If you’re getting this email, you’re probably struggling in your search for remote work. I’m going to explain how to move beyond your TV identity to embed confidence in your resume, cover letter and future job interviews.

Embracing A New Identity

More than any position I’ve had (including stints at science museums, higher education, non-profits and owning my own business), people are most intrigued to learn about my TV News life.

“What was it REALLY like?”

“Do you miss it?”

If you are on-air, they’re drawn to the perceived fame and fortune (insert sarcastic laughter here). If you are behind-the-scenes, they’re curious about your connections and what the people on-air act like “in real life”. You likely have family and friends who secretly (or not-so-secretly) are proud to tell others that they know someone connected to a TV station.

And you might have felt it too. There is an appeal to being “in-the-know”, someone others turn to for information. It is empowering knowing you helped take down a bully, promoted a good cause, kept your community aware in an emergency.

For some of you, journalism truly felt like a calling. You didn’t do it for the money. You wanted to be part of the “fourth branch” of the government, holding those in power accountable. You wanted to provide accurate weather forecasts that kept people safe. You wanted to share your love of sports and get paid to attend games. You wanted to serve your community in a meaningful way.

And leaving TV feels like a bit of a failure. Like you couldn’t hack it, like all of your time and effort to get to where you are was a waste.

But it wasn’t.

It’s your passion for and commitment to work that matters. It’s the things you do—storytelling, communicating, producing, editing—that will land you your next opportunity. Not the place where it happened.

It may take time to grieve the loss of your previous identity, but you bring your hard-won skills with you wherever you go.

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 journalists for small group coaching.

• Register for my live, interactive workshop, How TV News Pros Can Land a Remote Job.

• Sign up to be the first to know when I offer my workshop, Using LinkedIn to be a Powerhouse Networker.