I thought I was happy at previous jobs, and for the most part I was. I’ve worked with great people at great stations all over the Midwest. But I had also gotten used to being taken advantage of by corporate radio companies and paid very little in return. Not to mention, I had to conform to a plan set in motion by someone hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

When I was offered this job I knew I would be making more money, but I thought I’d still be (for the most part) following someone else’s plan. Well, I was wrong! Our owner actually lives within earshot of the station, and hired me based on my skills and experience. He actually expects me to put my creativity to work and reshape the sound of the station, and I’m having the time of my life doing it!

Being much happier at work has greatly reduced my stress, allowed me to maintain my sobriety after quitting drinking two-an-a-half years ago, and also allowed me to quit smoking in April! But I still have a major Coke problem… It stings when I try to drink it through my nose!

But seriously, I am thankful for many things: my family, my friends, my health. You just need to make sure you’re looking for the little things in life that matter and not paying attention to the crap that doesn’t.