Rebuilding Confidence

Do you remember the SNL skit with Al Franken and Michael Jordan? (Yes, I’m THAT old and if you have no idea what I’m talking about, check it out on YouTube). Al has Michael look into a mirror and recite the mantra, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”

In my career coaching work, I’m constantly holding up a virtual mirror for my clients to help them realize their value as future employees. And that’s because of the toxic environments they’re coming from. This includes TV newsrooms, where the message is, “You’re inconsequential and could be replaced in a heartbeat by someone younger, less experience/expensive, and more willing to dedicate all of their energy to the unquestionably noble mission of Journalism” (with a capital “J”).

Guess what…that’s bull sh!t! I’m a mother of two young children who has worked almost entirely remotely for the last five years, since before the pandemic began. I know that my skills, my work ethic, my dedication and moral compass, all of which I honed during my years in TV news, have value across industries that support remote/hybrid work.

So the next time the gremlin in the back of your head—who in my case sounds an awful lot like one of my former news directors—tries to tell you that you can’t compete against the hundreds of other candidates for a remote/hybrid position, tell it to shut up.

But that’s easier said than done, so take the following step.

Find your own coach who is going to build your confidence, but do it strategically. You need someone who truly understands the skills that you have and isn’t just telling you you’re great because they “have to” (and yes, that may rule out your parents or partner). Pick someone who has enough understanding of the TV business and the role you played in it to help you recognize and describe what you are capable of. We’re often our own worst critic, so bring another voice into conversation to combat that.

Because you ARE good enough and you ARE smart enough. (And while we’re at it, there ARE people who like you for more than just the fact that you are a local celebrity or work at a TV station).

Hi! I’m Sara Kobilka, owner of Renaissance Woman Consulting.

I am a Renaissance Woman and part of my wide-ranging background includes time as a TV meteorologist/reporter. I know how valuable the skills I gained during that time have been for the many jobs I’ve had since then. Now, I work remotely with clients (including many current and former journalists) to help them confidently tell their story and navigate the transition to their next opportunity.

How to work with me this year:

• Check out my one-on-one career coaching program.

• Join my upcoming cohort of current/former TV news professionals for small group coaching.

• Sign up to be the first to know when I offer my workshops, Using LinkedIn to be a Powerhouse Networker and How TV News Pros Can Land a Remote Job.