Transitioning Careers? 5 Lessons From Janice Sequeira's Journey

Janice Sequeira, the dynamic force in India's media landscape, known for her vibrant storytelling and candid approach, sat with SheThePeople at the Digital Women Awards 2023. Formerly a broadcast journalist, she's now a prominent content creator and YouTuber, bringing an engaging flair to topics ranging from entertainment to societal trends. She shared her journey from newsrooms to online platforms, which embodies an exciting shift in media consumption and storytelling. This is how she navigated and conquered the realm of the internet age.

Transitioning Careers: Embrace Change

For almost nine and a half years, I was a broadcast journalist. But by 30, I was done. The news landscape started changing. I realised I couldn't do what I wanted within that system."

She proudly says, "I broke free, launching the show to explore creators' and celebrities' journeys on social media. Six seasons and 25 awards later, here we are."

2. Exploring New Avenues: Follow Your Gut

I saw a new crop of creators rising on social media. No one was talking to them or understanding their journeys. I knew I had to break free from the corporate news agency to explore this.

Ultimately, she encourages individuals to trust their instincts and seek out unexplored opportunities that align with the evolving landscape of the internet and social media.

3. Mental health on social media: Setting Boundaries

Social media can take a toll on your mental health if you don't learn early on to distance yourself from it. Draw boundaries; don't define yourself solely by follower counts.

She advises setting boundaries early and being mindful of who is allowed into one's digital space.

4. Long-Term Planning: Look Beyond Numbers

"Don't chase fame or numbers blindly. Have a plan for yourself. Think beyond social media metrics. Consider how your platform can be a launchpad for diverse skills and ventures."

She stresses the challenge of balancing content creation with the pressures of numbers, highlighting that this isn’t just a number game—it's serious work. She also advocates against defining oneself solely by follower counts, emphasising the significance of producing quality work. 

5. Empowerment at Work: Know Your Worth

Even if you are in the corporate sector, she advocates for transparent salary discussions and mutual empowerment in negotiations, emphasising the importance of recognising and asserting our own values. She shared her own example, saying, "I literally now sit together and we discuss how much more that pay package needs to go up for the amount of work that we do. Because honestly, at least in my group, we like to joke among ourselves that we are the donkeys because we get into everything."

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