You beautifully describe what it is to be a creative. We seem to define much of who we are from our creative efforts. Your piece reminds me of the day when I realized that Facebook, Google and Amazon don't need journalists to get the attention of readers like newspapers and magazines did. That journalism wasn't primarily about what was covered. Journalism only existed to get eyeballs on the ads. And about the same time I realized that my whole creative career in brand design and corporate communication design was about promoting corporations that created global warming among other bad for us stuff. I'm hoping that a better future for creatives is emerging in alternative media and direct to consumer opportunities. Thank you so much for your thoughtful post.
Thanks for writing this. Did kinda hit home. I'm constantly fluctuating between calling myself a 'journalist' and calling myself a 'writer', depending on the context (and my level of insecurity / imposter syndrome at that particular moment). But I think I'm becoming more comfortable with the latter now...
I'm unsure if it's reassuring (!) or not, but it's fascinating to read in the comments that others feel the same as you. I know I definitely experience some of the sensations you describe.
I found your anecdote about interviewing a therapist extremely resonant too; for me, I think I've swerved applying for staff roles because I don't want to give so much of myself to something only for it to be for nought. So, definitely a protective measure. Whether that's the right thing to do, who knows?!?!
Really relate to this! I’ve embraced “writer” recently as I feel like it covers the mix of copywriting, journalism and other wordy things I do. I was saying “content consultant” for a bit even though it made me want to puke - but it was accurate at the time. Brilliantly, writing on Substack has led to more journalism commissions again but “writer” it is - until the next plot twist! It’s funny how people are still more impressed by “journalist” even though it’s not what it used to be.
Being a journalist was also a huge part of my identity. It sounded so prestigious when telling people I met and it still is when I tell people I used to be one. When I decided to end this career, it took me a while to actually come to terms with it because I didn't know what else to do and who else to be.
Your analysys of the industry is the same in Fance which is why I left in 2012. I didn't go freelance because I was scared and only saw it as an unsteady career path and I didn't think I could do journalism plus something else. Journalism had to be enough to sustain me. I don't regret leaving this industry but I regret not pursuing writing differently. I miss writing and lately I miss being a journalist.
"Back then I didn’t know where my work ended and I began. To a large extent, that’s still the case, but the difference now is that I’m aware of how complicated – and toxic – my relationship is with my work. I’m codependent on my job title." This hit me in such a way. I feel similarly in my work. Thanks for sharing your words as always✨
This piece really resonates with me, currently in the middle of my own career crisis. Especially the section about overcorrection - I think I was doing this a few months ago - throwing myself into freelancing after losing my job, to the extent that I was beginning to suffer from burnout. I really wanted to believe that I could make a go of it and reject corporate institutions forever.
Now I can see more clearly that I simply can’t make a living out of freelance journalism, and that perhaps I don’t even want to - the pressure of relying solely on my own business feels too much at the moment - and I’m beginning to tolerate the idea of working (at least part time) in some form of employment with a company. I’m really glad you shared this, I feel like I understand my own actions and reactions of the past few weeks a bit better now. Whatever happens next, I do feel like I’m a writer, as I intend to keep writing, whether that’s for magazines or on Substack, so I’m glad I still have that.
Hey Anna, If you could imagine someone who was at Columbia (SIPA) before it was SIPA and 30 years before you were at the J School, that would be me. I've freelanced on and off over many decades, but mostly since the aughts. I am still in the game, but as I wrote to you when I signed up for your newsletter, I struggle. Like Ted Leonhardt, I've always hated the ad models. But Substack gives me some hope. Yes, our industry is unstable but as long as there are humans, there will be writers. I do believe community builders like you and SubStack make us stronger. So I'm in, hoping I can figure out what I can contribute. Meantime, love what you are doing.
You beautifully describe what it is to be a creative. We seem to define much of who we are from our creative efforts. Your piece reminds me of the day when I realized that Facebook, Google and Amazon don't need journalists to get the attention of readers like newspapers and magazines did. That journalism wasn't primarily about what was covered. Journalism only existed to get eyeballs on the ads. And about the same time I realized that my whole creative career in brand design and corporate communication design was about promoting corporations that created global warming among other bad for us stuff. I'm hoping that a better future for creatives is emerging in alternative media and direct to consumer opportunities. Thank you so much for your thoughtful post.
Thanks for writing this. Did kinda hit home. I'm constantly fluctuating between calling myself a 'journalist' and calling myself a 'writer', depending on the context (and my level of insecurity / imposter syndrome at that particular moment). But I think I'm becoming more comfortable with the latter now...
Great refections. I especially like the part where you look at how you turn beliefs into absolutes.
I really REALLY resonate with this - like deep down in my soul. I hope it gets better but journalism feels so very very rough right now
Such a thought-provoking piece, Anna.
I'm unsure if it's reassuring (!) or not, but it's fascinating to read in the comments that others feel the same as you. I know I definitely experience some of the sensations you describe.
I found your anecdote about interviewing a therapist extremely resonant too; for me, I think I've swerved applying for staff roles because I don't want to give so much of myself to something only for it to be for nought. So, definitely a protective measure. Whether that's the right thing to do, who knows?!?!
Really relate to this! I’ve embraced “writer” recently as I feel like it covers the mix of copywriting, journalism and other wordy things I do. I was saying “content consultant” for a bit even though it made me want to puke - but it was accurate at the time. Brilliantly, writing on Substack has led to more journalism commissions again but “writer” it is - until the next plot twist! It’s funny how people are still more impressed by “journalist” even though it’s not what it used to be.
Being a journalist was also a huge part of my identity. It sounded so prestigious when telling people I met and it still is when I tell people I used to be one. When I decided to end this career, it took me a while to actually come to terms with it because I didn't know what else to do and who else to be.
Your analysys of the industry is the same in Fance which is why I left in 2012. I didn't go freelance because I was scared and only saw it as an unsteady career path and I didn't think I could do journalism plus something else. Journalism had to be enough to sustain me. I don't regret leaving this industry but I regret not pursuing writing differently. I miss writing and lately I miss being a journalist.
Loved this piece x
🫶🫶🫶
"Back then I didn’t know where my work ended and I began. To a large extent, that’s still the case, but the difference now is that I’m aware of how complicated – and toxic – my relationship is with my work. I’m codependent on my job title." This hit me in such a way. I feel similarly in my work. Thanks for sharing your words as always✨
This piece really resonates with me, currently in the middle of my own career crisis. Especially the section about overcorrection - I think I was doing this a few months ago - throwing myself into freelancing after losing my job, to the extent that I was beginning to suffer from burnout. I really wanted to believe that I could make a go of it and reject corporate institutions forever.
Now I can see more clearly that I simply can’t make a living out of freelance journalism, and that perhaps I don’t even want to - the pressure of relying solely on my own business feels too much at the moment - and I’m beginning to tolerate the idea of working (at least part time) in some form of employment with a company. I’m really glad you shared this, I feel like I understand my own actions and reactions of the past few weeks a bit better now. Whatever happens next, I do feel like I’m a writer, as I intend to keep writing, whether that’s for magazines or on Substack, so I’m glad I still have that.
Hey Anna, If you could imagine someone who was at Columbia (SIPA) before it was SIPA and 30 years before you were at the J School, that would be me. I've freelanced on and off over many decades, but mostly since the aughts. I am still in the game, but as I wrote to you when I signed up for your newsletter, I struggle. Like Ted Leonhardt, I've always hated the ad models. But Substack gives me some hope. Yes, our industry is unstable but as long as there are humans, there will be writers. I do believe community builders like you and SubStack make us stronger. So I'm in, hoping I can figure out what I can contribute. Meantime, love what you are doing.