I lost my job...

[GrooveJock]

and for the first time since going LC and loosing weight, I've let emotions take over. I said F*%K it and have been eating what ever I can find for the past three days. I realized what I was doing hit be about 10 minutes ago, as I was finishing off a pack of Toll House crackers.
I started to cry.

You see, Ive been a radio producer for 10 years now. Last year, I was offered my dream job, producing a national syndicated radio show. I quit my secure position as a morning show producer, packed it up and moved from Atlanta to Green Bay.

Well, a year to the day I was hired, I was laid off. The parent company of our syndication arm went under, out of operating cash and due the economy and the grim outlook, chose not to continue to stay in biz. Our show was doing great and there was no indication of this, no warning. The show made $4,000,000 last year!!! I guess it was not enough to support the whole company. They were launching 4 more shows this month alone..

So, now, I am stuck in Snowy, colder than you know whut Green Bay, WI, without a job. Ive already looked around but it does not look like there is much opportunity in radio here. I dont know how I am going to pay my mortgage in the next few months... :eek:

This is going to be the most emotional and trying time in my life, even more than my cancer scare. I thought I beat my emotional food issues but it looks like its back in a big way. :tears:

[y0u]

I am in a similar position as you, maybe worse.

Don't blow all the good work you've done to make yourself healthy. Wake up tomorrow and get back up on the horse! I could have chosen the route of "blowing it" and drinking a ton of alcohol.. and eating a bunch of carby crap..but I am NOT..I did NOT!

I truly wish you the best of luck..I am not gonna lie and say it's easy out there right now to find a job, but positive energy attracts positive energy. Remember that.

[aprils0909]

You know what, GrooveJock, binge for a day to get it out of your system. But don't spoil the good things in your life like personal success. You've done so well so far. It's COLD in Wisconson, you're grieving for the life you left to go there, and it's easy to fall off the wagon.

You've earned your low carb success. Thats something your former employer cannot take away from you. If you need to binge in front of the TV, get a 5 pound bag of pistashio nuts and go crazy. :) Seriously, I am truly sorry you lost your job. If you can go home to your loved ones, maybe being around a strong love/support system will help. Not sure if you can spend the money to move home, but maybe a trip home would help you.

[addict1000]

You are going to need to be healthier than ever to face this challenge. Gear up for the battle and get ready to win on both fronts.

My husband and I use this principle from the Chinese:

In their language, crisis and opportunity is the same word. This is how we approach every crisis...as an opportunity. It will take a bit of thought of how you can turn this situation into a positive, but if you are determined you will. You have to believe that you can and will come out in better circumstances than you were.


edit to add (I think it is Chinese...it might be Japanese...but that doesn't really matter) :)

[Jayseem]

Hello Groove Jock, I know how you feel, because I have hit rock bottom a few times myself. Some things helped me when I was in your shoes:

1. Exercise every day if possible. I enjoyed jogging when my bod was in a little better shape. It gave me some down time and allowed me to separate from my situation. I could also do some private brainstorming that gave me ideas on how I should attack my predicament. Plus, when I went to an interview I felt very fit and confident about my appearance.

2. Stay in touch with people.

3. Don't burn bridges even though it is tempting.

4. Find a support group if possible that has weekly meetings.

5. Avoid alcohol.

6. Read What Color is My Parachute.

Not to mention the obvious, but today the Internet is available which has multiple resources to help you search for work. A long time ago I went through a job search armed only with a clunky old typewriter.

I wish you well. Remember that you were the cream of the crop when you landed this job.

Joe

[gwenstylez]

I don't have any specific advice for you, honey, but I wonder if anyone's told you yet that it's going to be okay? Because it will. I know, I know, who the hell is this stranger and how can she say that?

I'm an employment counselor with an arms-length Canadian government agency, and we provide second career and retraining programs to people who've lost their jobs because of the economy etc. I can't help you directly, and I have no knowledge of what options/resources are available to you in Green Bay, but you can pm me anytime if you want to just chat or get a good strong dose of encouragement (better for your health than Toll House crackers!), okay? Serious.

Oh, and by the way... it's gonna be okay. Don't beat yourself up about the binges. While I agree with others who say you shouldn't throw all your hard work and success away, for now just concentrate on feeling better and making an Action Plan. You've got all the time in the world to get back on track. ;)

[Zilly]

(((GrooveJock)))

I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. Certainly eat comfort foods for a day and get it out of your system. But eating that way consistently will just make you more depressed. I agree that there are lots of options online - you could even find freelancing opportunities to keep you going while you're looking for full-time work.

If I were in your shoes, I'd get down to the unemployment office immediately. Since you were laid off, it shouldn't be a problem getting unemployment.

Hang in there and try to find something to be grateful for every day. Even if it's just that you made it out of bed - say Thank You. "Thank you that I'm healthy." "I'm grateful for my able body." "I'm grateful that my considerable talent will land me a job in no time!" Any variation on these will do.

Hang in there.

[pennink]

really good advice Jayseem.

Get out of Dodge. Go to where there are media jobs. Pick up and go NOW.

I'm in media and it's tough. I live 3 hours from the main media based city so I commute. I'd move but I have other reasons I can't.

You know what you have to do. You do have good cred on resume, get out and take control.

[pennink]

I don't have any specific advice for you, honey, but I wonder if anyone's told you yet that it's going to be okay? Because it will. I know, I know, who the hell is this stranger and how can she say that?

I'm an employment counselor with an arms-length Canadian government agency, and we provide second career and retraining programs to people who've lost their jobs because of the economy etc. I can't help you directly, and I have no knowledge of what options/resources are available to you in Green Bay, but you can pm me anytime if you want to just chat or get a good strong dose of encouragement (better for your health than Toll House crackers!), okay? Serious.

Oh, and by the way... it's gonna be okay. Don't beat yourself up about the binges. While I agree with others who say you shouldn't throw all your hard work and success away, for now just concentrate on feeling better and making an Action Plan. You've got all the time in the world to get back on track. ;)


It's a great program. I'm totally seeing it as an option if things happen to me (cuz ya never know)

[kuukuu]

Maybe it's time to move from radio to tv?...What do your local tv and cable stations have on the stove?

Don't forget to ask your previous employer for a nice recommendation or at least a number a prospective employer can call. The written is best so that you'll have it forever.

And I know it's silly but you probably already know that you have to grieve this kind of loss. You will. Then you'll move on cuz you're stronger than that. :rheart:

[gwenstylez]

It's a great program. I'm totally seeing it as an option if things happen to me (cuz ya never know)

Second Career? You know, it's helping a lot of people out right now. All those people losing their jobs because the auto mfg. plants are shutting down... it's a busy time for us right now, which is sad news really :(

[MisterE]

Not that I have the answer but I may have AN ANSWER:
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

put job codes 1071 (audio visual production specialist) and 1001 (I have no idea what that is) into the search engine.

You may have to move but many TV/Radio jobs start around 70k and go well into the 100's. Great benefits. Great working conditions and BEST job security.

I wish you every success.

[DrH]

I'm so very sorry to hear about what has happened to you. I really do not know what to say other than try your best to control those things that you can control (what you put in your mouth). I hope you find the strength. Peace - Jill

[sxb]

I just came on this forum after a really long time...
I can tell you only one thing... "That was then, This is now"...
You need to step out of your space(the "Then") and look at you (the "Now").

Worry won't make things better. So control your emotions doing things that make you happy.

Like for me, when i didn't have a job... i had forgotten about my art work, so i started painting again.
There were times when i had a really bad interview. I would feel horrible, but instead of diving into food... i decided to take a long drive and listen to Bon Jovi songs.

I would dress up and go to Barnes and Nobles reading books about how to enhance my career...

I worked in Canada as an intern...just for the fun of it...
So take a two month vacation to canada and work there...

I volunteer to help special needs kids they made me feel so special and perfect in every way

Don't bother solving emotions by drinking.. it's just not a smart move...

At times like when i feel like things are not working...the way i want... i look around me and re-evaluate everything..."what is working for me and what isn't?" get rid of bad habbits, ditch no-good people... move towards +ve people, re-shift your friend circle...
When u are around the +ve people, u will feel +ve and that feeling will kick start your thinking in trying out new things...
like bunjie jumping or adding more to your existing career... work as a freelance entertainer, or DJ.... endless options my friend...

and they way u look right now ...i suggest u get ur sexy ass into modeling... ;)

Hope my words...are useful to you

[feelskinny]

(((hugs))) very distressing times for you.

FWIW I can truly empathize. DH is the main bread winner and over our course of our marriage has lost 3 contracts due to bankruptcy and contract changes; meaning 3 times in our family life we didn't know where I next meal was going to come from.
It is sickening.
Over eating is not the worst thing you can do while facing such circumstance.

You have a talent and a gift.
I trust these attributes will bring you to your next gig.

I KNOW it's bloody hard, but try not to fret. Use this time to display yourself on local community boards and job searches. Get your resume/portfolio out there and if you're so inclined, apply for jobs that you desire but perhaps aren't even qualified for.
This could be a new opportunity for you...in disguise.

In the meantime, you're in my prayers and thoughts.

[GrooveJock]

WOW!!! You guys!!

Thank you sooo much for the response. Today has been a much better day. I got up feeling shitty for myself again but over the course of the day, my emotions shifted from anger and sadness to hope and excitement.

I am going to get my sleeping schedule back to normal (show as on at night so I didnt go to bed until 2am.) I will hit the gym in the morning and them who knows..

Thanks for the lift gang. :)

[hinz]

awwwwww :( i hope u find something soon hun!!! i live in milwaukee, wi..and yes, it is cold..and yes, there arent a plethora of jobs lying around for everyone to pick up..and its soooooo hard not to resort to food..i will keep u in my prayers, and i wish the best for u..there might be more oppertunities in milwaukee than green bay..just a suggestion :) if u need anyone to talk to...im here for ya..i know im only a college student, but if u ever need help finding some type of work...i could prolly hook u up at kohls corporate, which is where i work LOL i know that has NOTHING to do with the radio business but...ya know.. :) *mwah* feel better my dear! and dont eat carbs lol :)

[hinz]

It's COLD in Wisconson, you're grieving for the life you left to go there, and it's easy to fall off the wagon.

lol hey..i resent that!! wisconsin isnt all that bad :) :) :lol: coming from a TRUE wisconsinite lol ;)

[aprils0909]

Nooooooo.... that wasn't my intention. It is cold, you can't deny that. Sorry if that came out weird.

[hinz]

Nooooooo.... that wasn't my intention. It is cold, you can't deny that. Sorry if that came out weird.

lol no i was just kidding :lol: :lol: i secretly wish i was living in florida haha

[*Sheila*]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I imagine as our econmony sinks to an all time low, many of us may face the same thing.

Emotional eating sucks! I have found if i dive into cleaning, or exercise it helps alot. Sometimes, I just eat the crap! Not a good idea, but when you are at war in your head, sometimes your emotions win. Sucks but true. We have all been there, and if we say we havent' we are lying to ourselves and setting ourself up for failure.

Hang in there buddy. OH .. and thanks for that recipe! I will definately be making some later this week when the next big cold front comes in!

[AmoryBlain]

Groovejock,

Glad to hear you picked yourself up by the bootstraps and realized that destructive behavior ISN'T going to help you find a job. If anything, take your TollHouse crackers and tears as a reminder as to how easily all of your hard work can slip away. In addition, I'm sure getting fat again isn't going to help you in your job quest. From personal experience, I had more job offers after I lost weight than when I was heavier.

Secondly, everything will work out in its own time, it just sucks right now that the American public is suffering the consequences of people in high places making bad decisions. Poor leadership has a ripple effect across the economy. The good thing is that historically people have sought out the entertainment industry during hard times to forget their troubles. That's great news for you, being in the media industry.

One option to keep open: My second bachelor's degree is in Communications and Media Literacy. I found that public school systems are ALWAYS looking for teachers with "life experience" to teach broadcast media classes. Most school districts run their own news services in the morning, create their own media projects, and even have internal radio stations. The kids don't know how to do that stuff on their own; they need a teacher!

We have editing machines, a sound studio, a sound stage, live feeds, etc. in the district in which I teach. It might not be producing a radio show that rakes in $4mil, but the work has benefits, decent pay, job stability, steady daylight, and is rewarding.

Take care and take HEART! Remember; it took Odysseus eleven years to complete his quest. I'm sure you'll have another job in eleven weeks!

[mommyx1]

Groovejock...it sounds like a cliche, but it is the truth - when a door closes another opens. this happened to me 4 years ago, I was devastated, humiliated, and felt like it was my fault...nothing was further from the truth. After a couple feel sorry for myself days, I got it together, and started looking...and you know, I found another job, not quite the same pay - but in a much better place. It was a blessing in disguise. I think sometimes in life we get so caught up in our "dreamjobs", and settling, that it takes a huge trauma like this to get us out of our comfort zone, and moving up in the world. Life is about change, and growth and with that comes fear - once we see past that, we can move on...you will get another job, and it will be so much better for you - just wait and see! :).

[GrooveJock]

Thank you allll sooooo much for the replies! This is truly an amazing community of support.

GREAT NEWS: I have a job lead. Its in New York so it would require a move but I dont mind. I am keeping my finger crossed XXXXXX

[kuukuu]

Woo-Hoo!!! Finger and toes crossed here!

[AmoryBlain]

We're pulling for you.

[LessLiz]

Best wishes for this opportunity! And remember that if this isn't the ticket there will be a ticket arriving shortly!

[cartersg1]

Hi, GrooveJack. I can't really add anything to what others have said but I have also been in the same situation. In fall 2007, I only had one class (I'm part-time faculty and have NO job security so I can have contracts pulled for any reason or no reason at all) to teach and we barely made it. Through some serious budgeting and pulling a trip to Alaska out of the budget, we made it through by the grace of God.

In 2008, I went to work as a seasonal park ranger for the National Park Service. Not only did I enjoy my work, but it made the best of a difficult situation that I won't go into right now. I would encourage you to see what the federal government DOES have, either full-time, permanent work or temporary work. It pays fairly well and you do get sick leave and paid vacation, even for seasonal employees! I am going back for another season starting in April. The OPM website mentioned in a previous post will have all the information available and you can put your credentials on-line and make it searchable. Someone may come looking for you!

And do not give up on good, healthy eating. In the end, this too shall pass. Your health is especially important right now. I've had friends encourage me to take up skiing and other snow sports now that I live in Ohio. I grew up in Florida and have yet to embrace winter, even after 10 years. But I try not to let the cold get me down. I take out my camera and go for a walk, looking for snowscapes. I see getting through winter as a challenge. Maybe take this time to taking a cooking class, take up painting or photography, or come up with your own radio show! If there's a university or community college nearby, check into teaching a class on radio production. Look for those opportunities and best of luck! Cheers!

[Jenai]

Same boat here - not layed off but commission sales have dropped in my field to 25% what it was three months ago. Freakin scarry....... and there's no such thing as unemployment benefits based on a drop in commission.

Search for jobs in the Dallas area - seems I spotted a few openings in TV production a couple weeks ago here on careerbuilder.com. Must say - the weight loss is gona be to your advantage in the interview process because you look great and I'm sure the added confidence that being good to yourself will be evident.