How leaving journalism created a new path to success

Journalists, considering leaving journalism?

Here’s a secret 👉 volunteer.

Many years ago, I was making a complete career change out of journalism. Not one I planned, but it was happening whether I was ready or not.

After being a journalist for over a decade, I knew I had the skills, talent and energy to make an immediate impact in a communications role. However, hiring managers didn’t quite see it the same way.

They saw me as the local news anchor switching careers but weren’t convinced he had the direct skills they were looking for.

I plotted a course to demonstrate what I already knew. 🚀

💻 👨‍👦 First, I had recently become a first-time dad. So I started a blog. I taught myself WordPress, used my journalism background to do interviews and share relatable information. It was fun. It grew to a collaboration with another dad, then to a successful site that generated lots of activity and new partnerships. I started writing for Disney Baby, working with brands and nearly a full-time side hustle.

Then, knowing I’d need more to bolster my experience I found my secret ➡️ volunteering.

🟢 I networked and found organizations that needed communications or marketing help. I jumped in and used my experience in the way I knew how and started generating concrete examples of work that would help me grow, learn and ultimately start landing jobs in roles where I knew I could be successful.

Every community has local organizations looking for help in nearly any skillset you can imagine; including communications, PR, media relations, marketing, social media and more. Volunteering is a win-win for everyone. They get the help and visibility they need and you get the experience and examples to use in your job hunt.

This is not a shortcut but a deliberate path to generate the desired portfolio of work you can point to and overcome anyone questioning the skills you have outside the media.

Today, I lead dozens of volunteers who all have different reasons for generously donating their time. Former reporters expanding their resume, retirees who spent a career writing and want to continue, photojournalists who can’t give up their passion. It's wonderful to see.

No matter the reason, volunteering can be your secret weapon to achieving that transition your planning and hopefully your new side hustle or main gig.

Start now, build your resume, land or create that new job - then continue volunteering for the rewarding experience and the impact you’re creating for an organization that needs it.