It’s Hard To Be Told That Your Career Is Over

August 29, 2022 | JIM SERPICO

I recently interviewed Bob Oswaks, Bob’s Well Bread founder, in Los Alamos, CA. Before Bob’s career as a baker and business owner, he had an illustrious career as the President of World Wide Marketing for Sony Pictures Television. With 30 years under his belt in the entertainment industry, Bob ultimately had to come to terms with the fact that it was time for him to move on. With the help of his mentor and friend, television icon Norman Lear, the message sunk in. Here’s an excerpt of my interview with Bob from the latest episode of the Bread For the People podcast.

Did you know, ‘I’m doing this with a plan, and the plan is to open a bakery somewhere?’ Or were you just taking it one step at a time? 

When I left Sony, one of the first calls I got was from one of my mentors, Norman Lear. I’ve just turned 100.

One hundred years old and probably the best writer ever on television. And still prolific.

Yeah, completely. We talked about it, and he was like, ‘How long you’ve been doing this?’ And I said, 30 years. ‘And how long have you been at Sony?’ And I said, About 12. And he said what he is famous for saying: Over, next. Meaning, you know, not only is life not about doing the same thing your whole life, but when something’s over, it’s over. Go on to the next thing. 

But having just left a very big cushy, high-paying job, I wasn’t quite ready to hear that it was over and next. And, you know, the bread-making was really keeping me busy while I was waiting for the calls. And then the headhunters would call back, saying, you’ve had this amazing career, but you’re not going to get that job again. You’re 50. And I was like, OK, thank you. It’s hard to be told that your career as you knew it is really over.

Bob’s Well Bread was recently named One of the “Top 15 Amazing Small Town Bakeries” in the U.S.! by Travel & Leisure. Bob’s Well Bread just opened a second location in Ballard, CA.

All right, that’s one of the next ones up for me in the backyard. Thanks for the advice. I’ll let you know how it goes.

You can find more from Bob Oswaks and Bob’s Well Bread at Bob’s Well Bread Website.