Losing a job? Oh boy, talk about a plot twist! Six months in, and I’ve turned this rollercoaster of emotions into a treasure chest of life lessons.
First up: adaptability is the name of the game! Life throws curveballs, so being ready to pivot and learn new tricks can unlock doors you weren’t ready to walk through but it was time, and no amount of kicking or screaming would stop that process.
I lost my job with the radio station during corporate restructuring. I went from being the voice and face of the station on billboards, to the person who everyone wanted the juicy details of what happened. I finally had to shut my phone off for a few days, because I was drained from all of the questions.
In a matter of a few minutes, I went from the Radio Personality of the Year, along with winning seven other SCBA awards just five months before my dismissal, to the person everyone vented about how much they hated that the station was only accessible online and a million other things.
I get it, me too, but I lost my job and what I built and devoted so much of myself and life into in an instant. No warning, just dismissed over the phone, it was like a part of me was amputated.
Sure, I was shaken but I calmly rationalized that I still have the start-up TV gig in Charlotte, so I would be okay as I continue to build my brand. For those keeping score of the curveballs, this one came speeding past my head on May 17th when the streaming service lost its funding, we were told “pencils down,” and “we gave a good try” but it just didn’t make sense to keep going.
A few days after that, I was approached about coming on board with a digital magazine, which turned into a situation of using your ideas and your talent to build our company without ever formally paying you. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt but everything within me said to run. In case you are wondering, I did do quite a bit of work for them for free. yet they were shocked when I asked for a clear explanation of how they planned to pay me.
Next, I’ve discovered that a solid support crew is worth their weight in gold. Friends, family, and even that neighbor you barely know can be your cheerleaders, offering advice and hugs that make the tough times a little brighter. My new neighbors moved in the month after I lost my job with the radio station, at the time had no idea what I was going through but saw me dressed up and heading out the door to an interview and stopped to pray over me for a favorable outcome.
I also found out beyond a shadow of a doubt who was in my corner and who was only there for the good times and nowhere to be found while dealing with so much uncertainty. There were days when I barely had enough emotional bandwidth for myself and my children. I was dealing with panic attacks daily, as I watched my savings account dwindle to dust.
While on the job search, I was told I was overqualified for most jobs, and yet after 30 years in broadcasting, I was told by a community college that I wasn’t qualified to teach students in their radio and TV programs. They wanted someone with a degree in journalism. I have many friends with that very degree and yet they work for banks and car dealerships. One even manages a cellular store, so I can see my mistake in thinking my years of experience in the field would even matter.
I also did something while continuing to look for work, I applied for unemployment for the first time in my life.
However, I happened to be lost in the system. After close to two months of hearing “Just be patient” or “It is being reviewed” I drew the line at someone feeling it was better to give me a list of agencies that I could reach out to for help, instead of just looking more into my situation and what the hold up was considering I presented the state with every document they requested.
It’s amazing what happens when you put on your reporter hat and fire off an email to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce’s office and your claim is miraculously approved in less than two hours. Never underestimate a woman who isn’t afraid to step on some toes.
Self-reflection? Oh, it’s like peering into a funhouse mirror! This time has been my personal day spa for the soul, helping me redefine my dreams. Priorities and boundaries are my closest allies, and resilience is my new superpower!
Bouncing back from setbacks, keeping that sunny outlook, and pushing through the tough stuff have made me tougher than a two-dollar steak. This journey has assured me that I can in fact tackle whatever life throws my way.
My parents taught me to always hold my head high and I did just that when I came back to host the SCBA awards this past August. I even ran into my former GM who dismissed me over the phone. Some people questioned why I would even come back to host the event after what happened to me. I can’t believe that I am quoting Chumbawamba but here goes… ” I get knocked down, but I get up again… you’re never going to keep me down.”
It meant so much to me that every one of my former coworkers who won awards made it a point to stop and hug me as they were presented with their awards. That touched me and I love you all for thinking so much of me on your special night.
I always said that when I left broadcasting I wanted to travel the world and write about it. That door opened most fantastically. I am now a flight attendant for a regional airline while creating content and writing about my travels.
As for that career shift, I was surprised by quite a few people who found it appropriate to ask what my children would do while I was flying all over for work. I was shocked that they didn’t realize that this came across as questioning my parenting skills and that I wouldn’t have weighed all of that into my decision to accept the position. Once again it is my priority to provide for my children, and that was a boundary no one would have ever bothered to question a father regarding his job choices.
So, in a nutshell, losing both jobs was a masterclass in adaptability, the magic of self-reliance, the art of self-reflection, the kindness of strangers, and the superhero power of resilience. These nuggets of wisdom have not only helped me tackle this bumpy ride but also deepened my appreciation for life and the people who rally around you when it matters.
I’ll see you in the skies and I promise to continue sharing my wit and wisdom along the way.