Monday, March 9, 2015

Changes

They say "change is good."

They also say "change is hard."

I want to let you know about a big change I've decided to make in my work life that will affect every aspect of my life. It's a positive change... but It's going to take some getting used to.

On Friday -- this coming Friday, March 13th -- my alarm will ring at 2:30AM -- as it has pretty much every weekday morning for the last five years -- and I will prepare to anchor Good Morning Connecticut on WTNH/NEWS8 for the last time.

That's because I've decided to leave TV news, after 20 years. It is basically the only career I have ever known. But it is also the career that has prepared me for what's next.

My career has always been about communicating and storytelling. And I will continue to do that, but in a different place, in a different way and at different times of the day. I believe this is what is best for my future and my family.Gaffney Bennett Public Relations recently made me the proverbial "offer I couldn't refuse." As a reporter, I occasionally worked on stories with associates from GBPR. It's a terrific firm of communications professionals. And it's growing. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to bring my perspective and experience to one of the state’s most well-respected agencies. I'll still be sharing important stories with the people of Connecticut, just not on TV every day. I start at Gaffney Bennett at the end of the month.

I have really enjoyed my nearly 15 years at Channel 8. I’ve had the privilege of covering the most significant stories of the last decade and a half. I've had the opportunity to meet some fascinating and inspiring people. I’m proud to have built “Report!t” to become one of the station’s most recognizable brands through the weekly “Report!t Recap” segment. Working at WTNH -- the station I grew up watching -- has been a dream come true for me. I will always value my time there and appreciate the relationships I have developed.

And while I'll miss the people of NEWS8, the people most important to me are going to see me awake a whole lot more often. “Daddy’s sleep schedule" won't dominate the Velardi household anymore and we all look at that as an important component of this decision to take my career in a new direction.

The best part about this transition is that I won't have to move to make it happen. I'm making it at home, here in Connecticut. You’ll still see me at my kids’ games and concerts, supporting the organizations that have become important parts of our lives and serving as the chairman of the Soundview Family YMCA’s board of managers. You'll still see me on social media like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. You just won't see me on TV in the mornings, which will be a transition for all of us. But it's one that I know, in time, is the best move to make for my career and my family.

It’s time for something new.

It's time for a change.

17 comments:

  1. Good luck friend, and congrats

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  2. Chris - You will be sorely missed in the morning. My husband did the same thing...went from 2nd shift to 1st shift to spend more time with us. It is the best thing he ever did. Life is too short and kids grow up too fast...Enjoy your new life!

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  3. Continued success Chris. May this new adventure be wonderful. God Bless.

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  4. Always a class act! Wishing you tremendous success in your new endeavor! What a terrific change for you and your family! :-)

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  5. The mornings just won't be the same without you Chris, but, wishing you much happiness in your new job. I'm sure your family will love the 'normal' work hours and I do hope to see you around town here in Branford. Good luck in your new adventure!

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  6. We will miss you reporting the news in the mornings. We wish you well & will continue to cheer for you in the father`s day road race when you come down Limewood ave. Good luck Chris. You are a class act.

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  7. You'll never regret making more time for your family. Enjoy every minute of your new career, and savor your time with your kids-it goes by in a snap! Continued happiness to you

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  8. You will do great. My son is on a similar path. Maybe someday you two can work together.

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  9. That couldn't have been an easy decision to make after so many years in the business, but a super easy one as far as family is concerned! I was in radio for 8 years before I moved on (not nearly as much as you!) and it was a bit of a change! I missed the rush of it for a while, but I moved on! And now I'm a teacher, who would have thought?! Good luck! I'll miss you on the TV, but I'll still bother you online! Good luck Christian!!

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  10. Congratulations! Yes - change is good and YES, it is hard - but God's Grace will always hold and protect those who believe in HIM. Wishing the best to you and your family!

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  11. Wishing Chris the best of luck with his new career! He is an exceptional person who helped my son when he was in need of a living donor for a life saving liver transplant. He came the hospital and did a segment on him an old friend saw this and came forward and donated part of her liver. Chris heard about my son and without hesitation agreed to help. I will forever be grateful to him. Godspeed Chris.

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  12. Best of luck fellow Syracuse alum.

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  13. Thank you all for the kind words and well wishes! I truly appreciate them.

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  14. Best of luck! Have always enjoyed and appreciated your presence on Channel 8.

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