Will's Word: '2024, the great reset I didn't know I needed'

At the beginning of this year, it felt like a complete dumpster fire. I was navigating a recent break-up, which led me to pack up my home and move in with friends.

Then, in February, the unthinkable happened - Newshub announced its closure, unexpectedly leaving me and 300 of my colleagues without a job.

Physically, I was also struggling, having reached my heaviest weight due to excessive binge eating.

By early March, I was already over 2024, joking to my friends that I should put up the Christmas tree early and call it a year.

Then, something unexpected changed everything.

A casual coffee chat with PMN’s Director of News about my plans post-Newshub quickly turned into the opportunity of a lifetime: hosting Pacific Mornings on 531pi.

And what a difference a job can make. Little did I know just how unhappy I had been in my previous role and how deeply it affected me.

Months later, I realised the problem was my unshakeable sense of imposter syndrome. I was only 21 when I joined the 6pm news team, lacking the flashy journalism degree or hard-hitting exclusives that some of the more senior journalists possessed.

Watch Will's Word below.

In truth, I had become a drain to be around, both in and outside of work.

So, when the PMN opportunity came, I feared that imposter syndrome would follow me into this new role.

But that fear turned out to be entirely misplaced.

Catalyst for change

This job has reignited the confidence I thought I had lost. It has reminded me of my purpose – to hold the powerful accountable and challenge the status quo.

It has also been the catalyst for change.

In May, I finally conquered my fear of the gym and began my fitness journey. Since then, I have lost 20kg, taken up hiking, running, cycling, and swimming, and rediscovered the joy of reading.

I have built new friendships, found a healthy work/life balance, and, most importantly, feel better mentally and physically.

So, to 2024, I say thank you for being the great reset I didn’t know I needed.