10 Questions with ... Steve Kelly

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I'm a 21-year radio vet. Most of my time has been spent in Country music and in the PD chair with stops in Albany, GA; Joplin, MO; Manhattan, KS and Springfield, MO, just to mention a few.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I started walking five miles a day and I have dropped 25 lbs,! But I am sure I will gain it back once I'm back in radio!

2) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

I am currently living that stretch ... eight months so far ... and I am ready to get off the beach and back in the studio.

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

By far it is All Access, then the state association pages.

4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I drove 13 hours and then sent the OM an e-mail and asked if it would be okay to stop by and chat. Got the job too! Okay ... I was their fourth choice and the other three said no, but I got the job! LOL.

5) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I have found that they are lower. Some stations in the top 100 markets are paying $11-15,000 less than my last job. And most will not pay to move you.

6) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Yes ... my last job was very demanding and since leaving it I have had time for friends, family, golf and traveling. But I am ready to get back to work. I am bored to death now!

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

Most : Concerts and meeting the artists. Least: Drama and being pulled in 20 different directions.

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

That the next job I find I need to stay put and give 1,000%, because radio jobs are HARD to find!

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

Yes I would. I have been out for awhile now and I have come to the conclusion that some money is better than no money. I love radio and right now radio isn't loving me back.

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

I will work harder than I ever have. Radio jobs are hard to find, and I plan on being at my next job for a VERY LONG TIME!

What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?

Well, my entire golf game is a handicap! I have played at least once a week since landing on the beach and I recently shot 86. I normally shoot 100 plus, so I guess I am getting better.