How Do You Know If It’s Time to Leave Your Television Job?

One of the most difficult professional decisions I ever made was leaving the television news business. I had reached a point that I realized that I despised the business, yet was still passionate about much of the work. Specifically, I loved the storytelling and putting together pieces of which I was proud. An overwhelming disenchantment with the contracts, job uncertainty, relatively low salary and what I referred to as the caste system of television news had taken over my attitude towards the industry.

However, leaving was difficult.  In making the decision there were a few thoughts that I considered:

• Would I be happier somewhere else?
• Would the business be better somewhere else?
• Would the money be better at another station?
• Would I have a work shift that was ideal?
• Would I be able to spend the holidays with family instead of co-workers?

The answer to all of those questions was “no.” In fact, I realized it was highly probable that I wouldn’t be able to do the type of work that I enjoyed most. From there, I asked myself, “so, why stay?”  The answer was ego. Frankly, I enjoyed being in the media.  Why not? People recognized me, strangers treated me well and I had access to places and people to which the average person does not. Then I realized, those people don’t pay my bills and won’t put my kids through college. You can see how the decision became easy. That said, I worked with some of the best journalists in the country and to their work, many of us are indebted. They are the heroes of the broadcast journalism industry.

If you’re contemplating a leap from the news business, in this heartless economy, ask yourself some of the questions that I asked myself. Then understand two things about the world outside the newsroom - what are you worth today to businesses? And what is your potential value? Here’s why: many people leaving news think, “If I leave I have to earn more than I earn today.” For most of us that may be a reality, but quite often you’ll need to develop a set of skills that you do not have today.  So, be willing to take a step back financially if it means you’ll be able to not only surpass your current salary, but blow PAST your current salary.

Some have been forced into the job market before they’re ready and some can choose to leave.  But before making the decision to set sail for that pot of gold at the foot of the rainbow, know if it’s the right time. Then remember, fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but the freedom that comes with knowing that you are not bound to your present career is wonderfully liberating.

Ed Heil is the owner and president of StoryTeller Media & Communications an inbound marketing and public relations agency and video production company based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ed blogs on topics related to inbound marketing, social media, media relations, news media, video production and crisis communications.

Tags: broadcast journalism, job market, quitting television news, television contracts, television job

No comments yet.

Leave a comment