"Do You Miss It?"

More than a dozen years ago, I made the difficult decision to leave journalism - a profession I embarked on as a teenager and pursued for more than 20 years - for the world of corporate communications. And I'm often asked the question by colleagues and current reporters alike: "Do you miss it?"

The answer, which is even surprising to me sometimes - is "no."

Please don't get me wrong; I loved reporting the news. During those two decades, I was given the opportunity to learn from legendary journalists; pick the brains of powerful executives; walk into rooms I would have never had the opportunity (or courage) to do otherwise; and meet CEO's, world leaders, athletes, celebrities and central bankers (including one who just last week became Canada's 24th Prime Minister).

I even managed to break a little news here and there.

There were certainly other noteworthy highlights, as well: During 2010's G-20 riots in Toronto, I was only a few feet away from the first police car to be set on fire, and literally saw rocks and other debris whizzing past my head -- a little dangerous, but definitely exciting. I got to travel to cities I'd likely never see otherwise (Lima, Peru stands out, even though it was for less than 48 hours). I made appearances in newspapers, magazines, radio stations and television. Two extremely prominent financial services executives made fun of my golf game. And I even made it to the promised land of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs locker rooms.

But factoring in all of that.... it became clear to me (technically about two years before I actually took the plunge) that it was time to move on. Too much of what I was doing every day was becoming a routine.?The day's events became far too predictable, and I was even speaking to the same sources year in and year out.

I've always felt you?need to be challenged to enjoy what you do, and the only way that was going to happen for me was through a change?in?career.

A dozen-plus years later, I'm still being?challenged on a daily basis (in a good way, mind you) and developing in different types of environments. I've had the opportunity to work with tremendous leaders, teams and some of the most talented marketing and communications professionals out there. I'm even able to give counsel or direction to people starting out in the industry (or looking to make a change), which is just an incredible feeling.

Plus I truly enjoy what I do. That may come across like some Grade-A PR spin, but it's the truth. I have a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging and the overwhelming feeling that the best is truly yet to come.

So when people ask if I miss being a reporter, I can honestly say I don't. It was a great run, but these days, I'm?too busy looking ahead.

If you enjoyed reading this edition of?Storytelling by Sean, please encourage your friends and colleagues to subscribe. If you have any feedback, please connect with me via LinkedIn, TikTok or at [email protected].