Leaving TV

I am contemplating leaving the TV biz. Actually, I plan to do it. I've sent out about 20
resumes in various different careers--- from marketing, to PR. Even radio sales. Just anything to finally get out.
It's been a dificult decision to make. But I am a single mother, and I find I am
missing out on so much in my girl's life. Not only that, I just feel that I can't do
this anymore. I know there are no guarantees in other careers, but I feel I must make this switch now, or I never will. The only problem is, I still need to make enough to provide for her.
Who has successfully left and where did you go? I guess I just need to know I am not alone as I work to make this major life change. Thank you everyone.

[Soul Doubt]

Well Chick, I haven't left, but I wish you and your little girl the best of luck!!! Wish I could help you more.

[rootboyslim]

If you truly want some advice, I can give you some. Send me a PM.

Originally posted by Soul Doubt:
Well Chick, I haven't left, but I wish you and your little girl the best of luck!!! Wish I could help you more.

Your good thoughts are well appreciated. Thank you so much!

[Roy Hobbs]

16 years in PR in Chicago at some pretty big places and one or two small ones.

Experienced professional newsfolks with solid credentials ARE marketable.

To everyone except most news directors of course.

[ November 24, 2006, 10:26 PM: Message edited by: Roy Hobbs ]

Chick...I feel for you. I think you're making the right decision...just take your time and make the transition with a good company on YOUR terms. PR, Marketing, Sales...there are a lot of places that are crying for people with your skills. I frankly think that the handwriting is on the wall for this business...at least in its present form. I don't see small and medium markets being able to support 3 and 4 news operations in the next few years. I'm sure all "corporate" organizations are similar with pressure and stupidity, but at least there's the expectation that you will be compensated. The pay in "news" is insulting...and for those that think they're going to make big money if they reach the upper echelons...well, there's very few anchors nowadays that make six figure salaries, while insurance and real estate salespeople routinely do...matter of fact, I personally know CAR salespeople who pull down 200k a year. Now, money isn't everything...and I personally just don't want to sell cars...but you have to ask yourself what your time, energy, intelligence and creativity are worth...then find someone who is willing to treat you with respect and compensate you properly...TV News, for the most part, is no longer that place. (In my opinion, of course!)

[s'news]

Good luck. Find yourself.

[wxyz]

I personally know several people who have moved out of television and none of them are at a loss financially over it. They all talk about how they miss T-V but unlike me, they get to take fun vacations and have lots of nice stuff and money left after paying bills. Remember, there are absolutely no guarantees in this business either. Best of luck!

[Another side]

After more than 30 years in print and broadcast, I now write bail-bonds for a living. The money is tremendous, I set my own hours, and now and then there's an adventure to keep the blood flowing.

I'm not suggesting you start writing bail-bonds (it's definitely not for everyone) ... I'm just trying to illustrate there's a whole world of opportunities that go beyond the traditional marketing and/or public relations career changes.

Lots of luck to you.

[Sir Dropham Pants]

And finally, after all these years, we know the identity of Another Side:

Seriously, do not mess with this guy.

[Clubbeat]

I miss the buzz of a well organized, competive newsroom loaded with experienced talent.

That said, I have all but given up hope that I will find another newsroom like that in which to ply my skills. I now work for myself doing tv and radio procution, some freelancing and working at a j-school training future newsie in the fine art of journalism.

I have more time with my family as a result, less stress and the opportunity to help others grow. The money is about the same right now, but I know that will change.

The main reason I moved out was because of the direction news is headed (more entertainment than real news content)

Follow your heart while using your head. Good luck with your move.

[Sultanosurf]

Tempered advice: Your board handle is Newschick, which leads one to believe you've got a commitment to this biz. Frankly, I hate to see people like that leave; maybe your management agrees. First off, have you checked to see if they aren't willing to make compromise arrangements to keep you on board? Maybe there's a gig at your own station inside or outside the news department that has a better fit on hours.

After that, it depends on what you love and are good at. Do you produce, are you on-air, do you enjoy writing? I've had a ton of different jobs inside this industry, but it always comes back to doing what I love, and hopefully you should feel the same.

Finally, we love our kids, and want to do what's best for them, but remember, most times what's best for US is also best for THEM. If you're truly miserable, yeah, move on. But if you're going to be truly miserable without doing what you love, think hard.

And as happy as I am that anybody finds job contentment outside our biz (Bail Bonds, A-S? That must put you in touch with some interesting people) it's interesting to note how many always come back to these web sites for some contact.

Best of luck.

[Roy Hobbs]

Yeah, what he said. If you get out, be sure about it, because you ain't getting back in.

"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely go$%amned right."-- Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now

Thanks for all the words of wisdom, guys.
The truth is-- I can't say I honestly love news anymore. There used to be a time where I couldn't miss a single one of our newscasts. Now, I go the entire weekend sometimes and don't even see the news. And I don't feel the least bit guilty.
I think for some it's possible to outgrow this business. Or maybe it just doesn't grow with us. I'm not sure. This could be a mid life crisis I'm going through. But as I get older, I'm developing a great appreciation for the simple things in life. Watching my daughter play ball, riding bikes with her. Being relaxed enough to sit in my comfy little house reading a good book. Spending time with my family. I honestly feel I could do most anything for a job at this point, entirely wasting my education, as long as I can cover most of the bills I have now, and have enough energy left to enjoy those things in life to the fullest. I have a sister in law who works at a hospital admitting patients. Anyone with a high school diploma could do that. But she enjoys her job, enjoys her co-worker and leaves work feeling satisfied with what she does. She leaves at three and gets to see her kids. The pay's not great, but that's not the point. She has a quality of life, and I guess that is what I am really, really craving right now-- before life passes me by and it's too late. I once worked with a great man who gave his heart and soul to news. In the end, new management tried to get rid of him and he became pretty dis-heartened to what this business has turned into. He died a month before he was to retire. I guess I just don't want to be that person.

[Clubbeat]

Again...go with your heart. The cool thing about being in this biz now is that you have boards like this to help keep you connected.

[Desert Rat]

Good for you....I wish you nothing but the best in your search for a profession that will make you happier.

I think that you are making a good decision based on what you told us.

In looking for a job, when you get an interview...just sell youraelf to your new employer.

I'm sure you will have no problems finding one...... [img]smile.gif[/img]

[bride]

About three years ago I made an attempt to leave TV. I sent out resumes to an advertising/PR firm, a few colleges. I got two interviews, and even accepted one job. That's when the boss here offered me a raise to stay. First I said no, then I said yes.. so I'm still in TV!

To make a long story short... you ARE marketable. TV experience comes in very handy.

[Roy Hobbs]

I strongly suggest specializing in something like Business-to-Business (B2B) marketing, public relations or advertising.

1. You've got a good background for it.

2. By promoting businesses that sell or make things for other businesses, you might just get to work on the Acme Bubblewrap account!!!

[Consider This]

Originally posted by Another side:
After more than 30 years in print and broadcast, I now write bail-bonds for a living.

Pardon me for not knowing this but what is writing bail-bonds?

[Lazlo Toth]

Remember:

75% of jobs are found by networking.
20% are found by answering ads
5% are found by sending resumes cold.

It's sort of like real estate. There are three effective ways to find a job. Network. Network. And Network.

Call every PR person you've ever dealt with. Ask them for names of people to call. Ask those people for names of people to call.

Call every one of them on the pretext of asking for advice. People love to give advice. Few like to deal with people calling them for jobs.

[Another side]

Originally posted by Consider This:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Another side:
After more than 30 years in print and broadcast, I now write bail-bonds for a living.

Pardon me for not knowing this but what is writing bail-bonds?</font>[/QUOTE]I get people out of jail.

[House Cat #1]

Thanks for posting this subject, newschick. I've been feeling the same way for a long time now. It's nice to know that I am not alone. I've been in TV news for nearly ten years. When I first started, I was a kid in college. I made no money, but I still loved the work. Maybe it is an age thing, but I have lost my love for the business as well. When I was younger it was easier to work crazy hours for little money and give up nearly every holiday. For years I put my career above everything else and everyone I care about had to adjust their lives around my job. Now as I approach my mid-thirties, my perspective has changed. I married an incredible, giving woman and I have a baby on the way. For the first time I am seeing my career through the eyes of someone outside of the business. I know no job is perfect, and people in nearly every field have something to complain about. What I am learning is that the longer I stay in this business, the longer everything will be about me and my job, and not my family. This business has a way of not only expecting all of your time and energy, but of demanding it.

I'm am tired of seeing the disappointment in my wife's eyes every time I have to miss a special date or family event. I am tired of sitting in the newsroom during holidays, while she sits alone at home. I am tired of scheduling our lives around the Nielsen book. I do not want to leave her to raise our child alone. I want my kids to know me. I want to be able to have dinner with them at night. I want to be there for their little-league games and after-school activities. If I stay in TV news, this will likely never happen.

My family will miss me when I die.
This business won't.

I am hoping to find a new direction in life as well.
I wish you all the luck in the world for your search.

[ November 25, 2006, 03:34 PM: Message edited by: House Cat #1 ]

[hoosiergirl]

My advice for anyone who loves tv, but also loves their family--work MORNINGS. The 4-12 shift, not the 10-7am one. If you can work the 4-12 you'll find you have the best of both worlds, as long as you can hack it with less sleep. Best wishes newschick, I'm sure you're a great mom.

Originally posted by House Cat #1:
Thanks for posting this subject, newschick. I've been feeling the same way for a long time now. It's nice to know that I am not alone. I've been in TV news for nearly ten years. When I first started, I was a kid in college. I made no money, but I still loved the work. Maybe it is an age thing, but I have lost my love for the business as well. When I was younger it was easier to work crazy hours for little money and give up nearly every holiday. For years I put my career above everything else and everyone I care about had to adjust their lives around my job. Now as I approach my mid-thirties, my perspective has changed. I married an incredible, giving woman and I have a baby on the way. For the first time I am seeing my career through the eyes of someone outside of the business. I know no job is perfect, and people in nearly every field have something to complain about. What I am learning is that the longer I stay in this business, the longer everything will be about me and my job, and not my family. This business has a way of not only expecting all of your time and energy, but of demanding it.

I'm am tired of seeing the disappointment in my wife's eyes every time I have to miss a special date or family event. I am tired of sitting in the newsroom during holidays, while she sits alone at home. I am tired of scheduling our lives around the Nielsen book. I do not want to leave her to raise our child alone. I want my kids to know me. I want to be able to have dinner with them at night. I want to be there for their little-league games and after-school activities. If I stay in TV news, this will likely never happen.

My family will miss me when I die.
This business won't.

I am hoping to find a new direction in life as well.
I wish you all the luck in the world for your search.

This is exactly where I am at right now. Don't wait. Babies grow up fast. Mine is seven now and I can't believe everything I have missed already. I'm never able to chaperone field trips unless I am able to plan a vacation day. I am not home in enough time to make her dinner. I have only an hour with her at night before bed time. She sees more of her teachers and sitters than she does of me. It has to stop now. I worry what it will be like when she is a teenager and I am still doing this. I guess I have just grown up and realized that being her mom is my most important job. I know it sounds like I am on a soapbox here. I'm not trying to be. I've just been so depressed about work and the direction of my life. I even stayed off this board for the last few weeks because I couldn't be faced with more talk about the business. Now I'm glad I'm back because I know others feel the same way. And I'm glad I got to the point where I got really depressed because I now know that I am the only one who can change. I can't wait for this business to change. It won't.
Anyway, good luck as you ponder your own life. It's scary to take that step. I am terrified. I've invested 13 years in doing this and am ready to chuck it. But, as you, too, have come to realize, the people we love are far more important than working in TV and missing the holidays. Hmmm... maybe we should start a support group for people who want, or have quit news. Would there be 12 steps? [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ November 25, 2006, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: newschick26 ]

[Buck T. Trend]

Originally posted by hoosiergirl:
My advice for anyone who loves tv, but also loves their family--work MORNINGS. The 4-12 shift, not the 10-7am one. If you can work the 4-12 you'll find you have the best of both worlds, as long as you can hack it with less sleep. Best wishes newschick, I'm sure you're a great mom.

Not even that will work for very long, Hoosiergirl. Your family won't long appreciate you being a zombie, or going to bed at 7:00pm, or whatever you end up doing to yourself to keep those hours AND a family life.

If you no longer have the passion for the TV news business, it's time to get out. I did, and it's been the best decision I ever made. I'm happier, more sane, and just a better person to be around.

TV news chews people up and spits them out. You can only do it for so long, for so little pay, working EVERY holiday, before you get burned out. It's only going to get worse as the profit margins get squeezed even tighter and more station owners start doing TV "the Sinclair way."

Get out now. Find something you love doing, and learn to live on the money. Actually, I take that back. TV is the only job I can think of that requires a college degree, yet pays McDonald's wages. You may be surprised to find that you're making more money than you would ever have seen in TV, plus you get to work "normal" hours and get holidays off. I love my job now, and though I miss the adrenaline rush, I wouldn't go back for twice my old salary.