Ep9 - 10 Mistakes Journalists Make When Leaving the Newsroom and How to Avoid Them

The red flags were there. Maybe you ignored them. Maybe you didn’t know what to do with them. In this episode, Sara Davenport opens up about the moment she knew she had to leave her top 10 market and how it all unraveled from day one.

More importantly, she walks through the 10 biggest mistakes journalists make when they leave the newsroom. From resume missteps to job search burnout, this episode is packed with the hard truths and practical strategies that every burned-out broadcaster needs to hear.

If you're considering pivoting out of TV or are already in the messy middle, this is your roadmap for a smoother, faster, and more strategic exit.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Career Assessment for Journalists: BreakingOutofBreakingNews.com
• Connect with Sara on LinkedIn 
• Email: TVnewsMentor@gmail.com

💡 3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Don’t wait until it’s too late to prep your exit. The red flags don’t lie—and your next chapter requires more than just a polished resume.
2.  LinkedIn isn’t a resume—it’s a runway. You need to show up consistently and intentionally before you’re ready to job hunt.
3.  You don’t have to go it alone. Trying to figure it all out solo will slow you down. A support system and strategy make all the difference.

🎧 About the Podcast

Breaking Out of Breaking News is a podcast for burned-out TV news professionals ready to pivot, repurpose their storytelling skills, and design a life they actually love. Hosted by Sara Davenport—a former anchor and media mentor—you’ll get honest conversations, career coaching insights, and real-world inspiration for making your next move.