That headline applies to so much right now. I’m starting this newsletter without really knowing what I’m doing, but I decided to jump in and start writing again. (We’ll get back to this in a minute.)
Not knowing what I’m doing also applies to my career at the moment. Layoffs are rampant in media and publishing (and tech, finance, and just about every industry), and I was impacted nearly a month ago. I usually have a pretty strong spidey sense for when layoffs are looming, but this one completely blindsided me. Once I realized what was going down, I was still in denial that I’d be let go — even when that random 15-minute call with my manager was added to my calendar by an admin — an act of remarkable confidence by someone who is generally not so confident.
Afterward, I gave myself two hours to freak the fuck out, and then I started to hustle. I signed the separation agreement, enrolled in unemployment benefits, canceled a few recurring subscriptions and memberships, and sat down to update my resumé, something I (stupidly) hadn’t done for a couple of years.
Now I’m three weeks into the job search and I haven’t gotten any bites. I realize that the combination of the time of year along with an overflowing pool of exceptionally talented candidates is going to make this challenging, but I’m trying to remain positive and view this as an opportunity. An opportunity for what? I’m not sure.
I’m struggling to figure out which direction to go for my next role. In the past few years, I have moved farther away from the traditional editorial roles I’ve held most of my career and into audience development and growth (SEO, content strategy, and newsletter growth and engagement). I’ve developed skills that are extremely marketable and in demand these days; however, I don’t think I’ve successfully bridged the gap (on my resumé or in my cover letters) between the two different areas of expertise. As a result, I’m no longer quite right for editorial jobs, but I’m not sure recruiters and hiring managers think I have enough experience in audience development.
The struggle is real, y’all.
Which brings me back to why I’m starting this newsletter without really knowing what I’m doing with it yet.
Back in the day (circa 2007) I started blogging and it was such an incredibly creative outlet for me. It forced me to write on a regular basis — something I sadly haven’t done in a long time. It wasn’t so much a journal as it was my snarky take on life, work, family and whatever interested me at the moment.
These days, all the cool kids are on Substack, not blogs, so I thought I’d give it a shot. It will probably be a mix of what I’m reading, buying, eating, and watching. If nothing else, it’ll give me a much-needed creative outlet.
I saw this post on LinkedIn today, and it resonated with me. I have no idea how any of this will turn out, but it’s not brave to do nothing and hope for the best, right?
What I’m Reading
Image via The Washington Post
I came across this article in The Washington Post yesterday called “Dying to Compete.” Interestingly, WP has recently been running a series of articles about bodybuilding, detailing the exploitation competitors face, and the health risks the athletes take in order to be competitive.
Once upon a time, earlier in my career, I worked in bodybuilding media. I was an editor for the most iconic bodybuilding magazine around, and it was a crazy experience. Part of the job was to go to amateur and pro bodybuilding shows not only to report on them but also to scout new athletes, and set up photoshoots and interviews.
Backstage was a show in itself with a smell I’ll never forget — a combination of Pro Tan, sweat, and protein farts. Really. There was also the occasional bodybuilder (and fitness athlete) who was so sick from dehydration and who knows what, that they could barely get on stage to pose. Over the years, as bodybuilders were rewarded for being the freakiest mass monster, those scenes seemed to be more common.
This article details the tragic stories of some of these athletes over the years. Regardless of what you think of bodybuilding, it’s worth the read.
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