You Look So Much Better in Person by Al Roker

Author:Al Roker [ROKER, AL]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hachette Books
Published: 2020-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

NEW OPPORTUNITIES, whether a new job, school, or moving to a new town, can be exciting, but they’re also overwhelming. There’s so much to get used to. You’re just getting your bearings, meeting new faces, and figuring out important stuff like “Where exactly do people get the good donuts around here?” And “For God’s sake, where is the men’s room on this floor?” That takes time.

Change of any sort is unsettling. Well, it can be for me. And the first time you encounter an obstacle (a group of news producers who are cursing you out) it’s really easy to think you’ve made a huge mistake. The what-the-hell-was-I-thinking feeling is the worst, but chances are it will lead to the best opportunity of your life. I wonder if Deborah thought that after our first date. Too bad, I’m her lucky husband today! (Cheese!)

I was standing on set, about to go on WNBC for the first time, and flashing through my mind was… What am I doing here when I could be back in Cleveland where we had an actual computer to forecast the weather instead of this stupid easel? What is this, kindergarten art class?

I was plotting how I could get my old job back when one of the producers yelled that I should take my place on set, Live at Five was starting. I took a breath, got myself focused, and listened to the countdown: three, two, one… Legendary anchor Sue Simmons said, “Joining us now is the newest member of News 4, Al Roker, in for Dr. Frank Field. Al, welcome.” “Thanks, Sue,” came out of my mouth, and I’ve been doing the weather in New York ever since. Everything just felt right. Swearing, concerns about doing the weather only part time, that ridiculous easel, leaving my friends behind—none of it mattered. I was telling the fine citizens of New York City, my hometown, what to expect from the weather today. My parents were probably watching me at this very moment! I kept moving through the forecast, and it felt great. I really did have my own piece of the pie! It didn’t matter that it wasn’t perfect… it was mine. I had a long road ahead of me (how can I make them buy a computer!?), but I had gotten a sense of what the reward would be, and I wanted more. I was doing what I wanted to do, where I wanted to do it, and that was amazing! Who does that?! I learned from out the gate moving to WNBC, and during those first three days at work, when you’re in the midst of change, just stay the course. People always ask how I’ve kept my job for so long, or how I do so many jobs! One of the secrets is to be able to just change course. Move in the direction the wind takes you (I can do weather puns all day). When all of that newness wears off (and it will), you’ll most likely discover you’re happy to be right where you are.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.