Jackrabit1, Career Counselor.

Every once in a while, I go onto a message board that discusses broadcasting, the trends, and stuff like that. And while 95-percent of the stuff on there is nothing more than jerks "flaming" on other announcers, managers, owners and the like, you do find some good nuggets and some honest-to-goodness folks that are seeking advice.

Case in point... a radio newbie named Jackie posted this question:

I'm a new person in radio. I see, hear and read a lot of negatives about the radio industry. What can be done to bring passion back into radio? Better yet, what can I do so I don't lose my passion?

A great question and to-the-point! So I posted this response...

I'll probably get ripped a new one for this, but you need to remember that at the end of the day, it's not about how funny the bit was or how many callers called in for the tickets you gave away. When it's all said and done, it's about the DIFFERENCE that you make to that one person.

It's easy to get wrapped up in all the details... the salespeople that seem to make unreasonable demands... the general manager who doesn't know thing one about broadcasting... the folks who are all about "the bottom line". But we have to remember why we got into the business in the first place... to entertain, to have fun, but most of all, to make a difference.

It could be making that one person laugh when they've had their butt chewed seven ways from Sunday. It could be playing that one song that convinces someone to call their spouse and make up after the big fight. It could be convincing that one person to donate the final dollar that helps a family devastated by cancer help make their lives a little bit easier.

We are in a powerful medium... and no matter what forces like consultants, Clear Channel, and the FCC may try to do, in the end, it's about making a difference.

I've been in Radio for 5 years. I've been frustrated, aggravated, spat on, cussed out, and ripped off. But I've also made good friends, had great belly-busting laughs and have enjoyed the HELL out of my career! If I still feel that way after 15 or 20 years, I'll truly be blessed.

It's good advice no matter what profession you're in. Whether you're in broadcasting, banking, or automotive service, if you can remember that you're making a difference and have fun doing it, then it's easy to keep the passion in your job. If you can't, no amount of money is going to make you love it more. And you're not doing you or anyone else any favors.

What do you think?