Pete note: I wrote the below post in 2016 and it has become the most viewed -and- shared Dadmissions post ever. I think it’s because so many people can relate to the news I got on one Friday afternoon.
I’ve gone through a lot of emotions in the past couple of days: shock, anger, sadness. You see, when I went to work Friday, I didn’t know it would be my last day at work after 16 years with the company. But it was. And it’s over. And it’s just a part of the changing business I chose. Nothing is forever. I wish the best to my coworkers and even the company which was the fabric of my life for so long. There are so many thoughts running through my head. I could be ashamed and hide… or I could face the situation head on. I choose the latter.
So this note is for me, a note to self if you will, raw and from the heart, a reminder to me of just what IS important as I join the countless others in a mid-career crossroads between yesterday and tomorrow.
You are a hard worker but work is only PART of who you are and it’s time to recalibrate just what defines you.
You are a spouse and a parent first and forever, and the people closest to you still need you most of all.
Shock, anger, sadness can yield an entirely new emotion: determination. Embrace it.
Your family has always made compromises for your job, enjoy the time they don’t need to.
You’ve always made compromises for your job, enjoy the time you don’t need to.
You’ve never been good at unplugging on vacation, now you have no reason NOT to.
Coworkers are a second family, and just because you don’t clock in together again doesn’t mean you don’t love them. You do.
Many people have navigated the same career changing situation and flourished. So can you.
Just because someone may not see your value, doesn’t mean you don’t have value. You do.
Put your big boy pants on, make the pity party heartfelt but brief, and let’s do this.
The line between endings and beginnings is really razor thin and tomorrow begins right now so here’s your headline:
“Major market TV news manager, who has worked in some of the biggest newsrooms in the entire country, on some of the biggest stories of our time, is ready to choose his next adventure.
Pete Wilgoren is also a blogger and author with an extensive social media background and the tools necessary to propel a newsroom into the digital future.”
Pete Wilgoren
pwilgoren@yahoo.com
LinkedIn: Peter Wilgoren
Pete Wilgoren 
TV huh? sorry about the job loss…maybe you could pitch some reality tv show…maybe something you’re passionate about will sell in that market..,maybe a Charles kuraut kinda thing…idk, but if you were in the industry for 16yr…there’s another tv station wanting you…so good luck
thank you jdawgs!
I wish I had your strength and foresight when I had faced the same situation a year and a half ago. i spent two months in deep depression and sadness. I was at my company for twelve years when we decided to part ways. Not only did i find a job i am excellent at, it motivated me and my new job has allowed me to spend more time with my family, which is where i should be spending my time. This past year has been the best year yet, and i know that it will be the same for you!
I love to hear that.. thank you!!
Reblogged this on Serendipity Indigo and commented:
If I had any reason to hire anyone for a job, it’d be this guy.
love you! Thank you!!
Best of luck to you.
thank you!
remember 3 things:
1) You leave behind a job but take with you a career.
2) Living well is the best revenge (attributed to Noel Coward).
3) This is the best thing they never did for you.
Thank you
You still have a future ahead of you. Stay positive and engaging others in what you do. Also take this time to spend more quality time with your wife and two girls. You can never take back missed times spending with them. Trust me it will be better. I don’t know how soon but it will. You have a very positive outlook in life. Chapter one ends and now chapter 2 to infinity, begins. God bless.
OMG, honey, I’m so sorry that happened to you. You’re too talented to be behind the scenes imho. I will be following to see what your next adventure turns out to be.
Thanks Michelle!
Pete, you are great , if a window was close don´t worry because a better window is waitung for you. With your great experience and all you do, A better window will be open for you and you will have a better life for you and your family. I love you and your great family. God bless you.
gracias Tia!
Good luck man. It sounds like you have a great attitude. I hope you find what you are looking for and your time out is brief.
Pete, you’re a true pro and you’re damn good. Not worried about you, you’ll be fine. If you recall, I was part of the ’08 blood bath with many others. I’m happier than I ever have been and thankful they let me go. Whether you stay in TV or not, do what you love and follow your heart. I would bet there’s a station there in LA waiting to scoop you up. Hey, if Soto can get hired again after what he did, you’re golden! 🙂 – Greg
I was laid off nearly 3 years ago… best thing that happened to me.While my current job doesn’t pay nearly as much as the one I was laid off from, I am appreciated and they are very receptive to when I tell them that I need to go do this or that for my family. If you need anything Pete, be sure to reach out.
Thank you rookie dad
Good luck to you Pete, enjoy the time with your family. I know something amazing will come along!!
thank you!
Gadzooks! I’m sorry to hear that, and given our industry, I fully commiserate. I hope for the best in where you get picked up next (because, you *will* get picked up somewhere–and soon). But you are fully correct– you’re a family man with a great family behind you, what I’m sure are ten zillion contacts, and most likely one hell of a resume.
Take a break, take a breath, and then go and get ’em tiger!
Thank you!
Darn powerful post Pete! I’ve been in the news biz for 21 years now and made it through the hundreds of layoffs at KTTV, then was laid off, then not laid off… crazy times. Content is still king, quality over quantity and solid people with the skills and experience to wisely, and effectively make things happen are still necessary. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
thank you!
Pete, sorry to hear about the job loss, but I love the post and your attitude. I can only hope to be as brave should I find myself in the same situation.
did I ever say thank you for the nice comment… thank you!
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Thank you….