I accepted a job with TMZ. No, I'm not moving to LA. I'm going to work out of their New York City office... which is right in Times Square (translation: really easy commute). I love the opportunity because it's totally different than anything I've ever done but I still get to use the skills I've developed over the past 10 years. For the first time in my career, I'm not going to end my day in a control room making live TV happen. And I'm totally okay with that. It was time for a change.
So what exactly will I be doing? It sounds like I'll be part producer, part assignment editor, part writer, part investigative reporter and part a lot of other stuff too. Plus, all the useless pop culture knowledge in my head suddenly isn't so useless. It is going to be a very demanding job, but I think it could also be a lot of fun.
Another thing that made TMZ attractive is that the web site is just as big a deal as the TV show. This isn't a TV station that also has a web site. It's a package deal. All my TV friends know that the web has changed our business forever... so I'm trying to change with it.
This job... and the back-and-forth leading up to me actually accepting the position last night... is the reason I stopped blogging. This has been going on for a few weeks and I didn't want to jinx anything... kind of like not talking to a pitcher during a no-hitter.
I've had some spectacular posts about unemployment in my head that I just couldn't write. The best one... my first interview with TMZ was canceled last minute... because Chris Brown was arrested. I actually got the phone call the night before while I was in Staples buying more resume paper so I could print out extra copies. At that point, it wasn't clear when we'd be able to reschedule. I remember standing in the checkout line trying to decide if I should laugh or cry... and if I should even bother buying the paper. You can't make that stuff up.
Anyway... thank you all for your kind wishes... it really means a lot.
Oh... one other question I keep getting asked... am I going to be on the show? I highly doubt it since it's taped in LA... and that's not why I took the job. But if by chance it does happen... trust me... you're gonna hear about it...
Congrats for snagging that job at TMZ. That was a pretty long unemployment, and the perseverance is totally worth it. I also had my episode of unemployment when me and my co-workers got laid off, but luckily, the hunt for a job is short, after two weeks with the help of my friends and the reemployment services program. I got myself back in business.
ReplyDeleteThe pay is great, weekends off, good co-workers, a boss that motivates us all, and the best of all, a good worker compensation program that keeps me and my family sane.
Powerful stuff. Wishing you well. One of the coolest and nicest people I ever worked with
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