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About The Author:
Chris Files is a video producer and writer for 101ESPN, WIL, The Arch, and ToastedRav.com, as well as a world-champion moose caller*Story idea? Drop a line to chris@toastedrav.com
*1998 Winter Olympic Games - Nagano, Japan
Live Like A Rock Star!
by Chris Files in 
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replying the story in its archived form does not constitute a re-publiccation of the story.
All right, I’ll go ahead and address the question everyone is asking. The answer is yes, as with many industries, working in broadcasting has perks…big time perks.
The Fame Game
First of all, there’s the fame…I’m recognized everywhere I go. Sure, I only go to work and then home, but people know who I am both places. They run up to me and say things like “Hey Chris, good morning.” And “Do you have that thing you said you were going to have?” Sometimes I even have to autograph stuff…if I had a nickel for every time someone was like “Hey will you sign this birthday card?” I’d have several nickels. Sure, my wrist gets sore, but I do it knowing just signing my name is making someone’s day. Obviously it wears on me at times. Of course I’d like to be able to walk through the mall without people constantly crowding around me. Just this weekend I was at the Galleria trying to keep a low profile and this fan walks up to me like “Hey will you try a sample of this teriyaki chicken?” I didn’t even really want it, but keeping an approachable image is essential when you’re a star in this business. That guy probably waited there overnight for me just to try his chicken then went home and told his wife and/or roommate “Hey, you’ll never believe who ate my chicken today!” It feels good to give back.
Cash Money
I don’t want to brag, but my Nissan Sentra will be paid off in two years and I’ve only had it since 2002. Not only that, but during nearly every trip to Target I’m able to put something on the express layaway plan...I make that much money! I’ve never been a rock star, but I’m willing to bet this is what it’s like. I eat at McDonald’s at least once a week and I supersize that bad boy nearly every time…not because I’m hungry, but because I like to see the look on the drive-thru person’s face when I throw down that extra 39 cents like it’s nothing.
Work Perks
Last but certainly not least, there’s the fringe benefits…the little perks that aren’t written into your employment agreement, but you know come with the job. For example, every month
Bed Bath and Beyond sends me a 20% off coupon just because they’ve heard of me. Obviously, extending such a generous offer to everyone would be disastrous for them, but I suppose mailing them to VIPs is a good move for publicity. They’re probably hoping I’ll cash in on the coupon and be seen wearing or using something they sell. I can’t blame them, it’s just good marketing. It’s not really my style to give free plugs, but I’ll throw a company a bone every once in a while. Case and point, I wore my
Faded Glory sweatshirt for the world to see when I went to 7-11 for coffee this morning (Yes, I still get my own coffee, It’s important to stay humble.) I’m sure sales are about to skyrocket for that clothing line, you’re welcome Wal-Mart.
But ToastedRav video dude is only one job. I’m sure there are stars in every industry and I’d love to hear about your rock star lifestyle. Drop a line and tell me how you’re living the dream in your chosen career. Maybe the elevator opens automatically for you…maybe the corporate heads gave you an electric stapler. Whatever the industry, if you’re living like a king or queen tell me about it, because it’s important for us elite folks to band together.
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