From Chief Meteorologist to Retired: What I Learned in My 35 Year Career

Two years ago, I was rolling along as the Chief Meteorologist at WISC-TV in Madison, Wisconsin. I had been in my position for 23 years, at my station for over 30 years, and dealing with all of the issues that we face every day in our jobs. Then, suddenly, my wife of 26+ years passed away, upending my life as I never could have expected. Work was no longer as important as it had been for all of my career. After some contemplation, getting back to work and into all of its challenges helped me deal with my grief, and again gave me a sense of purpose. But then, a miracle: I met someone new and fell in love. That, coupled with the way the industry has been trending, had me rethink my priorities and career. And so, I retired at the end of February. Many of us have faced trials, tribulations, and sometimes tragedy in our careers. I would like to share some of what I have learned through the years to give you a chance to think about the choices you make in this business, and how they can affect (and hopefully improve) your life and your career.