#012: Quitting a 15-Year Career in TV News to Save My Mental health

 Leslie Draffin spent 15 years in the TV news industry and left to save her mental health. Now she is a period and menstrual cycle coach who is building a business that lights her up and allows her to help others. She is also the host of the podcast, "The Light Within."  In today's episode, Leslie discusses the importance of putting mental health first, even before a job. As well as the importance of advocating for yourself. 

Questions and Answers with Leslie: 

1. Why is change important:  " Life is about change. When you stay stuck in one place you are just  that, stuck. TV news is  like toxic, abusive relationship. It makes you  feel 'lucky' to be here and then treats you like crap through terrible  pay, terrible hours and sometimes terrible bosses and coworkers who are  so caught up in the need to be #1 that they're backstabbing and  competing all the time. But just like victims of domestic violence, it  feels safer to stay in what you know vs. branch out. We can also get so  caught up in the highs of 'winning' and the dopamine hits from social  media or 'being on tv' that we forget what really matters. And to me,  what really matters, is waking up every day NOT living in a stress cycle  and being able to actually LIVE my life to it's fullest."

2. Tips on making a big change:  "You have to advocate for yourself because no one else will do it. When I  was in my late 20s I went through a terrible divorce. I was also  anchoring a 5 hour morning newscast 5 days a week. I was a wreck. At  this point in my life I also had a terrible eating disorder and was  drinking alcohol every single day. I needed to take a break but I didn't  know how to ask for that help and my company never offered it. I think  the most I took was a long weekend - but I really needed to take my  FMLA/mental health break at that time - I just didn't know it was a  "thing." So now I tell EVERYONE who will listen - if your mental health  is failing and your company has FMLA you CAN take it for things other  than having a baby - contrary to popular belief! And I tell them exactly  how to do it. The gatekeeping when it comes to getting help in this  industry - is bullshit.  Also - your worth is not defined by meeting deadlines, getting the top  story, beating the competition. You are COMPLETELY replaceable to your  company/tv station/corporation. But you are NOT replaceable for those  who love you!!!"

3. Leslie's favorite quote: " Let everything that needs to go, go. Let everything that needs to come, come." (It's from a prayer by Tosha Silver in her book "It's not your  money" about living from divine abundance.) 

Follow Leslie: 

 http://lesliedraffin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliedraffin/

Podcast - The Light Within:

 https://www.instagram.com/thelightwithinpodcast/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5Xvx9XuOBuTrVat1thYriD?si=1tJ_dYxRSreYHGc-Ne9WSg&nd=1