My life after broadcasting

I recently tried to make a list of all the different places I’ve been employed and despite being in the workforce for just longer than a decade, my resume contains two dozen different jobs.

And my current one, as a reporter, has outlasted them all – coming in at just under 20 months.

But what if that came to an end? The way things have been going in the media lately, no job is safe. Sure, I’d like to think that by developing lots of skills and being on the bottom of the pay scale, I’m not worth letting go, but there are no guarantees.

Today, several people I know got caught on the chopping block. Predictions ran rampant, my co-workers used up their texting plans in one day, disillusioned facebook statuses littered my newsfeed, and the office remained silent. While the cuts came from different directions, I don’t think any of us should have been surprised they happened. We run a tight ship with a crew as close as any of those two dozen workplaces I’ve been involved with, but it’s also a business where the bottom line matters.

I don’t envy my boss.  Decisions had to be made.  But at least they were my boss’ decisions to make.

The first half of my day had me wondering, where would I be without this?

Reporting is the first job I’ve had where I enjoy going to work everyday.  It’s the first time I consider myself in a career.  And while 20 months isn’t much in the scheme of life, for me, it’s a huge step.

If I walked in tomorrow and got turned around at the door, I would look elsewhere in this field, in this city.  I know of opportunities out of province, but that’s more of a last resort at this point.   If leads started drying up, I’d put that apron on and start serving again.

It makes me shudder just thinking about it.

I suppose I could also use that economics degree I’ve got.

That too makes me shudder.

Despite not having a career goal in broadcasting, it’s where I want to be and so I’m thanking my lucky stars that it’s where I’m at.  It’s sad to see people go, but in a selfish turn, I’m glad it’s them and not me.

While I doubt I’m affected by these layoffs, no reporters got axed, things will change for the people around me.  I wonder if I’m not doing all I can to move up the career ladder, to force management in the next round of cuts to remove staff, knowing I can step in.

And when will those cuts come? If at all…

Who knows.

Some say we’re coming out of the recession, that companies will start advertising again and the money will flow back into station owner hands.  But maybe that shouldn’t be the reason next time.  We have a great product and a group of good people producing it – but I wonder if only some addition by subtraction might take us to another level.

At least I can go into work today with the knowledge that for now I’m safe.  I need to make the most of whatever opportunity I’ve got and hopefully someone notices.