The last few weeks of December are usually when we take our vacation time, taking advantage of some of the PTO that we leave on the table each year. I don’t necessarily recommend this in your occupation, as vacation time is vital to your mental health. As much as you may love your job, which I assume most people do not, you could probably use a break from it at the end of the year. The week-to-two-weeks-and-sometimes-a-little-more that we get, traditionally, helps us clear our minds a little bit. It’s hard to convey, but the freedom from thinking “how can we make this funny on the radio” is liberating (even though the pressure of it is sorta fun in a weird way). This year, for me, things are different.
Missing out on broadcasting for a few months this year, due to this inconvenient disease, flat-out sucked. I’m really fortunate that I had a group of people who really let me know that the show would be protected. I never had to worry about any element of my job while fighting cancer. I can only imagine how much more stress that must add to people in less desirable conditions. I feel for them. John put the show on his back, took it to new heights, and did so much on his own. My bosses rallied the building and repeatedly told me that I had nothing to worry about regarding the show and my future there. That was huge.
Still, when you use your show not just as an opportunity to spread laughter and a positive message, but as a 4-hour creative exercise…as well as a form of therapy…it’s something you really look forward to each day.