Phew is it August already? Let me give you an idea on how busy I have been, My goal was /Is to update my blog at least every Tuesday…yeah fail on that. This summer has been kind of a Birth by fire for me, July 4th I broadcasted all day, and did a trivia game show before the fireworks , it was really fun experience and something that I got into broadcasting to have that outside of connection. Since then its been non stop, our station had an amazing July and setting up for another great month in August. Needless to say I have been busy, very busy, enough that there are points where I dream about work, it’s a tough schedule though, I am up at 4 AM and there have been days when I haven’t been home til 4PM. Being in a new environment, needless to say its affected my social life, but that’s a sacrifice that I am making and sacrifice you might have to make too.
With the way radio is today, there is more than a slight chance you will have to move. When I got this opportunity here in Lake Placid the time between interviewing and moving was about a month. So I left in a hurry arranging where I would live, and packing. I left so quickly that I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye to some people I became very close to after college. It weighed on my decision, but I decided to take the chance, and move on from the little bubble I surrounded myself with.
This was one of the toughest choices of my life, moving on is hard to do. We all make these little bubbles for ourselves, the hardest part of making them is popping them. I think when I got home from college I did my best to make my bubble thin to make this easier. See when you are in college the bubble is already thin. Its because you’re in an environment where its expected that you are going to move on. More than likely you and the people around you have their own goals and they expect you are going to move on too, so they aren’t surprised when you say hey I am going to have to move or return home after you get that diploma. When you go back home though the bubble is a little denser. There are friends who may not want to move or may have a goal that allows them to stay in the area, they are comfortable, their dream is obtainable in the area or maybe they have given up and decided comfort is more important than their dream.
The truth, being comfortable is an excuse, I always ask “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable 100 miles away from home doing what you love every single day, making an impact? Getting experience? Rather than coming home maybe living with your parents a little longer complaining about how the supervisor at the Best Buy got on you because you didn’t handle a return right…yeah have fun with that.” These people even though your dearest friends create that denser bubble because you become close, and it feels great, why would you want to leave this? Well the answer is deep within you, you know your area market by now and if its like mine, I needed to leave to be successful. I knew this so I continuously let my friends know, to help them understand my passion. I suggest that as you make strides in your career and as you begin to feel strongly about what direction and what level of success satisfies you, share it with your friends. Explain to them where you want to be, and explain to them what you are prepared to do. Don’t forget your family needs to know this as well. (See Previous Post Nay Say your Naysayers to deal with negative responses) …This is so important because it creates a support system, for when you do get that job, 2, 3 4 etc hours away. Also they won’t be alienated when you do leave, they will understand and support you as you get your legs underneath you and develop new friends in your new home. In the 3 months or so since I have made my way to this great area, I haven’t made many friends and it really has been the support of my friends from back in my hometown and college that has allowed me to really flourish and get through some of those days where you just need people around you, believe me your friends will be there for you.
It’s not easy for some, to break through these barriers, but its worth it Of course it is a sacrifice, find it deep down in yourself to make this sacrifice. And of course it doesn’t get easier when your heart is involved; a boyfriend or a girlfriend creates inner conflict. I was speaking with a friend recently who was worried about looking outside his area because of his girlfriend, he is unwilling to do the long distance thing. Who can blame the guy? I felt lucky enough to be single when I left to come to Lake Placid. Maybe my blurting out on first dates “I am looking to get in radio, and If I get an opportunity outside the area I am going to leave” for some reason was like kryptonite and the start of an awkward date that eventually wouldn’t lead to a second. I know it ruined my chances but I felt it was my duty to share because I have chosen to make broadcasting a major part of my life. Yes on some colder nights I regret that, and mornings don’t leave room for a lot of date time, but I know every morning when I wake up I made the right choice and this journey I am on will bring me into contact with the perfect women, yes it sounds like something a mother would say but it’s the truth. Even better can save that awkward blurt out for the 2nd date. I hope you have found that someone special that’s willing to let you go on your journey and experience your passion.
I know your situation might be different, but if you prepare yourself and the people around you it makes applying to jobs outside your comfort zone so much easier, and your chances of success really go up making you one step closer to that goal, that payoff…its closer than you think, even if it might be a little far away.
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