I used to work behind-the-scenes in radio and I loved it. I only left because of a nationwide restructuring that eliminated my dept and boss and left me as a PT “floater.” I found a FT contract (i.e. temp) position instead.
Several assignments later, and I now have a decent assignment as a technical writer, making significantly more money. I’ve been told they have me budgeted through at least April 1st, and a few other departments have made noises about me doing work for them as well. But nothing is guaranteed.
I’ve kept my eye out for jobs back in broadcasting but haven’t had much luck. But last week I saw a posting for a PT position that sounded right up my alley. A little networking and a few phone calls, and I have a face-to-face interview tomorrow.
If I am offered the job, I will be facing some challenges - money not being the least of them. I may or may not be able to turn my current writing gig in to a PT/work-at-home thing. The TV show I would be working on may or may not make it. I am single and I don’t have another source of income to rely on.
One thing I am sure of is that I miss broadcasting, and I feel like if I can just get my foot back in the door I will be able to prove myself and maybe turn this back in to something FT.
On the other hand, it seems kind of scary to throw away good FT money for something PT.
I realize this is all conjecture until I am actually offered the position - but I would love to hear some feedback or questions to help me process my thoughts.
I was at a ‘stable’ job. Writing software to implement the research of PhD. It’s in the field of computer vision, which I had no interest in, and I had no idea I would be assigned to that project. However, pay at the university is stable (though not stellar) and the PhD in charge is so assured of his success that he’s already considering patenting and becoming rich. And he promised me a slice of the pie at the company he is going to set up (I invoke pillar of salt and all that).
But I hate the job. It’s not what I signed up for (it’s a long story). I slack as much as I could, put in minimal effort, and hate myself as much as the job - and yet I somehow managed to get what they wanted done. Then I got an offer; join a start-up doing something which I am more happy with, which is more ‘me’ - serious games and simulation. I jumped on board.
Thing is, it is a small start-up. There’s no IT staff to help you, no one to budget stuff for you. It’s all in your hands.
Yes, the pay is the same, but I had to work more OT. I found myself setting up the office, implementing source control, writing documents, coming down to the office on Saturdays and Sundays without over-time pay. But I did it willingly. I am sold onto the job. I have enjoyed (and still hope to) myself immensely. But there’s always the specter of financial inadequacy looming over me. Good thing is that it only haunts me when I am free, which I am rarely now.
I guess I’m just a big fool. Maybe it’s the honeymoon period. And here I humbly await the instructions of far older and more experienced Dopers.
As with everything, you need to, if you can, step back and look at the issue unemotionally. you say you are not sure if the show you will be working on will make it. Would you watch it? Your Friends? Your family? If not, chances are others won’t either and you may wind up in the unemployment line quickly.
Is the job you are in truly soul sucking or just not what you want to do? If soul sucking, then get out–McD’s might even be better. If its jus tnot what you want to do, why aren’t you doing that? Are job prospects in that field too few and competetive? If so you may need to come to the realization that you may never do that and either accept your lot or get retraining into something else you want to do.
On the other hand, when I was out looking for a job, I had two offers. One that was something I wanted to do that offered about $10K less than what I was currently making and the other that offered me an obscene amount of money but working with someone I knew would make my life miserable. I chose less pay and less misery. Turns out I did that job so well, I got huge raises three years in a row and am now making significantly more that I would have made in the other job (in fact, the company lost that other job after only a year and I would have been out on my ass).
Bottom line is “Follow your heart” and “Suck it up” are two extremes that in my opinion are never the toal answer. You need to step back, look at the prospects in terms of your emotional well being, the positions viability and your financial position and make a choice based on that info.
This is a 2-hour slot of a 24-hour local news station. So it’s kind of a different beast to judge. It will definitely go at least 6 months - and by then I should have proven myself invaluable, hopefully. And if it doesn’t make it - another show will have to take it’s place - so hopefully I would just be transitioned to the new show. It’s got a good anchor with a strong following - and I’m excited about some of the segments they have planned. So yeah, although I’m not a huge tv-watcher - if it was on, I would pause at those segments.
The job I currently have,itself, is not bad, it’s the environment I’m in. There’s just bad chee going on. I guess it’s the soul-sucking thing
As for the areas I want - broadcasting is definitely part of it. I’ve actually looked at some retraining options - mostly from the behind-the-camera aspect. A lot of it is networking - which I’ve been doing, hence the interview tomorrow.
In my old age? I’m okay. I was drained dry after the divorce, but I have an untouched settlement that comes due in 10 years. If my 401K is still empty then - I’m rolling that all in to an IRA.
Yeah, when I first moved up here, I was working 2-3 part time jobs to support my breathing habit. And really, I can survive on not much when I have to. As long as I have internet and cell phone service, I’m good.
I think the thing that y’all are helping me with is kind of like that old story. A young man can’t make a decision so his teacher suggests they flip a coin. The teacher flips it and puts his hand on top and asks the young man, “Which did you first hope it was?”
If you can turn your current job into something part-time/freelance then I think your plan sounds reasonable. From what you’ve said it doesn’t sound like the job you have is exceptionally stable anyhow, and AIUI technical writing something that a lot of people do freelance (correct me if I’m wrong). So it if you can do writing work on the side then financially you may not be taking that big a risk. Especially if your job is only guaranteed until April 1, either way you don’t have a sure thing job-wise.
Been there, done that. You chose from 2 startups. consider yourself lucky to have the opportunity to choose! Maybe what you will find is that you like the startup atmosphere, and if you do, you will find if they succeed or not, that period will only last a few years in each company’s lifecycle, and then it will be time to move on to find that atmosphere again.
Plus, if PhD guy really gets funding (and I agree, he very well might), your phone will be ringing, or his won’t be blocking yours if you get my drift.
I found out the hard way once that a job that comes over market rate with no good reason for it may be a sign that the company has desperate finances and/or prospects on the horizon and everyone knows it but the candidate.
Well, I had the interview this morning. The position is almost half what I’m making now - but I want it so bad I can taste it. Of course, they may not pick me - but y’know - one can plan in case.
It sounds like you can also keep the other job as well? If that is the case it is a no-brainer. Lots of work, but the best of two worlds.
But if you turn this down, trust me - you will always wonder “what if…”.
There is nothing better than bounding out of bed and eagerly going to a job you really like - and there is little worse than dragging yourself out of bed and going to a job you hate. Screw the money issue for now…
Having once had a radio job myself, you do know that the lifespan of a radio personality is often shorter than that of a fruit fly? But still - it is obvious that is your passion. Life really is short and some chances don’t come often - I guess you have to decide if this chance is one of those that don’t come often.
Best wishes, whatever you choose - but hope you get offered the job anyway!
I have a background in radio, but this is actually a job in TV. And fortunately, this is a behind-the-scenes job which has a much better life span. Plus, transitioning from radio to tv would be noteworthy, and adds an element of experience I don’t yet have.
And you’re right - I personally have regretted leaving radio (it seemed wise at the time due to nationwide restructuring). I sometimes wonder if I should have stuck it out and taken my lumps.
