So the coronavirus has completely flipped over the table in our society, and understandably it has many of us questioning our current career choices. Companies are closing and going bankrupt, friends and family members are losing their jobs, the stock market is struggling, and there is little indication that our lives will actually return to "normal" once the virus is under control. But is a career change really the right answer at this point?
Before you make the decision to just leave your old career behind in favor of a new one, below are some questions you will want to consider:
1.Do you actually WANT to change your career?
Yes, COVID-19 has made everything seem terrible, and several industries are suffering as a result, but remember career changes are not like light switches. It can take some time (and potentially additional investment) to successfully make that transition, and therefore it shouldn't be a knee-jerk reaction without careful thought and self-reflection. So before leaping, ask yourself if this is what you truly want. When this is all over, and the world has returned to some level of normalcy, you will still want to work where you feel fulfilled.
2.What skills are required for the new field?
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Not every career change requires an entirely new set of skills and expertise, so ask yourself what transferable skills do you already possess that you can use in your transition. Do your research to understand what specific skills and experience employers are looking for, and assess whether you have any gaps. This will help you determine if additional education or training is required to ensure you are competitive with other candidates in the market.
3.Is the new field viable and GROWING?
If you're going to go through the effort of changing your entire career path, you will want to assess the maturity of the field you're going into, and if there is true potential for advancement and a long-term career. Even if you don't plan on staying FOREVER, you still want to ensure that you can have the experiences you want and there are opportunities for growth and development.
4.What is it like to work in this new field?
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Given this is uncharted territory, you don't want to jump in head-first without knowing what you're getting yourself into. If you know people already in the field, this is a great time to tap into your network and do some recon so that you can get the lowdown on what the work is really like. Get some insight into how they got their start, what challenges they've faced, and if the work subject matter aligns with your interests. If you DON'T know anyone in the field, begin building a network. Leverage LinkedIn, professional associations, and alumni groups for your alma mater. Perhaps you may not know someone directly in the field, but your friend or colleague does. Ask for an introduction so you can start building that relationship on your own.
5.Is there good earning potential?
Not all fields are created equal when it comes to coins. Therefore it's important to evaluate whether or not the new field and position will offer you a desirable salary/total compensation package. Thankfully, it's 2020, and there is a ton of salary information available for FREE on the internet. You can try out sites such as Salary.com, Glassdoor, PayScale, and the federal government-sponsored Bureau of Labor Statistics.
6.Will this career change require you to relocate or uproot your life?
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Depending on what your career change is, you may find that certain cities (potentially outside your own) will offer a better and broader pool of opportunities for you to choose from. But while that may sound fantastic, you cannot discount the impact that relocation may have on your life. So before you make this change, you may want to ask yourself a few questions: Is relocation something you are able and/or willing to undertake right now? How will such a change affect your family? What quality of life (outside of work) will the new city offer you? The good news is, due to COVID-19, more companies are offering remote options, but keep in mind that it will be dependent on the nature of the position and its requirements.
If you are ready to change careers, now really is the perfect time. With so many industries changing and shifting, there are plenty of new opportunities to explore. However, as with any big change in your life, you should take the time to make sure it's RIGHT for you.
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The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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