Off-Mic is a special 5-part series, created by Corey Dylan for Barrett Media. This series examines how to adjust if faced with unexpected job loss. Corey becomes a radio free agent later this month and is exploring her new way forward. Interested groups are encouraged to reach out by email at Contact@CoreyDylan.com. To submit ideas to Barrett Media for future considerations, please contact Jason@BarrettMedia.com. We can’t promise we will publish what’s turned in but we do review all submissions.
Let’s talk about paying the bills while you rebuild your career foundation.
Diversify Your Income
The gig economy rewards versatility and radio professionals have it in spades. Consider the following:
- Voiceover work (commercials, e-learning, corporate narration, medical, animation, etc.)
- Podcast editing or production
- Freelance writing or social media strategy (sites like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr)
- Event hosting and emceeing
- Talent coaching or on-camera training
- Write an e-book. I wrote a book called “The Beginners Guide To Getting Into Voiceover”
- Create a digital course
- Start selling things you no longer need on Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, eBay, OfferUP
- Rent out a room, parking, a room perfect for a photo session, or storage space you may have access to
- Web Design
Start with short-term contracts. They often lead to lasting opportunities.
Think Like a Business
Set aside 30% of income for taxes. Use separate business accounts. Track invoices. Learn basic accounting or use a platform like Quickbooks. I’ve used it to track VO clients in the past and it’s an easy tool to keep track of invoices and outstanding payments. You are now your own enterprise.
Keep Learning
Take an online course in digital marketing, video editing, or AI audio production. Staying current gives you a competitive edge and new income streams. Everyone from Harvard to Stanford offers free courses on a long list of subjects. EdX, Coursera, Udemy, etc all offer courses you have to pay for in a variety of subjects like AI and you can earn a certification from a connected school or university.
Takeaway
Earning while you pivot isn’t just survival. It’s exploration. Freelance work can reveal passions you didn’t know you had. Many laid-off broadcasters are now thriving creators, producers, or consultants. I’ll say it again; The booming creator economy (projected over $400 billion by 2027) has room for every storyteller who knows how to engage an audience. And for every radio employee who thinks they’re “too old” to start over or build something new, there’s someone who has been working in their field just as long and they too are trying to figure out a path forward.
I’ve created a YouTube series called “Social Media Smart” where I’m teaching anyone over 40 how to use social media to stay relevant in the workplace, position themselves as a thought leader, and grow their careers. You can check it out down below.
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