I SLAMMED my fist against a wall...

[Tom_Foolery]

and it hurt like HELL!! At first, I thought I broke it; but it's feeling a lot better now.

I did it out of frustration with my job, my financial problems, and some marital woes.

The marital woes will be worked out, but the job and financial problems will take a while.

Two weeks ago, I was at the end of my rope when I heard that our promotions director was leaving. Well, I have 20 years experience in the radio business. I've done everything from on air to sales. When I heard that she was leaving, I thought that I could get her job; and my financial problems would begin to clear up. It didn't turn out that way. They gave the job to a person who has NO radio experience at all. They didn't even post the job for any interested parties to apply for it. Now we have a crippled radio station in both programming and promotions.

I left radio back in 2000 to sell items on eBay full time. I had been selling on eBay part time for a couple of years, and I had built up a very nice business. In fact, I was kicking some serious ass. Well, 11 September 2001 put an end to that. My business went down the drain very quickly, and I had to go back to radio to make a living...if you want to call it that. I kept hoping that a better position would open up for me; but when the jobs opened up, they always would pick people who have no experience in radio. They've completely crippled our 100,000 radio station. Of course, they own the station; so they can do what they want.

The topper was when a 20 year-old kid came over here from one of our sister stations and treated me and my fellow jocks like we were a bunch of idiots. Our sister stations are over in Indiana, so I suspect that he thought he would come over to Kentucky and show us hicks how to do radio. Well, the combined experience of our air staff is well over 100 years. We KNOW how to do radio...thank you very much. Thankfully, he was here for only two days.

I'm 43, and I learned early in my life that I have a really bad temper. I spent a lot of time and effort teaching myself how to control it. I haven't punched a wall since I was a teenager, but I had to let it out.

If you've read this far, thanks for letting me rant.

[trotsky]

1. Better to let it out than bottle it up.

In college I got so mad once I kicked a wall.

Only I was so mad I forgot that it was a CONCRETE wall.

I don't think I broke my big toe, but it got all purple and swollen and hurt like hell for a few weeks.

Sorry about the job going to someone else - any hope the owners might realize their error?

[Tom_Foolery]

4. Maybe after the station...

has been completely ruined, they might let the people with experience clean up the mess. I'm not holding my breath, though. Our owners are a front for Clear Channel.

[Robb]

2. The last time I got mad enough to punch a wall...

It was in front of about ten people. I was so embarrassed, I did the first thing that came into my head.

I took a few paces away, turned around, gave the wall a dirty look, and said "I TOLD you not to call me Robby!!" :D

Fortunately, someone giggled. A fine rant!

[Tripper11]

3. I know EXACTLY how you feel!!!!

I have 8 years eperience, not nearly as diversafied as you though. Never did sales or on-air, but lots of producing, promotions etc. A station I was working part-time for up until a month and a half ago had 2 full time positions come available. I thought I was a shoe in easily. 2 years with said company, background and experience. Same as you, the 2 people they hired had 0 radio experience.
I just shook my head in a state of cunfusion.
I managed to luck out and a friend who is a reporter for a tv station recommneded me for an Assignment Editor's position. I sent in a resume and lucked out and got the job...and this was with NO experience. They thought my background, my work ethics and attitude would be enough for them to take a chance. So far I have blown them away with the speed I have learned the job and I think they are feeling more and more everyday that they made the right choice. I love it, I am busy as hell and my days zoom by.
So, as much as I loved working in radio, at this point I say ppppffffttttt....the business is ridiculous and makes no sense.
Now I am not saying tv is any better, but, a full time gig, great salary, full benefits and other perks sure makes easier to turn my back on a business I busted my ass for for nothing!

[Tom_Foolery]

5. I'm looking at some smaller stations...

that are privately owned. I have some programming ideas that I want to try out, and I think a small station would be willing to give them a try. Broadcast radio is doomed unless some major changes take place.

[Tripper11]

8. I agree with you 100%

With digital radio coming up strong you would think these idiots would take it seriously, but no....for some reason they seem to do the opposite of what they should be doing. And frankly I am not a genius by any stretch of the imagination, but the changes would be so simple, easy and cheap. It's not rocket science, it's radio, but it seems radio conglomerates seem to want to work harder then easier.

[Tom_Foolery]

9. You sound like everybody at my station...

these big boys just kill me with their ignorance. Our spot load is so low now that some of us fear for our jobs. I think some little owner somewhere will come up with the idea to save the radio business. These big boys are too stupid.

[leftyandproud]

6. Are you in Louisville?

What station?

[Tom_Foolery]

7. No, I'm west of Louisville...

and I'd rather not say what station it is. You know what I mean?

[VOX]

10. Don't put the "marital woes" on the back burner!

Not to minimize the other stuff you're going through -- which is obviously very serious -- but do not develop any blind spots regarding your relationship with your wife.

Relationships can be so finely tuned that a corrosive problem can develop virtually undetected, particularly if one partner is consumed with battling the wolves at the door.

Keep the communication open and flowing, and make sure that her needs are being met, and that she knows how important she is to you.

Just my concerned nickel's worth -- I'll butt out now.

Hang in there -- :toast:

[Tom_Foolery]

11. Thank you!!!

You are absolutely correct!! My wife and I always work on our relationship. We try not to let outside problems push our relationship to the side. It's difficult sometimes, but we'll make it. Thank you for your support. It's very much appreciated.