I'm fortunate enough to have a great radio job even after 35 years in the biz. I'm curious
though, where do people go after working for years in radio?
Are any of these skills transferrable? With so many jobs in radio being eliminated, where are people landing?

I know a a few who have gone on to very exciting careers in everything from auto sales to golf instructor, to Railroad engineer. With the amazing skill set you've aquired working in radio you can do anything you want.

teach it

During my illustrious radio career, I've taken two breaks...both times I worked as a producer, voice talent and media buyer at ad agencies

I worked as a security guard at the Reno/Sparks waste water reclamation plant, or, all euphemisms aside, the sewage treatment facility, or, if you will, the s--- factory, for about 6 months, following my triumphal return to Oregon at KSND.

It was one of the high points of my life, going out there at 5 AM. . .10 degrees. . .and that lovely aroma permeating everything, a combination of numerous virulent, pungent chemicals, such as chlorine, and, well, I needn't elaborate on what else was floating on the breeze.

It sure was a lesson in humility, whether I needed one or not, and a great reminder that even the worst job in radio is a joy and a privilege, comparatively at least.

One may wonder why turds would need to be guarded and why they had tough guys like me out there packin' heat. It is primarily the result of the potential of a sewage treatment plant being a terrorist target: The fumes from one of the huge chlorine tanks popped open would take out a large proportion a sizable metropolitan area in a very horrible fashion.

There was one good aspect: The turds at the waste water reclamation joint didn't try to talk to me, or not usually, anyway.

It's just the vicissitudes, baby; I'm laughing.

LOL!! Thanks for sharing!

perfect visual Jeff

I drove a taxi cab. FUN!

Real Estate....Lovin' the part where I am my own boss! (hat's off to all of you hangin' in there in the broadcast arena)

www.ShopPortlandHomes.com

I sort of fall on both sides of the spectrum. Still in radio while not actually working at a radio station.

Plenty of voice work between my wife and myself for broadcast and even more lucrative, non-broadcast work. Then of course running a mobile DJ company.

Like Bill Jackson stated, being your own boss is simply the best.

My work allows me to pursue other endeavors/hobbies in music, fitness, fatherhood and husband-hood.

MysteryDJ-Glad you're still enjoying the medium, I know I still do.

Yep. Still enjoy the medium and glad to still be earning a good living doing what I love. Although
sometimes it takes brass....headphones...to stay positive.

A radio career can be a great background for sales. You don't say what your focus is in radio, but most radio people are pretty outgoing and communicative which can translate well in sales.

Some air talent are great behind the microphone, but have trouble doing the same communication face to face. If so, one has to get over that.

A good sales person is always in demand. You never have to worry about having a job if you're good. When companies do lay-offs, have you ever heard of them laying off their top sales person?

I was thinking about all the talent that went to various PR jobs for private, state, city, and county government agencies...find a PR person locally that wasnt in radio or tv...its amazing...

Jeffrey, you need to write a book. That was perfect.

I've noticed several people going into Real Estate sales after radio.

Radio personalities are almost by definition good speakers, a couple of companies I have worked for have had former radio and tv personel in PR.

I also know one teacher in high school that was a former radio announcer.

Public affairs, festival and concert promotions, I still do many fundraisers throughout the year. Voice overs for ad agencies, a mobile DJ business, RV Shows, there is life after radio. I've done sales and the golf thing too. Judging from this thread we should all write books and be teaching!

I wish I could find something that I loved an and was enthused about as much Radio..... everthing else is/was just a job

Hey Roger, you need a creative outlet right now.

So... Give this a try!

http://www.talkshoe.com

A friend of mine and I have done a coupla of shows and it's a kick! Of course we are building our talent a podcast at a time, but hey the response has been good and it's awful radio like. I've had some great conversations, not unlike great callers into a traditional radio talk show.

He's actually gone gang busters. Produces a show a week, sometimes two. His focus is peak oil and the ramifications of that. There are lots of others there. Surprising variety actually.

All you need is passion for something --anything really and you can start doing some shows. You get live callers, internet chat while the show is in progress, and ability to record and post-produce the show for podcast type downloads later.

It's not a music thing, though I think you could probably do reviews with fair-use snippets. If you like interacting with others at all, this is a very strong up and coming venue, IMHO.

You need a phone, computer, some audio editing skills and a brain. That's it!

After 3 short term jobs in radio (the profession I studied for in college), and being married, I decided to go for a "job for life" in the not-then-but-since-then exciting field of telecommuninications. Very near 30 years later, I'm still here. Still also, listening to, and interested in, radio. Nothing can replace that feeling. Putting together music, talk, taking phone requests and feedback, knowing that actual people are out there, listening to what you are doing,there is nothing that matches that rush. To all of you that stayed with it, I salute you!

But I did get a pretty good retirement plan. So, I've got that going for me.

Keep this thread going folks. It's what this board is all about.

Here's a couple I haven't seen posted: 911 Operator or Rodeo Announcer.

Craig- Ah you forget our KCYX connection Steve Kenyon. Rodeo announcer full time. Travels all over the place.

Deane- My radio background has helped me in sales. However what I am selling is ME!! So I'm an expert on the product.

Also I have been doing more and more emcee work outside of mobile DJ work, where I have done tons of emceeing. It's nice not to have to drag the equipment around, just the tuxedo.

Warner...so right on. The idea of putting together broadcast elements that may or may not be entertaining, nonetheless, is a thrill, and beats 99% of the jobs out there. Aren't we lucky?

... phone, computer, some audio editing skills and a brain.....

I think I have most of those!!!!

:-)

After just a few years in radio and witnessing the beginning of the end at KQIV, I got into television. That's a decision I'm still thankful for! However, with a background in DX'ing, SWL'ing, Ham and commercial radio, like many of us I'm still very interested in, and often miss being in, the biz!

I was considering going back to school to freshen my TV skills (love video editing) but, so much of the tech stuff is becomming remote also, and closing in on 50 who wants to bring in a 50 year old trainee?

Love media, but while realisticly won't earn a living in it, love talking about it.....

Just the changing work world. My son is a fantastic photographer and worked as a sports photog in the news paper biz.... now they cut the photogs and give a digital camera to the reporter to get some shots..... photo quality suffers, but the papers save some cash.........

Really, for most, (not all) there is no life after radio. My friend you have "stayed too long at the fair" and you can no longer go back to a regular job. If you are like most radio people you laugh at inappropriate times. Fail to take things as seriously as you should in a dry office atmosphere, and simply cannot limit story telling to a couple of 15 minute breaks per day. You also have trouble concentrating on one method of doing things without being able to improvise. You can't be just one of many. After all, you have been "special" for too long. No, accept your fate, as many of us have, we are in this for the long run. Those parental strains of "when you going to get a real job?", have long since faded. You no longer have a choice. You are stuck, my friend. But don't despair, be happy, make the best of it. You are most likely better now than you have ever been. So, just change the way you think about radio, and radio will change for the better. Or, you too, could end up at the turd factory. And believe me, after 30 years spreading bullpoop in radio, most of the outside world would consider you only qualified to work at a turd factory.

So I'm out socializing with my wife. The topic finally gets around to "so what do you do?" In this little circle of people is a heart surgeon, a lawyer, a firefighter, a pastor and my wife and I. When we mention radio guess what happens? Without even trying the conversation is now dominated by every ones opinions about radio. We get lots of questions about what stations we've worked at and where can I hear your voice. As much as we try to get the conversation back to talking about them it's no use. So we then do our radio stories. We are amusing and entertaining and after we are done the same thing happens in another circle of prominent people.

Thus is the life a radio personality. We have come to realize that even though we know the realities of the business, your average listener does not.

Radio has given to me some opportunities I would have otherwise been unable to achieve. I have worked with some of the best in the business and met celebrities from all walks of life. My ego has been stroked my closet and scrapbook are filled with great memories. I have gained skills from the technology and lingo I would have never imagined 30 years ago. And best of all I’m still doing radio and earning a decent living.

I don’t deny the downside to this business, but I’m still having too much fun to care.

I got shitcanned in August. Decided moving from Philly and uprooting my future wife wasn't worth it, especially seeing the divore rate in radio.

In December I started real estate licensing classes, and am just about done. With the people side of it, I should be great. And...it's not a boring 9-5 job. Just gonna have to bust my ass.

Still working weekends, WRDW here in Philly, my demo is up at www.bdubshow.com if you wanna give it a listen.

After Years of radio then what??

Answer: Lots of booze and drugs. Suddenly Jack Daniels becomes your best friend!

When I have taken "breaks" in my radio career I have rented out my womb.

Good for you! (I'm really hoping you mean you're a Gestational Surrogate!)

Chris Taylor:

When that happens to me (the incessant radio questions), I swing it right back around at them. Oh, so you're a lawyer? Is it just like Matlock? What happens when gunfights break out in court? Have you ever defended a celebrity? You know, I think some lawyers just like to hear themselves talk. I don't understand why they have to talk so much, can't we hear more from the witnesses?

I got that too, when I did an interview program as a volunteer at the Library for the Blind Radio Reading Service KUOW/ subcarrier 94.9.When I would line up different guests I used to have to explain how the service was heard who hears it and about radio in general. I was tired of explaining everything. But there were times when I didn't have to and I was always glad of that. I have another situation. Over the years I've studied 5 languages and I still keep up with all of them. Well when people hear about it right away it's people telling me how bad they are at a language and the phrase I hear most often is ''I took Spanish in school but forgot it all'' YADA YADA BTW did you know talkshow host Barry Farber speaks a bunch of languages I forget exact number. He has a book and does seminars.

After Years in Radio...then What?

Let me know when you find out, I'm up for something.

You can make good money in Real Estate but with all the competition doing it, HAVE FUN! Too many people are doing it, which makes it very hard.

When I have taken "breaks" in my radio career I have rented out my womb.

Is is a womb with a view?

That would look good as the start of your resume....

To WOMB it may concern!

LOL

After years in radio...then what?? Education is always a great option. Even before he fully left the biz, Steve Naganuma was teaching here at Benson High School at KBPS. He's been here for ten years now. When I bailed from commercial radio it was to become the GM of KBPS, so technically I'm still "in radio"...but with the kids and WITHOUT pressures of corporate radio B#!!$#!t its a great change!

Nice goin', Bill...Hats off to ya! You and the whole crew keep up the great work, OK?

"Education is always a great option. Even before he fully left the biz, Steve Naganuma was teaching here at Benson High School at KBPS. He's been here for ten years now."

Steve is amazing. Back 23 years ago when he was working full time at Magic 107 he was teaching at MHCC. Steve is one of only a few guys I've met in broadcasting who really held in interest in the various behind the scenes work involved in pulling off a successful (in the ratings) effort, instead of most who treated production and promotion as a pain in the butt. He is also one of few whom would let me troubleshoot control room console problems while he was on the air, not getting all bent out of shape with channel cards on board extenders and clip leads and test equipment upsetting his normal landscape. Steve took the time, unlike most, to monitor the transmitter and stuff instead of just copying the previous readings from the guy before him.

My only question: What do you tell young wannabees about radio today? There are far less career opportunities now then ever before, especially on the creative side.

"What do you tell young wannabees about radio today? There are far less career opportunities now then ever before..."

I've mentored numerous young broadcasters over the years and also advised the broadcasting program at Lane Community College and have debated
this same question with myself over the years.
It's becoming increasingly difficult to know how to advise people wanting to enter the business.

There are a lot fewer jobs out there, but in many
cases they DO pay a better wage than they did in the past. On average.

I remember when I got into radio in 1973, the "old-timers" advised me against a career in radio. That radio's best days were past. This in 1973!! Now I've had 33 1/3 years in radio and am VERY glad the old-timers didn't talk me out of it. For the most part I don't regret my decision to get into radio and stay in radio.

Yet...things HAVE changed. Should I advise wannabes against a radio career. I don't know.

Just tell it like it is, Mystery... Level with them about the plus/minus test. Give them the most honest picture your experience can deliver. And if you see that they have potential and a burning desire to give it an honest shot, then FEED THE FIRE!

Mentors in broadcasting are in increasingly short supply these days, but they're NOT extinct.

And it sounds to me like you're pretty darn good at it...

Don't. (Discourage them)

A music teacher once discouraged me from getting involved.

To make a long story short, I like what I do today, but I'll always wonder what would have come, had I given it a shot. (Not performance. My interest is production, theory & teaching / direction.)

I realize today, it would not have hurt me one bit to explore that avenue, but now I've moved on, but for some hobby stuff and the occasional production help I lend to some good friends.

Still could get into some of it, but running a family puts all of that on hold. Don't get me wrong, I'm not posting this for any self-interest. My choices are made and I've no regrets --only the occasional muse and some thought about how to handle my kids when this stuff comes up.

(I'm gonna encourage them to go for it, whatever it is, BTW!)

Mark has it exactly right. Who knows, they might just be the one that makes new things happen, but none of us, including them, will know that unless the door is held open.

Nothing wrong with telling them like it is. Not a bad idea to tease out whatever ideas they might have too. There are gonna be some new ones, and having somebody to bounce them off of will only help refine them that much quicker.

That potential combined with some interest, passion and encouragement might matter some day.

If you have the passion and you know those who can help mentor then I say go for it. In radio and in life.

I'm not sure the listeners are so naive anymore about what's happened to radio.

I've been out of the day-to-day for just over two years, moving more and more into podcasting. I now have age-50+ acquaintances who are more excited to know they can find me on iTunes than they are to know they can still hear my syndicated weekend radio show.

The world is changing quickly!

The ones active in here are sue not "Clueless" to what corporate america has done to what was supposed to be "Our" radio...serving the public interest...oh wait...that's OPB! Anyway Corp is all about the money and it is a business but they getting cheap on us and we are going elsewhere for entertainment and it sure seems like it does not have to be that way! IMHO of course!

After years in the biz I now do it via the internet. live and no body can tell me what to do or how to do it.studio is in the spare bedroom.
its great. no over head and I sell about 30 clients to keep the revenue coming in

I'd like to hear that. Are you on Itunes?
Where can I listen?

Jeffrey, that is the funniest post I've seen!

If you think about it, people in radio are very good B.S.ers, so any job that requires a lot of that would be a logical step. Sales comes to mind. If you can convince people to stay tuned and listen to "More Than a Feeling" for the 23,746,358th time, you can probably sell anything.

Cathode_commode:

Soooo true! Though, most successful sales people are good looking, well dressed, and exude confidence in real life face to face situations. From what I can tell, alot of behind-the-mic types fall short in these areas. But, so long as the product they're selling is used cars or low-grade consumer electronics, they should be fine...

Also, if the deal can be closed over the phone, even better! I always thought I'd make a great boiler-room stock broker!

Good looking?

not me. How about you?