Downsized…Now What?!

This is the post that inspired me to take the Working Divas Blog to the next level. It’s been two years since I was let go from my radio job in Miami. With time on my hands and a desire to write, I unleashed the blogger within. Needless to say…things did turn around and I have my second chance doing what I LOVE! I hope this post is a source of motivation to those that are going through job loss. Don’t let anything hold you back, Work it Diva!

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 phased 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 (miss him) 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.

Fast forward two years: I’m am lounging on my couch looking out the window. My son has on a coat, scarf, mittens and snow boats. A far cry from the flip-flops and t shirt he was wearing a few months ago. We have relocated to Cleveland and the first snow fall has covered the city and well…my son…is running around making snow angels and playing in the snow. For how long you ask? Its been 2 1/2 hours! He loves his new home and can’t wait for a White Christmas. My family has taken a full 360 from Florida to Ohio and I am blessed to be able to continue to do what I love….Radio! It was a risk but success doesn’t come from playing it safe! I’ve gone from being on one radio station to three! God is GOOD! This job was my blessing and the beginning of greater things to come. Working Divas…don’t play it safe. When one door closes…find a window and break through! Thanks to you all for your support and prayers. Without you…my microphone is silent. I appreciate all of you from South Florida to Cleveland and everywhere in between! Much Love!!!!

Tags: downsized, downsized now what, fazed out of job, foward moving, hot 105 miami, job loss now what, karen vaughn, karen vaughn leaves hot 105, laid off, left without a job, living life golden, positive job loss, radio biz, radio dj karen vaughn, radio personality, rebirth of career, working divas blog

Category: Karen Today