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Why I Joined Medium and Why I Have No Plans to Leave
Sometimes I forget the reason why I started writing here to begin with
I joined Medium in early 2022. While 3 years isn’t a long time, it’s long enough to have witnessed the passing of what feels like whole generations in the digital age. I’ve seen my share of peaks and valleys in my time here, and I’ve gotten a bit better at resisting panic when we approach new lulls.
Recent weeks have given cause for doubt, as writers across the platform have reported serious hits to their pay.
But despite my own fears, there’s one crucial fact I often forget. I’m here because I love to write. When I first joined, the prospect that I might ultimately make money here was enticing. It played a role in my decision to join. But more than seeing my words turn into dollar signs, the impetus for joining was to have my thoughts reach people.
As I’ve watched paychecks mount these past few years, it’s grown easier to forget what brought me here. Why I love to write and what makes this career most fulfilling.
The notion that I could make enough of a living at writing to one day afford a home puts some of the fuel in my fire, it’s true. But more than anything else, it’s those connections I’ve made with others that make me love what I…