The Reality Of Balance In Radio Now

You’ve likely heard the saying, “Your job will never love you.“

Make sure you listen. It’s true.

For many people, work is transactional. “We pay you and you do XYZ.” In this way, radio is not different than other places where people work.

But Passion For Radio Can Make It More Difficult To See

The space where radio can be different is in the hearts and minds of the people who are most passionate about what radio is to them or those who are radioholics. Radio can be a high-passion business, but it is a business.

Begin to see your work like the realities below, zero-in on your contribution while you are at work and how you are seen as a contributor, but never forget work is only a part of a whole life. Employees that really have a whole life are just better employees.

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Here are a few factors that will help you to zero-in on work from a non-emotional perspective. Doing this will help you see work for what it is – your business. Not your life.

Businesses are driven by profit. Companies are fundamentally driven by making money and achieving business goals. This is no surprise. In our business, you can understand why there is so much focus on sales. Sales is revenue and how much revenue there is determines so many things you think of as normal in your work life, including your employment. Make sure what you are doing at work is based on achieving for your family, learning the most you can, figuring out how to grow your skills and learning how to leverage your worth because your time is valuable. You want to excel at work because you want to be valuable, but don’t get confused. Radio isn’t your only value. It’s only your work life.

While employers may offer perks, benefits, and a supportive culture that differ in different jobs and professions, these actions are still tied to the company’s financial interests, not out of love or personal investment in you as an individual. It’s smart to keep this in mind and keep your eyes focused on how you contribute where you work. Think of your time at work as being your business.

Employee turnover. The harsh truth is that employees are often replaceable. I mean every employee. If a company is faced with a choice between business needs and an employees wellbeing, the former is likely to take priority. It’s not that they don’t value you as a person, but from a business perspective, the needs of the organization are paramount. You will be rewarded to keep that in mind and make sure that are seen as a high contributor. Also make sure you don’t give your soul to your job.

Work-life balance issues. Many people find themselves sacrificing personal time for their job (especially in radio), but when push comes to shove, most companies will prioritize the bottom line over individual sacrifices. While companies may express care for their employees, this is often in service of their own interests rather than out of love. What does this really mean for you? When you have vacation,take it. Don’t forget what is important life vs. important work. Don’t ignore your home life for work.

Job security is uncertain. Jobs can be lost through layoffs, mergers, or even simple economic downturns. No one in radio is surprised by these realities of life. This is certainly why we speak to people consistently about regular savings goals, establishing an emergency savings fund and saving for retirement. Despite putting in years of hard work, employees are often left feeling like their loyalty to the company is not reciprocated when the business no longer needs them. Smart employees develop a plan for that day (even if it never comes). If you sock away a percentage of your income with every paycheck, you will have more balance than others and you’ll thank yourself later.

We Encourage ALL radio pros to save

Emotional detachment. It’s natural to become attached to work, especially if it gives you a sense of purpose or fulfillment. Radio can make you feel these things. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. However, businesses and corporations are not built for emotional attachment in the way personal relationships are. Keep this in mind. Businesses are built to run efficiently and profitably, and this can lead to detachment when it comes to the employees. The more you know about the business where you work, the more you will understand how to ride the good times and periods of adjustment that come in any business. Of course, this isnt true for every workplace. Some companies go above and beyond to support their employees, but the love and loyalty you might expect from a job are not always part of the deal.

It might seem harsh to present work this way, but it is a reality you shouldn’t ignore. Don’t forget, you’re in this to benefit your family.

By the way, employees who lead a more balanced life make better employees.

It’s important to remember to nurture your relationships outside of work, especially family and close friends. Make sure you focus on your whole life. Give significant thought to living below your means, celebrating what makes you happy and encouraging a variety of activities for yourself outside of work and work relationships. Do this and you will ensure your own happiness and well-being aren’t tied solely to your job.

Brand + Relationship + Great Products + Consistent Problem-Solving = Higher Revenue

– Loyd Ford, Rainmaker Pathway Consulting Works (RPC)

There is an expectation of challenge for radio. Let us help you defy that expectation. Join us.

Catch my weekly radio sales column each Monday @ RadioInk.com.

P.S. When youre ready, there are two (2) ways I can help you.

1. Grab any of our free blogs on this site. (There are almost 1,300 available to you). We cover a lot of ground, including sales, talent, sales coaching, creativity, digital content and rev gen, company culture, endorsements, podcasting, and of course – ideas (the lifeblood of local radio).
2. Join our VIP program I Want Our Brand To Be Growth by becoming a client. Finally, an affordable and complete consulting practice that creates growth engines in programming and sales. It all starts with a free consultation. Email Ford@RainmakerPathway.com or call me directly 864.448.4169.

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