The Next Big Thing...
"I just need to walk away," I said, not confidently, but more stoically.
At the time, it was an easy, yet bittersweet, thing to say. For several months, I knew there were changes all around me. I was still me...dedicated, professional, skilled, and versatile. And yet, that was feeling more and more like it wasn't going to be enough. My surroundings were changing, people were coming and going, and as the days lingered, I knew there may not be a place for me for much longer.
"I understand," was his response.
His tone and the grimace on his face told me he really did understand. You know when you're sad to see someone go, yet you know it's the right thing for them? My boss got it; he knew it was time.
I had been a part of this crew since the very beginning, matter of fact, I was recruited away from another company to begin this endeavor. I helped launch this product, which makes it easier for you to understand why I felt so close to it. So close, I knew when it was time to move on.
Since leaving KOMO in January, I've experienced my first period of life when I've not been a part of the broadcast news industry. While it's not a "fish out of water" feeling for me, it does feel a bit alien. After all, I really loved telling stories and coming into your living room or riding in your passenger seat everyday. I miss that connection with you, I truly do. And maybe someday, I'll be back with you in that capacity.
This year, I've been fortunate to have the time to discover other things I really enjoy. I love telling stories, and have been able to work with a handful of groups in telling their stories. It's a different experience to do so without the context of a newsroom. Is it better? I would never be so bold to say that...as each medium has it's strengths. It's just different, and for the first time in my life, I'm doing things differently. At times there's an uneasiness because it's unfamiliar. Other times, there's a comfort level almost comparable to a busy newsroom...because you know that through your work, you're making a difference.
Today is Thanksgiving, and the true point of my ramblings is to express my thankfulness for the opportunity to "live outside the box." I've always enjoyed thinking this way, but have not yet been in the scenario to wake up each day and have the ability to embrace something new. Mind you, all this living outside the box doesn't pay as well as my former professional life. Then again, I've also learned this year that money isn't everything, and for that, I am thankful.
It seems like nearly every week this year, I've had a chance to learn something new about the world, the workforce, and myself. I didn't realize how many things I actually know how to do. Some I do alright, other things I do very well. And perhaps the most heartfelt thing I've picked up...how to lean on others. I'm very thankful, after years of doing my best to be a rock for those around me, to be able to cling to and take refuge in my friends and family.
At this moment, I don't really know what the next best thing for me will be. But whatever it is, it will be one of my best experiences ever because of who I've become over the last several months.
In my opinion, that's the real paycheck for living outside the box.
At the time, it was an easy, yet bittersweet, thing to say. For several months, I knew there were changes all around me. I was still me...dedicated, professional, skilled, and versatile. And yet, that was feeling more and more like it wasn't going to be enough. My surroundings were changing, people were coming and going, and as the days lingered, I knew there may not be a place for me for much longer.
"I understand," was his response.
His tone and the grimace on his face told me he really did understand. You know when you're sad to see someone go, yet you know it's the right thing for them? My boss got it; he knew it was time.
I had been a part of this crew since the very beginning, matter of fact, I was recruited away from another company to begin this endeavor. I helped launch this product, which makes it easier for you to understand why I felt so close to it. So close, I knew when it was time to move on.
Since leaving KOMO in January, I've experienced my first period of life when I've not been a part of the broadcast news industry. While it's not a "fish out of water" feeling for me, it does feel a bit alien. After all, I really loved telling stories and coming into your living room or riding in your passenger seat everyday. I miss that connection with you, I truly do. And maybe someday, I'll be back with you in that capacity.
This year, I've been fortunate to have the time to discover other things I really enjoy. I love telling stories, and have been able to work with a handful of groups in telling their stories. It's a different experience to do so without the context of a newsroom. Is it better? I would never be so bold to say that...as each medium has it's strengths. It's just different, and for the first time in my life, I'm doing things differently. At times there's an uneasiness because it's unfamiliar. Other times, there's a comfort level almost comparable to a busy newsroom...because you know that through your work, you're making a difference.
Today is Thanksgiving, and the true point of my ramblings is to express my thankfulness for the opportunity to "live outside the box." I've always enjoyed thinking this way, but have not yet been in the scenario to wake up each day and have the ability to embrace something new. Mind you, all this living outside the box doesn't pay as well as my former professional life. Then again, I've also learned this year that money isn't everything, and for that, I am thankful.
It seems like nearly every week this year, I've had a chance to learn something new about the world, the workforce, and myself. I didn't realize how many things I actually know how to do. Some I do alright, other things I do very well. And perhaps the most heartfelt thing I've picked up...how to lean on others. I'm very thankful, after years of doing my best to be a rock for those around me, to be able to cling to and take refuge in my friends and family.
At this moment, I don't really know what the next best thing for me will be. But whatever it is, it will be one of my best experiences ever because of who I've become over the last several months.
In my opinion, that's the real paycheck for living outside the box.
Posted by Brian Calvert at Thursday, November 24. 2011 
Categories: TV, Marketing, Non-Profit, Radio, Journalism, PR, Social Media, Communications
Categories: TV, Marketing, Non-Profit, Radio, Journalism, PR, Social Media, Communications
Brian, it's so hard to know you live each day in the master's hands, and you know not what they hold for you. It's amazing what we learn and the best is to learn to lean on family and friends. God gave each a purpose even if it's just listening. It's been a transition for all of us. The listeners, leaners,family,friends and new friends and projects on the way! You have been a very big part of my life,and I enjoy learning what you have learned. It's hard to let go and let God! We need our security. For 39years Marvin and I have been seasonal and the winters were bad without the income. I wished we could of learned to live on unemployment all year and then be able to take care of the surprises. Since May he has worked a full year!! and were still trying to catch up. We're learning Retirement,new expenses, but that's just it. Were learning. You have such a bright outlook and the training and jobs you havae had make you one of a kind. Brian your very special and God has the Big Plan for you. The worst 4 letter word I know is WAIT!!! I don't like that word. I like to know what's coming and know I can get through it. My wonderful Nephew our prayers are with you for guidence,wisdom and the strengh to get through it all. Love to the family, Enjoy the time with all and keep on being hayve.(new word) Love, Aunt Laurie
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