Career Confessions: The radio DJ that refuses to censor her opinions

Do you like your job? Or wonder what it would be like if you’d gone against your parents’ advice and pursued your dream career? Her World’s Career Confessions column spotlights the professional journeys of its subjects and reveals how each individual’s career path and the choices they have made can have an impact on their personal finances, psychological health, and interpersonal relationships.

Jillian Lim is a woman with opinions. Equipped with a sharp tongue and quick wit, it comes as no surprise that the 33-year-old was drawn to the world of broadcast journalism. Now with over a decade of experience in radio, she describes her career as a calling, and lives and breathes the industry. She's also an experienced host, having hosted a vast dichotomy of events from the History Channel, Chang Beer, Puma and even corporate trade events.

In a world where genuine connections are hard to come by, Jillian strives to make that her goal through her show, talking about issues and things that resonate with her listeners. While she refuses to be labelled or put in a box, she continues to try to make herself the best she can be at her job every single day.

This is her career confession.

Name: Jillian Kimberly Lim
Highest Education: Diploma in Applied Sciences
Job Title & Industry: Radio Presenter, Marketing and Promos, Audience Engagement at Kiss92, Broadcasting
Years of Work Experience: 14 years
Salary: $6,000 and above

Tell us a little bit about your life and how you grew up.

My mother was a primary school teacher and worked multiple jobs to supplement her income. At the same time, she was taking night classes to earn her degree. My father started out as a businessman and eventually went on to work at the Singapore Sports Association, organising events and runs.

My mother made it very clear we weren’t “rich”, though she didn’t have to. I remember our car getting repossessed on many occasions. While we weren’t, rich we weren’t exactly poor either — you can’t own a car and be poor. We had basic cable, which much like the car, would come on and off periodically depending on if the bill was paid that month. 

But, we always had what we required. Every June holiday we’d still manage to take a trip, albeit it was usually a road trip to Malaysia. I had a very creative childhood. I suppose since we couldn’t afford experiences, a lot of my memories were rooted in lively conversation and debate, which explains where my humour and wit come from.

How would you describe your career? Would you describe it as a job, a career, or a calling that you’re extremely passionate about?

When I started at 18, I definitely looked at it as a job. It was a sweet gig to have, but it was a job. I was going to school full-time, and doing the morning show, waking up at 3.30 am so that I could get in by 4.30 am. Back then, I was the scriptwriter for the show and had to write the news as well as read it on air. A lot had to be done before the show aired at 6.00 am.

After a very full morning, I’d have to head over to school for another full day. While my friends were at Cuscaden enjoying the right of passage Tuesday night of $10 San Miguel jugs and chicken wings, I had to make sure I was done with schoolwork and in bed by 9 pm. 

Later on, when I established my presenting style, I was given more responsibilities. As opportunities started to arise, I started looking at this as an actual career. Social media was taking off as well, and it was really making your mark when it counted. With radio, you're a presenter, so you have to be mindful of how you're speaking to the masses, however with social media, chances are the people that follow you, already enjoy your personality. They don't mind you being less polished and more candid. I did get a lot of interview opportunities because of my personality and point of view on social media. That eventually led to working with some brands I really loved.

Now having done radio in literally all its aspects — from producing, presenting, programming, social media marketing and pitching campaigns to clients — I consider it a calling. I can meet people and instantly tell if they have what it takes to be a jock.

As a radio DJ, you’re known for your opinions — have they ever gotten you in trouble or have you ever felt pressure to censor yourself?

I am a rather spicy person, with opinions too big for my own good. But above all though, I am a professional. Many people have a hard time believing that in my 13 years, I’ve never accidentally cursed on air. I haven’t! It really isn’t a difficult thing to do. 

What I’ve learnt though, is that you don’t always have to have a crass or earth-shattering opinion to stand out. There was a time when people wanted, “truth tellers” who “said things like it is”, but that quickly passed. Audiences now are highly intelligent, they don’t value “shock jock” tactics, but rather a properly reasoned and well-balanced opinion.

My opinions only get me in trouble with my bosses. Whether I voice them or not, my facial expressions fail me every time they present an idea I disagree with.

What were your career or work-related goals earlier in life? Have those goals changed?

As a radio presenter, ratings are a big deal. However, with how listener habits have shifted, I do feel that there are a lot more important factors. I’ve gotten ratings and audience engagement, and it’s just the best feeling when a listener stops you and specifically tells you their opinion on a topic or anything they recall you said on air. It shows that you really made a connection and impacted them. There’s nothing like that, but unfortunately, it’s not the most easily quantifiable thing. I feel making a genuine connection has always been the goal and that has been achieved on many occasions. 

Would you say that your life is primarily career-oriented?

Even after becoming a mother — and now expecting my second child — I feel a bit guilty admitting this, but yes!

It’s an incomparable feeling when my daughter can bathe, change and put herself to sleep at the age of two and a half. Yet the joy I get from excelling at work still outweighs my motherly achievements, heavily. I am constantly thinking about how things can be done better or how they could have been phrased better. That however has also spilt into my writing. I write for some publications, and can spend 20 minutes re-writing a sentence to get it just right for maximum retention on impact! 

Do you feel pressure to have a successful career, or to earn more money? If you do, is it mainly internal or external pressure?

Success is relative. I want to be the best at my job. If my job is a janitor, then I’ll be the most efficient, innovative and forward-thinking janitor. I don’t need titles or to climb the corporate ladder. Having to provide for my family is something I know I can do on a very humble amount. 

Much like my mother, I feel no pressure internal or otherwise, for my child to have the latest phone, or to be able to go back to school after a holiday telling tales of Disneyland. Many friends with kids my daughter's age are in swimming classes, Gymboree,  or musical expression classes. It’s all frills that are nice to have but personally, I feel they aren’t needed. 

Do you feel envious of other people, or compare your career with other people?

Envy achieves nothing, but we all do it. To me, comparing is healthy though. I know many would disagree and say it’s a very Asian trait to compare ourselves against others, but what is the alternative though? To bury your head in the sand and just think you’re doing a good job and getting paid fairly?

You almost don’t have a choice but to look at someone whose career mirrors the closest to yours and draw comparisons to know where you stand. Not acting and dwelling on that resentment of those comparisons is the downfall of many though.

How is your work going now?

It is challenging, to say the least. Largely due to the fact that I don’t seem to fit into a box. I’m not exactly the young and wild party girl they can sell to nightlife clients, yet, I’m not the typical motherly figure, that's “wholesome” enough to conventional clients. In short, things could be going better.

What are some of your long-term plans?

While radio is always going to be the first love. I'm pretty content with having a little weekend show. Unless paired with the right person, I don't really aspire to have the best prime-time show anymore. I much rather focus my talents and attention on properly training the younger generation. Starting from a younger school level. I’d love to be a mentor to newcomers. Fresh meat! Whether it’s training them to go on-air ready, or teaching even primary school level children the value of having a voice and a point of view.

I want them them to know that being, "sassy" and "witty" doesn't mean being rude and degrading to someone. To learn that being a clear speaker benefits you in every other aspect of life aside from being in the media. I like watching videos on YouTube, like the series "Kids React", and I often think why can't our local kids speak that confidently?

I was very fortunate to have one of the best, Rod Moneitro — who has hosted the largest radio shows in Singapore and Malaysia — be my mentor. He was so generous with his knowledge and extremely supportive of new ideas. He had no agenda aside from making you great so that he could claim credit, haha!

How would you describe your lifestyle?

Realistic with a side of impulse. I don’t do weekly brunches or date nights or have random staycations mainly because we can’t afford it and it isn’t something I feel is important to throw money away on. My biggest indulgence is taking taxis. I would however make an exception for concert tickets. My husband and I enjoy flying to Australia to catch bands because they just do concerts so much better down under. 

I was taught not just the value of money, but the importance of saving from a young age. I’ve been planning my retirement since I was 21 and bought my first piece of insurance then. I do wish I knew more about investing though, and it’s something I’m keen on learning. 

If you could go back in time and change anything about your career, what would you change?

My lack of negotiation skills when it came to my very first contract. It is true what they say, it’s all about that first negotiation. However, I was only 22 and thought the world was fair.

If you could tell your younger or future self something, what would you say?

Things are only as bad as you allow them to be.

Anything else you would like us to know?

Yes, I want to write for Her World. Thanks guys!