Gabrielle's Radiotrip Reflection - Day 7
** Please keep in mind, this is a rant. I'm emotional and tired and frustrated. Okay, now keep reading. **
Exciting; frustrating; energizing; disheartening; motivating; stimulating and boy am I tired. This is what Radiotrip has been for me so far.
Mitch and I have been on the road for 7 days, literally just made it into Toronto. Ever since we made it past Kelowna BC, it's been all new territory for me, which is exciting in its own right. Oh ya, and the Rocky Mountains are in commercials for a reason. So beautiful! I appreciated them extra in anticipation of the flatland.
As for Radiotrip... Let's just say my eyes have been opened. (That's the point, so we're on the right track!)
Here's me 7 days ago: I give notice at my apartment because this trip is the beginning of the next stage of my life and career. I'm ready to move; I'm ready to shake hands with people all across the country; whatever it takes to get on the air again, talk, laugh, and LEARN and IMPROVE. I am fascinated and absolutely pumped about learning as much as I can about the radio industry.
Today: We have crossed the country and literally talked to as many people working in the biz as we can... I just have to be honest, I'm not feeling too good about it! I have learned an incredible amount, but the overall feeling I get is that it's hopeless, not worth it, or it's pretty good, but you have to sacrifice everything. Okay. Sure. I expected that to an extent...
"There are times when you have to set aside your morals, your personal beliefs, to do your job" - Red Deer, Alberta.
Not a chance. Does that mean my passion isn't strong enough? Well, my passion is being on air, making people laugh, connecting with people one on one, learning, asking questions, and sharing interesting stories. I want to make your day by just being me! That is my passion... yet the majority of people are saying there's just no room.
Two things.
If y'all want to voice-track every shift that newbies could potentially take, because there's no money, well what can I say? The industry is crumbling, there is no money! People are frightened for their jobs... and will do whatever they can to stay afloat. Is now the right time to get in? Is there even room? Who knows... I'm just reporting what I'm feeling. One of my questions is.. what happens in 20 years, when everyone with all the experience, who have all the jobs right now, retires and there hasn't been any new quality on-air training and experience for the people with a genuine passion for radio. Will we save the industry, or just give up? It's hard to say because right now, a lot of bubbly, young radio enthusiasts are having their hearts crushed.
I love people! I love my family! I love my girlfriend! I left all that behind and drove across the country trying to break into this industry, and NOTHING so far. There's no chance in the big markets, and no room in the small markets. Love, and living from my heart is what makes me who I am. I'm at the point where I'm ready to go home, grow my own food, get a pony and start an internet radio show on the side. That's a place I know I can be myself, share the things I want to share, make people's day just by being me, and probably make the same amount of money. At least I will be feeding my heart.
My head has been spun so much in 7 days. I feel SO grateful for the opportunity to meet everyone, see the country, and I have learned so much. There are a lot of positive and lovely people working in Radio (I'm not forgetting that). All I know is I'm going to follow my passion, wherever that leads. Man, I wonder what's going to happen next week?
