Has it been a year already?  Last January 20, a few hours before the new President was to take his oath of office on the steps of the Capitol, my boss told me I had done my final show on WNUA.  At that moment, 2009 became a year of upheaval and uncertainty.  In that year I ended up learning a few things and experiencing a few simple and not-so-simple pleasures that I thought I’d put into writing today and tomorrow.

First, I learned the experts were right when it comes to . . .

The internet and social media as all-powerful job search tools.  Two positions that were offered to me (including this one at 87.7) were facilitated by email and/or instant messaging.  Another part-time position was the direct result of having a presence on Facebook.

Networking.  It took both what and whom I knew that led to each of the jobs I’ve had, part- and full-time, since last January.  Networking wasn’t just important, it was critical.

The resume as a secondary tool.  When I left WNUA, I decided to have a professional resume writer give mine a complete makeover.  It turns out a grand total of five people asked me for a copy during my entire job search.  (I don’t endorse being fired or downsized, but the experience did force me to thoroughly upgrade and update my resume, something that had been long overdue.)

Being a consultant.  I told a friend of mine, a longtime consultant, about the fact that I would be dabbling in radio consulting over the summer, and he responded with a question:  “Do you know who’s the best client?”  I said, “No, who?”  His answer:  “One who pays his bills on time.”  I learned that was very true.

(Tomorrow:  Part II – Pleasures of the Past Year)