Off-Mic is a special 5-part series, created by Corey Dylan for Barrett Media. This series examines how to adjust if faced with unexpected job loss. Corey becomes a radio free agent later this month and is exploring her new way forward. Interested groups are encouraged to reach out by email at Contact@CoreyDylan.com. To submit ideas to Barrett Media for future considerations, please contact Jason@BarrettMedia.com. We can’t promise we will publish what’s turned in but we do review all submissions.
Once the shock fades, it’s time to reconnect with people, purpose, and possibility.
Rebuild Your Network
Networking post-layoff isn’t about asking for jobs. It’s about rebuilding relationships. Reach out to mentors and colleagues. Attend local broadcast association events or digital media meetups. Approach conversations with curiosity, not desperation.
Refresh Your Personal Brand
Your online presence is your new station ID. Clean up your bios, update your headshot, and make your LinkedIn headline forward-looking.
Post regularly. Share insights about media, personal lessons, or clips of your work. Every post reminds your network that your story is still unfolding.
Explore New Platforms
Radio people are natural storytellers. Extend that gift to the following:
- Podcasting, Video Podcasting
- Facebook, YouTube or TikTok mini-shows
- Voiceover demos on social channels
- Set up ALL your social channels for monetization regardless if you’re eligible yet
- Volunteer – that volunteer gig may help you learn new skills that you can add to a resume, foster new relationships, and open doors to your next opportunity
As the actor Bryan Cranston said in an interview, “nobody wants to hire someone who needs a job.” Employers can smell desperation so make sure that you’re busy, motivated, and moving forward.
Consistency, not perfection, builds connection.
Takeaway
Your brand doesn’t end when your show does. The audience you built can follow you anywhere because your voice is the product. In this booming creator economy (expected to exceed $400 billion globally by 2027), authenticity and storytelling are the new prime-time. You already know how to deliver both.
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