Think Lynsen: August 2011

There's a great article in today's Washington Post Express (see pages 22-23) about people who are pursuing their professional Plan B. I was lucky enough to be interviewed and photographed for the piece, which gave an excellent overview on how to move a stalled or distressed career forward.

For readers who might be curious to know more about my own journey, though, I wanted to more fully share my story. It's my hope that this post might educate or inspire. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask in the comments and I'll do my best to provide a prompt response.

Phase 1: Impetus for Action

I was one of the lucky ones who went to college knowing what I wanted to do when I grew up. I pursued a degree in journalism and secured a job in the field upon graduation. I stayed on that path for more than a decade, eventually coming to work for the Washington Blade newspaper. I enjoyed working at the publication so much that I stayed with the team for more than four years, rising from reporter to news and multimedia editor during my tenure. But as much as I loved my job, I knew the industry was going through unprecedented upheaval. I feared that factors beyond my control could one day leave me without a job. Inevitably, that day arrived.

The newspaper's parent company, Window Media, abruptly ceased operations in November 2009. That move left me and all other Blade employees jobless. It was a professional shock unlike anything I'd previously experienced. Unnerved and uncertain, I knew then it was time to start looking beyond journalism.

In the days that followed, many of us chose to band together and restart the publication. We succeeded with the debut of DC Agenda, an endeavor so fruitful that it went on to purchase and resurrect the Blade brand just a few months later. I was incredibly pleased to be part of that success. It was an uphill battle to be sure, but I wanted to do all I could to ensure the publication's continued success. That was why I stuck around following Window Media's bankruptcy. And that was why I worked to help the team persevere.

Eventually, though, I realized it was time for me to move on.

Phase 2: Thinking It Through

I started considering my options in mid 2010. It was suggested I work with a career coach and I found the adviser I needed in Mimi Darmstadter. A personable, encouraging and challenging professional, Mimi worked with me to truly explore the different career paths I could pursue.

During our wide-ranging discussions, we talked about the implications of me staying in journalism. We considered how much time and energy I could truly dedicate to looking for work inside and outside my industry. And in pondering paths forward outside my industry — casting those first glances toward Plan B — we worked backward to determine why I was so interested in journalism and speculate whether that interest might be applicable to other paths.

Perhaps most important, though, we discussed in great detail my situation, my concerns and my goals. It was during these discussions that I realized many of my thoughts about moving forward were being guided by fear. I feared that my career path to date was so specific that I couldn't viably pursue a Plan B. I feared the economy had wreaked such havoc with D.C. that it wasn't worth looking for opportunities at this time. Most of all, though, I feared that the only way to force myself to move forward was to resign from my job.

But throughout our conversations, it became apparent to me that making decisions based on fear was unhealthy. It was time for me to start making decisions based on hope. So after much consultation with my incredibly supportive wife, I did.

Phase 3: Finding My Way

The weeks following my departure were unexpectedly busy as I connected with many people in my professional network, conducted several informational interviews and even embarked upon a couple job shadowing experiences. I made a conscious decision to consider as many options as possible, including opportunities that I might have dismissed as infeasible months earlier. It was a dynamic time.

In the midst of this exploration, several freelance opportunities arrived. I pursued three. The first entailed me crafting an ambitious public affairs project for one D.C. firm. The second saw me writing for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The third placed me at Small Act, where I assisted with the startup's public relations and event planning work. All this kept me busy, but it did little for my finances. The collective pay rate was nowhere near what I'd earned at the Blade — a fact that affirmed my path was only viable because I had the unwavering support of my employed wife.

Making the most of the opportunity, I resolved to approach each project with gusto. This time of discovery helped me tease out what exactly I wanted to do next. I soon realized the social media skills I'd developed at the Blade and refined at Small Act were pointing the way forward. And the public relations path was one I was eager to follow.

Recalling my conversations with Mimi, I realized my skills and interest in social media and public relations were in keeping with the logic that drew me to journalism. I had chosen the path of reporter because I most enjoyed shaping and sharing messages. That was what I most wanted to continue doing going forward.

Little did I know that a fitting opportunity was closer than I expected.

Phase 4: Reaching the Goal

It was shortly before Christmas when I received a crucial tip. One of my coworkers at Small Act told me he'd heard that Chase Communications was hiring. The boutique public relations firm needed a social media manager and was looking for recommendations. I should consider the opportunity, the coworker told me, and reach out to his contact there. I quickly did so.

The conversation that ensued made it clear to me that Chase was the correct next step for me. Skills that I'd pioneered at the Blade and refined at Small Act were exactly the skills that Chase sought. The firm needed someone who could both develop and execute social media strategies for clients. My strong writing background would be perfect for developing the releases, press kit materials and project newsletters that are commonly produced at Chase. And my time in journalism would help me better understand both sides of the PR equation. It was the perfect fit.

Of course, some uncertainty lingered. Not just on my part, but with Chase, too. Yes, my skills would translate well, but my PR experience was limited. Would the career change go smoothly? How much on-the-job training would I require? How long would it take until I was contributing to the firm? These reservations led us to agree upon a brief trial period. If the transition didn't take, we would amicably part ways. No harm, no foul.

In the end, though, the precaution was unnecessary. I quickly became a valued member of the team. My coworkers promptly began teaching me what I needed to know about the industry and I, in turn, helped them take their social media efforts to the next level. It wasn't long before I was visiting the firm's home office in San Francisco, generating press releases and taking control of the firm's many client social media accounts. My transition went more smoothly than I think anyone envisioned.

The time since I've joined Chase has been exciting, challenging and rewarding — much like the path that brought me to this point. I know that no two sets of circumstances are the same, but again, I simply wanted to share more about my personal journey in the hope that I might educate or inspire people who find themselves in similar positions.

Because sometimes a little education and inspiration can make all the difference.