It didn’t come as a total shock. When you chose to venture into the world of media, you know the business is volatile. One day you’re in; the next day, you’re out. Most people with long careers in this field have faced layoffs at some point. However, you go into the next job knowing how much you love what you do and hoping that you won’t be caught up in the cycle again. Some might say we’re crazy to stay in this industry, willingly exposing ourselves to its insecurities. But there’s something unique about this work—a joy that comes from storytelling and a sense of fulfillment that few other roles can provide. It makes you feel alive! So, we jump back in.
The past 8 years with Global News have been amazing. I had worked so hard to land a role like this one—one that felt tailor-made for me and that offered financial security, a far cry from my first on-air gig. Those 3:30 AM wake-up calls for the morning show didn’t faze me; I knew that with every sunrise and with every new location, segment and/or guest – I was privileged to still be working this dream job of mine! Transitioning to the 11 PM newscast allowed me to broaden my reach to Ontario and the Maritimes and work in a completely different way with a new team—most of whom I only knew through my earpiece, yet they felt like friends. I was privileged – I was trusted by the higher ups to do the work that needed to be done without the need for much supervision. Some days were long, others were short, but the job got done and I loved it. So yes, I’m sad. I’m hurt and disappointed to be yet another casualty of budget cuts. But I understand the industry I chose and the financial challenges it faces. I don’t take it personally; after all, this is my fourth layoff!
Fourth! That’s nuts… They all came as a little shock. However, for the first three, I had already been putting out feelers and pursuing other avenues. When I look back, every one of those layoffs – and the moves that happened simultaneously – brought me to a place where I was even more in love with my profession!
This time around, however, two other media outlets had reached out to me in the previous six months. Each time, we felt like the postings were not right for me, right now. I loved where I was at in my career, and being the loyal type, I found it hard to walk away from such a close-knit team like Global’s. The problem is that layoffs don’t wait for the “right time”. They happen “right now”. So here I was, going from happily employed on Tuesday to heartbrokenly jobless on Wednesday. I couldn’t help but wonder if not pursuing those other outlets had burned bridges, if I could have made those other jobs feel “right” over time, and whether any new opportunities would come my way.
Another difference this time is that I’m now a mother. I had always been egoistical in the pursuit of this career. Never before did I have to worry about a family. This layoff wasn’t just about me anymore, and that realization brought on a flood of emotions! I was grateful with the extra given time to spend with the boys, but I was also in a fog of worry over my next move. That first week, I definitely wasn’t fully present… My four-year-old was excited that I was home for dinner, but he sensed my sadness and asked why I wasn’t on television anymore. When I explained that “Mommy needed to find a new place to work,” he suggested that, since I was a good driver, I could work with him on his tow truck! Not the career move I had envisioned, but hey – I appreciated the vote in confidence!
He wasn’t the only one suggesting alternative career paths. “You’d be so good at insert job title and you’d probably get paid better.” Yes, but would I love it as much? Would it be as fulfilling? Would I wake up for that job at 3:30am with a smile? I found myself having to explain to those around me why I did not feel like this was the end of my media career and why I still wanted to pursue it. I also had to explain why it could be the end of my media career if I chose family over vocation… In the past, I had moved without even hesitating to pursue my goals—to Winnipeg, Ottawa and then back again to Montreal. Now, it wasn’t just about me heading out to Calgary or Toronto for an ideal opportunity, it would be assuming that my man would follow, that we’d sell our amazing home and that we’d move our kids out of province. This time, there was so much more at stake.
Don’t get me wrong; I truly believe in chasing your passions, even in the face of obstacles. I want my children to dream as big as I did and to pursue fulfilling careers, regardless of the challenges. I plan to teach them to develop a thick skin and understand that things don’t always go as planned—but it’s essential to try, to take detours and to take leaps of faith. Yet, despite that and what I preached in my late twenties—when I walked away from two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s, and a decent-paying job to work overnight at Mix96, pressing a button every ten minutes for $10 an hour—I’ve come to realize that, when family is involved, dreams can’t always be pursued “at all costs.”
The first two weeks after the layoff were tough. The emotions, the worries about my family, the insecurities, and the well-meaning comments—it was all overwhelming. “You should take insert name of another personality‘s job”, “go back to the morning show”, “you should do radio again.” Despite knowing these suggestions came from a place of appreciation for my craft and my persona, it was tough to hold back my emotions. “It doesn’t work that way! That person probably worked just as hard and is cherished just like I am… I can’t just walk into a station a demand a job, there has to be a posting.” I felt emotional because, deep down, all I wanted was to continue doing what I love, but I felt that my options were limited.
Time did it’s thing, though. People starting calling. Connections were made. I scrolled through job postings and applied on a few. Opportunities also came out of the blue. Conversations were had (my man is fully on board for a move if it comes to that). Difficulties arose, too (DYP won’t immediately support relocating with the kids, and we absolutely won’t consider placing them in another foster home just for my career). Amidst all this, I also recognised that I had time. Time to truly reflect on what I wanted to do next. Time to savour being home. Time to explore those intriguing job opportunities and assess which ones would be easy and which would push me out of my comfort zone. Time to realise that I had options that could make me smile again!
What’s next? A path that fills my mom heart with joy, one that fosters growth for our entire family, and one that includes a few firsts—which is surprising as I enter my 20th year in media. I hope this path will be one that I cherish for years to come. And if it doesn’t go as planned? That’s the beauty of dreaming big: dreams can evolve, adapt, and surprise us, even when we face setbacks.
TO BE CONTINUED…
In Kim’s Head 
very well said. You will rise above it all. You are strong and you have love all around you. Keep smiling, it will be alright👍🤗