Read on Twitter
Since announcing I would be leaving editorial, I’ve been talking to so many editors considering similar career changes. I have been at Netflix for a week and know literally next to nothing, but have been talking and thinking a lot about this:
First, I know this is a tricky time to be talking about work aspiration. It’s been a devastating year for media and will likely continue to be. I am extremely fortunate to have the privilege of a new opportunity. I don’t want to downplay the context at all.
Also, this is a well-worn path—both the professional pivot and the compulsion to tweet about it, lol. Others have said similar things. They probably said it better.
Journalism is so important. We need journalists. We need to speak/write truth to power. Especially now. There is a different conversation to be had amongst political journalists in particular.
I’m a former EIC with ten years of experience in digital editorial. If you, like me, are from the lifestyle/pop culture space, and especially if you are from that area some like to call “women’s” media...
This is my uncensored opinion: Media is broken and it’s okay to want more for yourself. It’s okay to be tired of the overworked/underpaid dichotomy that this industry perpetuates and largely relies on. It’s okay to re-examine what you want and need.
You already have the skills you need to do something else. You’re not just an editor. Your work prob also includes audience growth, strategy, social media, creative direction, and so much more. It’s okay to be curious about what you could create with, for example, a real budget.
As far as I’ve experienced, editorial innovation is defined by scarcity. Your job is to find the intersection between your best ideas and what is actually possible given a total lack of resources. That is an interesting challenge. I admire people who are energized by it. 
Making a living as a digital editor/writer often involves writing/editing multiple stories/day. I don’t think that’s a sustainable pace long term, yet it’s largely what digital demands. Even if you meet the demand, many people need additional income streams to live comfortably.
Some people have those streams, via a spouse, parental support, or other work. I eventually had my book deal. But if you don’t, it’s ok to want to do something more lucrative. Obviously it’s v hard to find work right now. But it’s ok to dream bigger than what edit promises.
Remember that no matter what, your worth is not measured in your byline!! Relevance—especially on the internet—is a construct. You can always keep writing, if that’s what your heart wants. I know I plan to.
