Post by Jane K. Stimmler, contributing Women on Business writer
I remember my excitement and high hopes back in 2006 when Katie Couric was installed in her position as news anchor for one of the major networks. It seemed to me to be another long awaited breakthrough for women and I looked forward to watching her first broadcast. That evening took a farcical turn when, as I cut potatoes for dinner (I should never try to cook!) – the knife sliced into my finger and my husband had to rush me to the local hospital for treatment. I asked my husband to please just drop me off and to go home and record the news broadcast. He did and I was able to watch it when I returned.
Things didn’t quite turn out for Katie as I’d imagined. She seemed to struggle against a tide of criticism and lackluster ratings. Then another female anchor, Diane Sawyer, came along. Brian Williams continues to top the ratings. Now Katie is reportedly leaving after her 5 year stint as news anchor and will be going on to something else.
I can’t help wondering why she has decided to leave her position and if it has anything to do with “job satisfaction.” After all, research has shown over and over that women tend to value self-fulfillment in their work more than men do. It seems to me that most men have stayed for the duration once they got a news anchor position. It has been a sort of “given” that once you ascend to that top job, it is worth hanging on to with your life because there is nowhere to go but down in stature. And that stature with all its trappings may be more important to most men than to most women.
Maybe Katie was pushed out – who knows? On the other hand, maybe she simply decided that there were other paths that could provide more fulfillment for her – that she is relatively young and should enjoy her work more than she does. Perhaps being the “suit” on the news each night wasn’t her be all end all, and she has the guts to admit it and make a change.
Whatever she does next, I wish Katie well. She is a talented woman who has been a trailblazer for us all. And I suspect she’s not done yet.
What do you think? Please share!
Katie Couric is an example of true professionalism for both sexes. She has sustained a successful career working through childrearing and the illness and ultimate death of her husband–not an easy feat for anyone. As a professional and a widow, the death of a spouse does tend to change one’s perspectives. I can help but wonder if her career goals have been affected by her loss.
I think Katie Couric is certainly a pioneer in her career, especially since she’s raised two young daughters. She’s faced many challenges in her personal and professional life. I too wish her the best.
I would also add job fulfillment and meaning. We’ve found http://www.CEOWomensClub.com that this is critical. Five years in a role at the top of your profession is tough for most people. As we get older, our priorities change. The good news is that whether or not she was pushed or left on her own, I have no doubt she’ll find something that works for her and be in a better position for her. Even high exposure celebrities need to evaluate their careers and passions over time
Katie has been doing more than the news. She is a regular magazine contributor as well. What I like most about Katie is her consistently positive attitude. Her glass is absolutely half full (if not 3/4’s). It may or may not have been Katie’s choice to leave the anchor desk, but it will inevitably be the next great thing happening to a great person.