Downsized...Now What?

Like so many Americans, I have been affected by the current state of our economy. If you or someone you know is facing this up hill battle like my family...know that this is not the end. There are more possibilities ahead of you than you know. Just think positivity and surround yourself with like-minded people.

I'm sharing my story with you because I want you to know, you are not alone. All things are done for your better good. God doesn't want you to worry or stress. Just start preparing yourself for your next career move. Use this blog forum as a resource for positive change. Even if you have to vent a little. I know I will.:-) I look forward to your comments. So, let me share with you my story.

"Therefore...you will be left without a job". These are the words I heard after it was explained to me my position was being fazed out.

When I was called into the office I knew what was going to happen, but isn't REAL until you actually hear the words. So, I'm sitting there with the GM, PD and HR directors. Taking this all in slowly; like my grande-one equal-soy-chai latte I had earlier that morning. Wow, this was really going down and I was pseudo cool with it. This happens in broadcasting. You go on the air. You do the best air-shift ever. Afterwards they call you in the office and tell you it's been nice. No good-bye to listeners or co-workers. For me it has never happened like this; so blunt, so instant, so...final. But I was prepared. Amazingly, it felt like a choir was standing behind me saying, "Ahhhh!" Was this my Ahhhh Moment? I thought Oprah only had those.

As we wrap up the conversation, I said something like, "it's been great and we all will do great things in radio...blah, blah, blah". Then, in my mind of course, Jill Scott starts singing..."Heaay" "ooahh". I look up and say to myself, You're Damn right...keep singing Jill. "Livin' my life like it's golden, livin' my life like it's golden, golden".

I leave the GM's office and go up stairs to my office (old office) to collect my bag and headphones (of course). Then I roll out escorted by the HR Director. I'll come back for everything else. Too much to deal with right now. And my girl, Jilly from Philly, is still singing her heart out keeping my mind on the right track. "Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden." I feel like getting another latte, but I gotta watch my pennies now.

This situation is not going to keep me from living my life and building my career. I have worked too hard. A quick memory came to mind when my first PD Dave Allen asked me for the first time, if I was available to produce the Saturday Night Live Broadcast. I felt like I had just won the lottery. "I'm In"!, "It's On"! I feel the same way now. I was just let go from the station and all I can think about are positive things that are going to happen as a result of me leaving my job of 7 and a half years. This is not the end of a job, but the rebirth of a career.

Segment 2- The positive aftermath with my Brain trust