9 months ago I walked away from a 25-year TV weather career. During my final 4 weeks on TV, I shared 20 lessons I’d learned in broadcast meteorology. Of course, I learned a whole lot more than 20 things, but these are a few highlights. If you missed the first 19, check out the previous posts on my main blog page.
Here is # 1 – If you are fortunate enough to go out on top, embrace it.
- GO OUT ON TOP
Not everyone gets to leave a job on their own terms. Sometimes you get pushed out, fired, downsized, furloughed, or even given a hiatus due to an unforeseen global pandemic. I recognize how rare it is to be able to exit a great job and career by choice, and I did not take that for granted.
I have learned that for so many people our identity is wrapped up in our job. One of the first things we ask when we meet someone new is “What do you do?” Working on TV is a pretty cool job. There were a few fun perks through the years like getting passes to an event because I worked in media, or invitations to parties since I was on TV, or getting a better table because the restaurant hostess recognized me. I met some famous people, too, thanks to my job: Derek Jeter, Chubby Checker, Gary Sinise, Nick Jonas, Joe Namath, Katie Couric, a bunch of the cast from Days of our Lives, and so many others.
There’s that old saying about finding something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. While I do find truth in that, I also believe that even though you love something, it can still overwhelm you. If you have kids, think of them. You love them. But sometimes, you need a break.
That’s where I was at the end of my first 25-year career. I loved the work. I loved the team. I loved the fun perks of a really cool job. I considered myself blessed that I found a town and a state that I loved (that has the BEST weather).
It was scary. It was a huge leap of faith. It took several years of pros/cons lists to finally make the move. It required thought and coordination, a lot of savings, a plan, and a supportive husband (who first had to be convinced it was the right decision).
I walked away from TV weather and from the 2 AM wake up, but I did not retire. I would if I could, but there are these pesky things called “bills” that won’t let me. I just needed a break, a new direction, a new perspective, a new path. But I still need money and I am still working. Now I am my own boss and set my own schedule and spend a lot more time with my family.
I am writing. I am doing some public speaking and hosting a few virtual events. I am still chatting with school kids about weather and promoting my children’s books. I am active on social media, and of course, I am still posting blogs on this website www.amysweezey.com (You can sign up for email updates while you’re here).
I am also finding new purpose with my team at Growing Bolder. How fun it has been to help with the mission of rebranding and redefining aging. Every day I share inspirational stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives. I am constantly reminded of the possibilities of life after 50. If you haven’t experienced the power of Growing Bolder yet, visit www.growingbolder.com
A dear friend texted a few days before I left my TV job with some advice from when she changed jobs. “It will feel odd for a bit of time after you leave. Transitions are never easy and they stir up emotions. But remember why you made the decision, stay present in the moment and enjoy this ending, move into the future with no regrets and excitement about this next chapter.”
➡️ “There is no level of success that’s more important than happiness and balance.” – Gary Vaynerchuk
➡️ “Growing Bolder is about overcoming the demeaning stereotypes of age. It’s about embracing the nearly limitless opportunities afforded those who are lucky enough to grow older. It’s about believing that the rest of your life can be the best of your life.” – Marc Middleton
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