Set career goals and understand them.
Again, in a world of no-brainers, where do you want to be in 5 years?
For me, I’d like to be reporting in a Top 50 market.
Is that possible? Absolutely.
But what will I have to do to get there?
Will I have to move?
What will I sacrifice?
Will I report one-man-band? (Yes.)
Am I comfortable with that? (Yes.)
Be specific with what you want.
While talking with a news director, he asked me where I would like to work. My response? “Wherever the job is…”
He suggested I be more specific.
Find a part of the country. Or a type of reporting or something that you are passionate about.
Jobs are out there. But moving some place just for the paycheck is not enough. And at this point in my career, it’s OK to be a little selfish.
The job isn’t just about the company. It’s about me.
Truly, I’d love to stay in Wichita for my next job, but I’m opening myself up to the possibility of larger markets in surrounding states.
The East coast does appeal to me (Massachusetts, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, etc.)
I won’t say “no” to an opportunity, only those that don’t seem to fit.