. And we did -- for the better, I hope. We went from a morning show about car wrecks and shootings to one about the neat things that go on in our community and state, and how we celebrate our uniqueness. At the same time, we shared our own efforts to help others... and we shared our lives. All of us -- anchors, producers, directors, photographers -- even the teleprompter guy became part of our mutual story we shared with the public every day.

In a perfect world, we could have gone on forever. Sure, there were dark days -- but there was comfort in knowing that we'd cover each other's back and be there when the days were darkest, and we'd weather the storms together.

But children grow up and people grow old.

We took that litte show and made it a ratings winner... and we took our lives and made them a little better... and maybe we helped make some other lives better, too.

We got married (and some got divorced). Some had kids, others paid off their mortgages and some even retired. And life went on.

Years passed, and I'd always kindly return those calls from talent scouts who wanted to know if they could lure me away to such exotic locales as Miami or San Francisco. And I always turned them down. I knew what we had here was special. And I knew it would never come again.

But time has worn on me. The 50-60 hour workweeks have eaten my soul, and my spouse who's been beside me all these years has seen less and less of me. News may be a career, but it's no way of life.

I've also branched out a little -- first volunteering for a charity organization, then picking up on a childhood dream and writing a few articles here and there. In my little bit of free time, I've penned a couple of books, and maybe someday they'll see the light of day.

Maybe it's me... or maybe I'm getting old... but now reading those stories I have to share with viewers every morning are starting to bruise me. I read about parents killed by their children and the brutality visited upon victims and I just want to spew. I find myself caring less about legislation and more about what can I do to stop the craziness in this country.

At the same time, we're not getting any younger, and my spouse and I have both agreed it's time to start a family -- if we ever plan to start one. Can't wait forever.

Add in the potential to make beaucoup bux writing advertizing on contract, and the still pitiful paycheck I bring in (with all that experience!), and you can see where this is going.

I am leaving television news.

I can't blame it on my co-workers -- they're the biggest reason it's taken me so long to come to this conclusion. They are my family, and leaving them is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

I can place blame, but I'm not going to. This is a time for me to look forward in my life. And I am. Because I believe, honestly and truly believe, that writing is where my future lies.

Will I leave Medialine? Not if I have a say about it. I still have 16 years of experience to share about TV and radio... and I will still be a functioning member of the media, though be it print media. And I've grown to learn that much of the advice I have received here over the years has gone past television knowledge and become valuable to me as life experience.

Will I be searching for that box of color bars? No -- but that's not to say I won't ever have the chance again to tell some intern they're under the engineer's workbench.

I will say this. In every field I've investigated, in every conversation I've had over work lately, I see the same thing happening in the newsroom as in the corporate world. We've become a bottom line economy -- where the lowest bidder takes the prize. For newzies -- that means more fresh college grads and undergrads staffing positions we once thought venerable, and less of the old guard to share experience and knowledge. It's scary enough for us -- but I also see it in the nursing field, in engineering and accounting and so much more. Paranoia abounds -- and for good reason.

Still, my hopes are high. I honestly believe that if allowed, the best in people will surface. It's a matter of faith.

I don't yet know if I'll miss the midnight drives in to work, or the stale mini-doughnuts in the vending machine, or the smell out of the printers when they're almost done printing out the show. I don't know if I'll miss any of the work. But I will sure miss the people.

[TVMattNYC]

Congratulations, Mothball.

Good for you.

I hope to be writing my own "I'm leaving TV" narrative soon.

[Another side]

Originally posted by mothball:
I can place blame, but I'm not going to. This is a time for me to look forward in my life. And I am. Because I believe, honestly and truly believe, that writing is where my future lies.If the eloquence, word economy and honesty exhibited in this post is indicative of your day-to-day professional writing, I -- also -- honestly and truly believe that writing is where your future lies. Somebody is going to pay you a lot of money to write for them at some point, and I hope it'sooner than later.

Excellent post.

And Oh by-the-way ... I was 37 when my wife and I had the first of five kids. Couldn't have worked out better. Good luck.

[Diplomat]

Originally posted by Another side:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by mothball:
I can place blame, but I'm not going to. This is a time for me to look forward in my life. And I am. Because I believe, honestly and truly believe, that writing is where my future lies.If the eloquence, word economy and honesty exhibited in this post is indicative of your day-to-day professional writing, I -- also -- honestly and truly believe that writing is where your future lies. Somebody is going to pay you a lot of money to write for them at some point, and I hope it'sooner than later.

Excellent post.

And Oh by-the-way ... I was 37 when my wife and I had the first of five kids. Couldn't have worked out better. Good luck.</font>[/QUOTE]I concur with AS and Matt. All the best in your new career path and life.

AS--you must be a little older than I thought.

[Bureau Chief]

Spike! LOCK THE DOORS! LET OUT THE DOGS! Mothball is trying to escape again!

Seriously, congratulations...but you will be back...0h yes, you will be back. Once its in your blood, you are ours for life!

[Laughing Angel]

Congrats, mothball.

I'm sad for the business, but happy for you. I just hate it when we lose the good ones.

AS is correct. Someone, someday, will be paying you big bucks for your eloquent writing. I'm wishing you continued success in your transition to the real world and good luck in your future endeavors.

[mothball]

Aw, shucks y'all... thanks.

[Hank Scorpio]

I'm getting out right now, in fact in just a few weeks I'll be gone. Good luck to you.

[Spike]

Originally posted by Bureau Chief:
Spike! LOCK THE DOORS! LET OUT THE DOGS! Mothball is trying to escape again!Hell, don't ask me to stop him. I'd be the last person to encourage someone with talent and intelligence to stay in the dead end world of teevee news. I'll leave the doors open and toss the dogs some contaminated beef to keep them busy while he slips away.

Congrats, Mothball. You deserve better than this. Now go get it.

[Head Janitor]

The Best for you and yours.

[s'news]

Good luck and best wishes.

[Judge]

Good luck Mothball...

Don't forget, you can escape the business, but it will always find you, usually in the middle of the night....that one in a series of nightmares that pops up between "RUNNING DOWN A NARROW DARK ALLEY," and "WHAT?! FINAL EXAM?!! WHOOPS, I MUST'VE BLOWN OFF THE ENTIRE SEMESTER!!"

And quit talking about being old!! You're making me feel, well, old.

[BrgrKing15]

Good Luck Mothball... You are an excellent writer!

[Vulcan]

Mothball, stick around. The kids getting into the meat grinder deserve to know what the afterlife will look like. We can't abandon them now.

I celebrate four years out in January. I always get asked "How much do you miss it?"

Not a single day. Not one.

TVMatt - shoot me an e-mail. I've got an idea for you...

[William_Jefferson_Clinton]

http://www.geocities.com/california_state_unfair2002/bill_clinton_rose.jpg

Newsroom Lament - Press Play&gt; (http://www.geocities.com/california_state_unfair2002/blood-my_chemical_romance.html)

[ October 30, 2007, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: William_Jefferson_Clinton ]

[House Cat #1]

Amazing.

I've been away from this board for a long time, but came back today specifically to see if there were any posts about leaving the business. I am surprised that I found two (relatively fresh threads) in this one forum alone.

Mothball, I hope you find something incredible and have as much success out of the business as you had with your morning newscast. I can't believe your station gave you the resources and the freedom to produce a quality newscast that isn't centered around shootings, car wrecks and the other "show" fodder that is cheap and easy to pick up. The fact that you have such a great relationship with your co-workers also speaks to the healthy environment I assume you have at your station. I can understand how that would be hard to leave.

For me, it won't be so hard.
After preparing for this business in high school, working for a degree in this business through my college years and working day to day in the business for eleven years-I am ready to leave as well.

Through my journey in television news I have enjoyed intoxicating highs and gut-wrenching lows. I've produced award-winning newscasts and had broadcasts go into meltdown live on the air. I've worked with people I truly love, and people I hope never to see again. It has certainly been a roller coaster ride.

However, much like a roller coaster, the biz was easier to stomach at age 25 than it is at 35. It is easier to sacrifice everything for the job when you only have yourself to care about. For years I gave so much to the business that I did not even realize I was taking so much from myself and those I love. Like nearly everyone else on this message board I work long and irregular hours. I work holidays and have had to miss an endless list of important events for my family and friends.

Now I am married to a wonderful, giving woman. But she has given too much. Early in our relationship she was understanding and even supportive of my job. After years of sitting at home alone each night and giving up the few hours we have together on the weekends for breaking news, sweeps projects and weather events, her understanding has worn paper thin. She now hates and resents my job. This was only magnified when we recently had our first child. My wife is left to raise our baby alone and wait for me to drag myself home at one in the morning.

As I get older, my priorities are changing. Work has become my life, and I've come to the realization that its the part of my life I like the least. The excitement I once had for TV news has been replaced with frustration and regret. Slashed budgets, increased pressure from an increasingly cold list of corporate owners, eroding viewership, unending stress and the uncertain future of our business are just a few of the reasons I am ready for a major life change.

On the way home the other night I had an epiphany. I realized that I have either outgrown this business, or it was never for me in the first place. I am a square peg trying to fit myself into a round hole. Forcing myself to fit is only wearing down my edges, destroying my health and killing my spirit.

This post is not meant to bash the industry. Our business can do great things when it is not pandering to the lowest common denominator. There are many incredible, talented people who truly belong in this line of work. If they love their jobs and can't wait to arrive at work each day then I say, more power to them.

As for me, I desperately wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self what I have learned. I wish I could convince that kid to stop rushing forward at full speed, look into himself for a moment, and find a career that truly fits who he is.

While I can't go back in time, I hope I can change my future. Over the weekend I bought several books on changing careers. I am working to find others who "got out of the biz" for advice and ideas. I am starting the most important research project of my life.

I have no idea where this new road will lead me. I do know that this time I will look into myself to find the job I truly want, instead of the one I think I should have.

[Jane Craig]

My best wishes to you all. The industry has changed radically over the past ten years, and the pace of that change is accelerating, in terms of both hiring standards and job descriptions.

I love the television industry and worked in/around it for the majority of my career. But I was lured out nearly seven years ago and although there are parts of it I miss, I am grateful in retrospect that the opportunity for "life outside" presented itself when it did.

Housecat, you will find something that's better for you now. Good luck and keep us posted. And mothball, hope you and your spouse have much dancing in your future!

[TVMattNYC]

Originally posted by House Cat #1:
For years I gave so much to the business that I did not even realize I was taking so much from myself and those I love. Like nearly everyone else on this message board I work long and irregular hours. I work holidays and have had to miss an endless list of important events for my family and friends.

As I get older, my priorities are changing. Work has become my life, and I've come to the realization that its the part of my life I like the least. The excitement I once had for TV news has been replaced with frustration and regret. Slashed budgets, increased pressure from an increasingly cold list of corporate owners, eroding viewership, unending stress and the uncertain future of our business are just a few of the reasons I am ready for a major life change.

On the way home the other night I had an epiphany. I realized that I have either outgrown this business, or it was never for me in the first place. I am a square peg trying to fit myself into a round hole. Forcing myself to fit is only wearing down my edges, destroying my health and killing my spirit.
OMG.

It's like you read my mind.

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY.

[Vulcan]

Originally posted by TVMattNYC:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by House Cat #1:
For years I gave so much to the business that I did not even realize I was taking so much from myself and those I love. Like nearly everyone else on this message board I work long and irregular hours. I work holidays and have had to miss an endless list of important events for my family and friends.

As I get older, my priorities are changing. Work has become my life, and I've come to the realization that its the part of my life I like the least. The excitement I once had for TV news has been replaced with frustration and regret. Slashed budgets, increased pressure from an increasingly cold list of corporate owners, eroding viewership, unending stress and the uncertain future of our business are just a few of the reasons I am ready for a major life change.

On the way home the other night I had an epiphany. I realized that I have either outgrown this business, or it was never for me in the first place. I am a square peg trying to fit myself into a round hole. Forcing myself to fit is only wearing down my edges, destroying my health and killing my spirit.
OMG.

It's like you read my mind.

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY.</font>[/QUOTE]It's like the guy who said "I didn't leave the _______ Party, the ________ Party left me."

[TVMattNYC]

Originally posted by Vulcan:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by TVMattNYC:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by House Cat #1:
For years I gave so much to the business that I did not even realize I was taking so much from myself and those I love. Like nearly everyone else on this message board I work long and irregular hours. I work holidays and have had to miss an endless list of important events for my family and friends.

As I get older, my priorities are changing. Work has become my life, and I've come to the realization that its the part of my life I like the least. The excitement I once had for TV news has been replaced with frustration and regret. Slashed budgets, increased pressure from an increasingly cold list of corporate owners, eroding viewership, unending stress and the uncertain future of our business are just a few of the reasons I am ready for a major life change.

On the way home the other night I had an epiphany. I realized that I have either outgrown this business, or it was never for me in the first place. I am a square peg trying to fit myself into a round hole. Forcing myself to fit is only wearing down my edges, destroying my health and killing my spirit.
OMG.

It's like you read my mind.

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY.</font>[/QUOTE]It's like the guy who said "I didn't leave the _______ Party, the ________ Party left me."</font>[/QUOTE]Vulcan, that is so true.

Actually, with the skyrocketing price of real estate here in Manhattan ... and the resulting cultural sea change ... I'm seeing many of my longtime New Yorker friends doing something they vowed they'd NEVER do: leave the city.

York isn't New York anymore. The people who made this city what it is today ... the writers, artists, designers, academics, teachers ... are all being pushed out by a new class of uber-richies with bottomless checkbooks who think style can be BOUGHT.

One of my friends summed it up thusly: "I don't think of it as me leaving New York, since New York left ME years ago."

[House Cat #1]

TVMattNYC:

You said I read your mind with my post. I have a feeling there are many more people out there who feel the same way we do.

That is one of the reasons I checked in on Medialine. It kind of helps to see that I am not alone. Perhaps misery does love company, after all. I appreciate the kind words of everyone on the board. If only we could start our own support group to help ourselves and others to escape the biz. It could be sort of an underground railroad for TV folks.

As I take the first small steps into my big "research" project, I am finding that there are plenty of people looking to leave our profession. There is even a book written specifically for television journalists who are looking for a new career. Damn, if only I'd thought of that first.

This mass exodus may point to a bigger problem with the business itself. One of the "how to find a new career" books I am reading is not journalism or broadcasting specific. However, it includes an interesting passage in a chapter where it lists out what you can expect from different careers. Under journalism/mass communications it says "many people who choose to work in this field end up leaving before their 40th birthday." I nearly dropped the book. The writer speculates that many of us burn out from constant deadlines and stress while at the same time we yearn for a personal life.

There was an interesting article in "The Washington Post" last year on the changing face of our business. It focused on how the number of men is declining in broadcast news. However, there was a sentence I think speaks to all of us, male or female:

"Many observers suggest that their departure reflects the transformation of TV news from a "glamour" business to a low-wage, no-growth field with limited career potential."

Wow. That hurts.

I toyed around with the idea of leaving the business a few times before. Each time I felt a small, but powerful knot of panic building deep in my stomach. It was the kind of nagging fear that crawls up your spine and eventually causes frigid little beads of sweat to pop out on your forehead when you really think about the ramifications. "If I leave my job, what would I do?" "What if I have to start at the bottom in a new career?" "What if I end up making less money?" "Am I even qualified to do anything else?" "What if nobody wants me?" "Is it worth the gamble when I have a wife, a child, a mortgage and a mountain of debt to pay off?"

For some reason after having my moment of clarity, I am no longer afraid. In fact, I am more fearful of what will happen if I don't make a change. The fear has been replaced by excitement.

If anyone who has made it through to the "other side" feels like sending any wisdom, advice or tales of their experiences my way, I would very much appreciate it.

Hopefully someday, I can do the same for someone else.

[Bandit '07]

House Cat, Matt and others ... change isn't easy but it can be exciting. Thoughts of career change can bring with it a lot of fear ... particularly if you have a family to consider.

The only advice I can offer is to research things very carefully ... use the opportunity to think about what you'd really like your career (& your life) to be about. See a career counselor. Talk to friends who have changed careers.

Fear can bring immobilization, but researching options can "unstick" you and get you focused on developing a plan.

In my case, I took a sizable salary hit and downsized my living situation. Six years later, my salary finally equals what I made at the end of my TV career.

But on the other hand, I work for an organization that is very flexible ... listens to my perspective ... and appreciates what my media skills bring to the table. I've traveled more and had more fun the past six years than I can ever remember in TV - so the loss of income has been more than offset by the living I've done.

(Not that you would necessarily have to take a pay cut to change careers - just throwing my experience out there.)

I'm buying a video camcorder & editing software soon and hitting the road to tell the story of how the industry I work for is helping people help themselves. My bosses are excited about it and tremendously supportive.

As you consider the future, keep that last point in mind - we live in an age where consumers of information and media can now be producers as well (blogs, vlogs, You Tube, etc.) - that's bad news in my opinion for corporate ownership of media ... but great news for the individuals who possess the skill set to produce content. In the age of Social Media, that skill set is more transferable to other settings than ever.

Good luck, and PM me if you would like to ask questions or share your thoughts further.

[!]

Originally posted by Bandit '07:
In my case, I took a sizable salary hit and downsized my living situation. Six years later, my salary finally equals what I made at the end of my TV career. What a refreshing revelation.

You may be the first person I have ever seen on this board admit to making less money outside TV news.

[TAFKA wacowx]

I left a few months ago but it was a little easier for me as I am a meteorologist and there are plenty of non-broadcast jobs for us out there whereas there are very few journalism jobs for someone with a journalism degree...if you get my meaning.

I left due to a BIG change: having a child enter our lives. I realized that without health insurance for my wife (way too much to afford at the previous job) it would cost us mucho deneiro and my schedule would keep me away from home too much. More than news, we weather folk in Texas are always on call and more often than not I would pull 12hr shifts from March-June.

I found a job in a growing field (energy) in a city we love (Houston) with holidays off, much better pay, giving us the ability to buy a home for the first time in our 10 years of marriage and the best thiing is I don't have to worry about work when I leave....if there's severe weather, I just don't care. Or rather, I can watch the storms and 'enjoy' them like I did before I got into TV.

Like others have said, I don't watch news much anymore. I guess we all become like everyone else, and avoid the TV news when you can get it so easily from other sources.

My situation is a little different than most I guess, since if I wanted to I could easily do some weekend TV fill-in work here for a little extra cash, but I certainly wouldn't want to make a habit out of it.

Those quotes above about our business are dead-on, with little to look forward to in the future here. We have seen a halt to the shop closings that were prevalent in the 90s, but I would think that more and more stations will consolidate operations or just stop doing news altogether. There are very few cities that can properly support more than 2 news stations currently...the pieces of the pie keep getting smaller and smaller. And the trend toward hiring younger and cheaper...even in the big markets is a true red flag.

I think that anyone who is thinking about leaving should do a little soul searching AND some research and test the waters. It is SO nice not to have the day-to-day worry and to be free of the constant worry that develops when you are in the business for so many years. And in nearly every case, you will be making much more money and have much more time off. And your time off will be truly time off without worrying about some breaking news event you might be called in for.

[!]

"Many observers suggest that their departure reflects the transformation of TV news from a "glamour" business to a low-wage, no-growth field with limited career potential."I'd argue that people entering TV news because they wanted to get into a "glamour" business is--and has been for year--a major part of the problem with the industry.

[wx or not]

I am humbled by the above postings. I have been doing this since '77 and have only looked back once (when my son was born in '95, and health insurance was pricey). I'm still in it, doing what I love, and for the same reason that I first entered it. Being married to a beautiful woman who has her bearings straight has made my life much more bearable.

I continue to do my job because I know that there are viewers who need facts, not opinions. They want a friendly face that can deliver a report with an open mind, provide a weather update when their lives depend on it, or simply answer an email from someone who is worried about a recent failing grade on a j-school midterm.

There have been hundreds (!) of interns over the years, new mets, new reporters, new anchors, old anchors, some on the way up, some on the way out, but one thing has been constant throughout this entire experience: My learning has never ceased.

If my participation in this fine field were to end tomorrow, if meteorology and journalism were no longer an interest, there could only be one lesson that I would impart to new j-school grads: Listen. We, of the old school of hard knocks, White Castles, vending machine food, bad break-room coffee, etc. have a lot of wisdom (and not always good). Just listen.

To all of those who have found their calling in other fields, and to those who have a greater increase in job satisfaction (maybe not commensurate with money), I say: Bully for you! But don't give up on the rest of us. We still need your input. We need you.

[ November 08, 2007, 06:14 AM: Message edited by: wx or not ]

[jrat33]

No point in loving a job... because when did the job ever love you back?

[SpxGrunt]

Originally posted by jrat33:
No point in loving a job... because when did the job ever love you back?Haven't you seen Pretty Woman?

[Another OMB]

Originally posted by House Cat #1:
TVMattNYC:

There is even a book written specifically for television journalists who are looking for a new career.What's the name of that book, please? I tried Googling it but couldn't find it. And I love the idea of a sort of "underground railroad" for journalists thinking about leaving the business.

Like so many others have said here, I don't like the direction our business is heading. I've been in it for more than 22 years now, all of it as a one-man-band.

When I started, I was an OMB out of necessity, since it was a small market. Then I got a job at a much larger market (top 40) only because I could OMB. But it's not the OMBing that's bothering me; it's the dumbing-down and the increasing focus on celebrities and other non-news that I don't like.

There are days when I get "that story" and I love what I do and can't imagine doing anything else. But there are too many other days when, after getting my assignment, I wish I could say, "Oh, wait a minute. I'm actually sick today," and leave.

And we can all relate to the lack of family time and an unpredictable schedule. Ironically, that's one thing that originally attracted me to teevee nooze--not having a boring 9 to 5 desk job. Now, I'd love to be able to count on being home for dinner or being able to make it to my son's baseball games.

[Vulcan]

Originally posted by !:
You may be the first person I have ever seen on this board admit to making less money outside TV news.I was open about taking a pay cut to leave.

In the years since, I have more than made up the deficit and am further along financially.

[Spike]

I have taken a rather large pay cut for my current job, but that's because I'm essentially starting over. Within two years I should be making as much or more than I was in television, unless I just really ***** it all up.

Some of the internships awarded through my school pay $25/hour. Those internships are generally "try before you buy" programs, with most interns receiving offers of full time employment at the end. The offers tend to be quite generous.

http://www.medialine.com/ubb/NonCGI/icons/icon10.gif

[mothball]

Okay, admission here... when I left the job, I had no idea that I'd have anything at all waiting. I've actually talked with another ND in my market.

So far, so good, though. I put out an email right before I left to all of my contacts, letting them know that I was leaving and interested in writing work. I have three assignments on the board and am working my way through them. I also have the pay coming for my last week of vacation that I didn't take, and if it gets dicey there's always the 401k to draw from (though that's a last resort).

My spouse, who's in the production side of things, has me on the insurance and is still working full time. I've been blessed with support.

Now, it's put up or shut up time. I'm going to see what I can do to make this work -- and maybe it will. It would be fantastic to be able to do nothing but write for a living. But if after a couple of months it ain't payin' the bills, I'll start tugging at some of my PR friends and see what I can do.

I will tell you this -- if you are going to pursue ad writing, go set your rates before you leave. The very first thing the ad guys wanted to know was how much I charge an hour/project for commercials. Some will just ask you for an ad sheet. Go check out Writers Market. Yes, I rebelled against this for a while myself -- but the articles alone are worth the book.

Oh, and the agent thing -- you're going to get a kick out of this. My attorney and my PR gal -- the two friends who are helping me with selling one of the books -- well, that's all they do. So far, I've been coasting on the incoming phone calls and email for these assignments I've taken. Sure, they're small articles for regional publications, but hey -- it's a little money and a byline. Never knew just how important that byline was until now! One of my friends who writes now (he used to be a reporter) told me that these first articles are like an audition -- if they go well, they'll bring more assignments and hence more money. If they don't -- the show's canned. Forget Broadway, if you know what I mean. So I've been putting good time into them.

One more note -- I did check out the temp agencies around here -- just in case things get dicey. I hope things go well -- but I want to make sure there's something to fall back on. Turns out -- if I decided to do simple medical staffing -- like records keeping and that jazz -- I'd make just as much an hour as I did producing. Yeah -- no experience keeping records makes as much as 10+ years producing. How do you like them cookies?

[House Cat #1]

Another OMB:

Sorry it took so long to reply. With the November book well underway I have been very busy.

I do not know what the posting rules are on this forum for this sort of thing, so if this post gets deleted or edited in any way, I apologize.

The book I found is called "Leaving TV: A Guide to Life After News." By this posting, I am in no way endorsing this book or trying to influence its sale in any way. Heck, I haven't even read it yet. I found it during an internet search and am considering buying it myself. It could be junk, or it could be helpful.

If you do a search under the title, or the author's name (Rebecca Coates Nee), it will pop up under a number of book sale sites.

[TAFKA wacowx]

Originally posted by House Cat #1:
Another OMB:
I do not know what the posting rules are on this forum for this sort of thing, so if this post gets deleted or edited in any way, I apologize.Where do you think you are? TVspy's Watercooler?
:D

[kybubba]

Hi all...As someone who worked in tv news for approximately 16 years and has transitioned successfully over into public relations, I can say that watching the carnage of the industry from the other side is a welcome relief, yet saddens me.

I think it's definitely true you can take the person out of the newsroom, but never take the newsroom out of the person. I will always be a newsie, but my life is much better now than it was when I was still actively working in the business.

Everything you all have written on this board about the disturbing changes in the industry are true and seem to be accelerating. I am glad to not be experiencing the career stress that many of my friends are...Many of them have sought advice on how to transition out.

All I can tell you is that overall, my quality of life is much better. I get paid more, my benefits are better, I am participating in profit-sharing and incentive/bonus programs and I have, for the most part, better hours. I will never feel "normal" in corporate/office life but
I do appreciate all it has to offer, which tv news never ever offered me. We were lucky if we got a $10 gift certificate for a turkey at the holidays..Now, I can be rewarded with a week-long trip, all expenses paid at a luxury property--should I meet all my goals. It's nice that someone actually cares about positivity and rewards for top performers. TV News forgot how to do that long ago.

So good luck to you all and yes, we can all feel sad about what's happening but remember---you must look out for yourself and your family...Be sad but move on and enjoy what other careers have to offer!

[Desert Rat]

It's nice that someone actually cares about positivity and rewards for top performers. TV News forgot how to do that long ago.

TV News never forgot, they just don't have to do it anymore.

Ever hear of a problem filling a position when one has opened up in a newsroom?

[ November 09, 2007, 11:23 AM: Message edited by: Desert Rat ]

[kybubba]

That's not sound reasoning for your argument.
I work for a global corporation now that has 60,000 employees in an industry where you could argue, with that many jobs, people are a dime a dozen yet there are incentive programs and rewards for meeting goals.

It is a CHOICE of television newsrooms/station ownership to cheapen the efforts of their staff...

[Desert Rat]

But kybubba,

In your corporation, do they have 60+ applicants for every position, like for example...a reporter opening.

I agree with you that corporations that own broadcast outlets choose to lowball. I'm just saying it is easier to do so in this profession than most.

[Laughing Angel]

This is sounding too much like my life and the more I read, the more I feel myself getting nudged out the door. 24 years in TV news, and I feel I have precious little to show for it.

[Spike]

24 years in TV news, and I feel I have precious little to show for it.

It's still not too late to get out.

[writer2]

Run, baby, run.
I've been out for a little over a year.
Enjoy.

[5w40]

"Leaving TV
A Guide to Life After News"
Rebecca Coates Nee
ISBN 1-931391-93-9
find it at:
http://www.booklocker.com