I always try to leave my viewers with a warm fuzzy feeling. I can find a happy ending to most stories, this one is no exception.. I'm relieved to tell you.
Lights, camera... shooting a piece to camera at Westmead Children's Hospital's new cancer centre.
My much loved newsroom is in the midst of brutal round of redundancies. I'm fortunate to be keeping the job I love. The only job I've ever wanted to do, but with cuts at Ten so deep, every one of us was forced to think about what we might "do" next.
The past few weeks have been emotional, but for many of us, not just because we’re worried about finding something else, we all have skills and are resourceful people, for many, there’s a niggling feeling that we’d be losing not just a "job", but a part of our "identity".
We remember our first story going to air, our hearts racing during our very first live cross. These experiences are a big part of our own "story".
This never happens! Interviewing pretty Ruby Jacenko about "going dry".. and the camera lens breaks. Oops...
All of our friends are in telly, cameramen are our confidants… and how will anyone know what to do with our hair without the amazing hair and makeup girls! This is a genuine problem ;)
Some of the most talented journalists I know, who have been made redundant, survived and thrived, tell me this can all serve as a reminder- that we are all much “more” than our jobs. Even if it's "a really damn good one!".
A TV boss who I admire a lot, said simply, "stay positive" and "remember most artists do their best work when they're down and out".
It's advice which helped her, when she was made redundant, years ago.
****
If my experience can help anyone who's in a similar situation, or who finds themselves here at some point, here is what I'd say to you:
*Believe that what is "meant to be" will be. Corny, but it's true. Don't resist the situation or outcome that you can't control.
*Be positive but also be at peace with the worst case scenario, knowing that you will be okay either way and that you are valuable.
*DO NOT get sucked into the negativity in the office. Rise above it and change the subject.
* It's important to surround yourself with the most positive peaceful people in your life during this period. My boyfriend was my rock and my girlfriends made me laugh.
*It's totally okay to feel a roller-coaster of emotions- happy and positive and then in tears, moments later.
*I tried to remember that if the worst thing happens, I will still be the same person, with the same family, friends and skills, EVERYTHING doesn't change.
*If you're struggling, be open, tell people your not coping, see a councillor, whatever works for you, but don't be ashamed to admit it's hard!
****
I know Ten will make a comeback (stay tuned, it will happen!) and those who left, will make their own comeback.
We will still be creative, compassionate story tellers, but with a clearer idea of who we are and some inspiration to do even better.
See I told you.. that's a pretty happy ending.
xx
JT
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