Rediscovering My Passion: A Break from Medium Writing
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Chapter 1: The Need for a Break
Sometimes, stepping back is essential to reconnect with our true aspirations.
Many writers are drawn to Medium for its potential to generate passive income and create opportunities. I was among them, hoping to enhance my livelihood through my writing. I found success, relying on my earnings from Medium while gaining leads for my side business. However, I've chosen to take a hiatus, feeling it's the right decision at this time.
Before diving into why taking a break can be beneficial, even during periods of success, let me share my journey.
Section 1.1: My Journey on Medium
I started writing on Medium in late 2019, focusing on niche topics like Data Science and Machine Learning. Initially, my goal was to enhance my portfolio, so I published articles under a respected data science publication on the platform. With no expectations, I joined the partner program, and within a month, I earned nearly $200 from a few articles.
As I recognized the limited competition in my niche, I capitalized on the opportunity to establish my reputation. From 2020 to 2022, my writing flourished, and I earned more than ever before, producing hundreds of articles. My financial stability grew, and I felt secure with clients from various parts of the globe. Yet, I let my carelessness take over.
Section 1.2: The Downfall
At my peak, I garnered over a hundred thousand reads on my articles, with some even becoming featured snippets on Google. This success led me to continue writing and acquiring new clients. However, I failed to vet my clients thoroughly or ask enough questions.
One day, a client commissioned me to write a marketing piece to boost their visibility. Our initial discussions were brief, and I assumed the article would be published on their website. I had a similar article, so I used its structure to draft my piece. After submitting it, the client expressed satisfaction.
But soon after, I received an email from the publication I previously contributed to, stating that the client had published my article there, violating their rules against ghostwriting. This situation escalated, resulting in my removal from that publication, which had been a significant source of my Medium income.
Although I still write for a smaller publisher, the earnings are not comparable. My passive income continues, thanks to previous work and referral links, but the financial strain and changes in Medium's partner program policy—leading to an 80-90% income reduction—have made me feel despondent.
Last year, I managed to publish only 29 articles on Medium, a stark contrast to my previous output. I still regard Medium as a valuable platform, but I feel the need for a break.
Chapter 2: Benefits of Taking a Break
After a year off, I’ve experienced several benefits:
Stress Management
The initial stages of losing financial stability on Medium were fraught with anxiety. The stress of diminished clients and marketing reach weighed heavily on me. I remembered a quote:
“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”
— Mark Black
As someone who prioritizes productivity, this resonated deeply. I learned that taking a step back can sometimes be more beneficial than relentless striving for productivity. After a year, my stress levels improved significantly. This time allowed me to focus on areas beyond Medium, leading to new opportunities without the burden of overthinking.
Rediscovering Passion
Writing had begun to feel obligatory rather than enjoyable. I understood which topics in data science would gain traction, leading me to churn out articles tirelessly. While I love writing, it became exhausting when driven purely by financial incentives. I took a break to rekindle my passion and reframe writing as a creative outlet rather than a chore.
Personal Exploration
For years, I focused primarily on Data Science. Despite wanting to explore other subjects, my existing commitments held me back. I realized the importance of prioritizing my interests. While I still cherish writing about data science, I now want to delve into personal experiences and mindset topics.
The first video, "I Took A Break From Writing On Medium," provides insights into the necessity of stepping away from writing to refocus and rejuvenate.
The second video, "Why Are So Many Medium Publications Leaving??," discusses the challenges faced by writers and publications on Medium, emphasizing the need for adaptability.
Conclusion
Writing on Medium can alleviate financial pressures if approached wisely. However, depending too heavily on one platform can lead to disappointment. My decision to take a break has helped me manage stress, rediscover my passion for writing, and explore new personal interests. I hope my journey inspires others to consider the benefits of taking a step back.