10 Questions with ... Eric Chase

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Philly, Detroit, Orlando, Saginaw, Toledo, Allentown, Detroit, Toledo. In that order, Whew.

1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I've been working with the regional hospital network, Promedica, and other orgs to annihilate the stigma on mental health. In fact, on 9/21 I presented a TED Talk on the subject with my personal odyssey and how I conquered bipolar II demons. Video soon.

2) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

People! In the same way people don't quit jobs, they quit people ... people don't hire resumes, they hire people!

3) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

Stars seem to be aligning for some type of public speaking or advocacy opportunity, specifically in the realm of mental health, or another type of personal empowerment. I'm definitely not ruling radio out, as I'd like to use it as the larger platform to keep a strong profile. I like it ... and I'm good at it!

4) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?

I will miss doing the last show -- The Morning Rush -- we did (two of us were let go, one remained with the company). We weren't edgy or provocative on purpose. Our language and content would get sloppy and maybe offensive at times. So would execution of segments, but our genuineness is what endeared us to so many. We pushed boundaries within authenticity and it was successful.

5) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Honestly, right now! During my severance period, I use the 'paid' time to give myself to people and places in the community that I'd not had time to more deeply connect with while paths crossed when I was working every minute my phone was on and I wasn't sleeping. Sure, I was trying to leverage potential future employment, but I also used my time extremely productively within a community I've come to care about and would like to remain in.

6) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I'm a data wonk, so I miss digesting charts and song moves every day. Now I'm just spending even MORE time on the MLB site Fangraphs for my statistical fix.

7) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

You know you reach thousands of people each day, and it's impossible not to take that for granted because you don't actually connect with an enormous percentage of those people. Many of those 'invisible' listeners have reached out to me in some way throughout the summer. If and when there's a next time, I will be even more aware of the enormity of our presence.

8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?

NOT. A. THING. I am totally cognizant that I was not terminated for any kind of attitude, behavior or ratings and revenue issue. I try to share this mindset with others who've lost their jobs all across the media. You did absolutely nothing wrong. No income sucks, yes, but knowing you didn't do anything wrong can help maintain a good attitude moving forward, and happiness is a form currency you may now have.

9) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

One of my priorities is staying in this area. So I've given SOME thought to buying a house ... which for me is anathema as kicking helpless three-legged puppies. Actually, forget I said anything.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

My answer for this question used to be 'I have no idea.' It's still that but, now I can make it more substantive. I have no idea; I don't have goals. I just do things! And for the most part, they're usually the right things.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John Mann. It'll totally reshape what's important to you in employment and if you're unemployed have you better armed to get a job. I promise.