How I turned my passion for writing into a paycheck and found new friends along the way
Last month, I shed tears of joy over a $150 paycheck from Medium.
Why?
Because it was a milestone in a journey that started with a small $6.4 in 2021!
Yes, technically, I joined Medium in 2014.
For 5 years, I was nothing more than a spectator, watching others share their thoughts. Then, in 2019, I dipped my toes into the writing pool with two articles. But I got cold feet and vanished, not to return for another 2.5 years!
Then, sporadically created 50 articles in the following years. Even though I wrote in my journal, I didn’t publish anything online long.
Sometimes, I had these bursts when I published multiple articles in a day or a month.
Publications? Partner programs? I was clueless!
It took me 2 whole years to apply for Medium’s Partner Program. Yes, I missed out on some cash, but hey, live and learn.
Initially, I wanted to use Medium to drive traffic to my YouTube channel; however, it just didn’t happen.
I have a theory that people don’t want to leave their platform, especially if it means the consumption method will change; so if people prefer reading on Medium, they won’t switch to watching videos. In my case, very few do.
A whopping 1.1% came from Medium in the lifetime of my channel. So, clearly, my original strategy didn’t work for me.
An email from a developer blog made me switch to focus on writing instead of spending time creating videos.
The email said they stumbled across one of my posts on Medium and really enjoyed it:
They’re wondering if I’d consider contributing to their blog, as they’re branching out to try new UX design topics and wanted to work with me because of my writing style.
I was over the moon because I didn’t imagine getting paid for my writing. And someone noticing my work after 2 years of creating content consistently online was a dream.
Now, I’m a happy, paid guest blogger!
Of course, it’s only 6% of my overall monthly income, while Medium brings 2% of my income in, but imagine where your online writing gig can go if you keep working at it.
Something has changed 2 months ago.
I still remember the feeling.
I always wanted to write. I wanted to be a journalist, a novelist, and a creative. I wanted to discuss ideas in a writing salon, etc. I had a romantic association with writing and being a writer. Saying ‘I’m a writer’ just sounds too cool.
Sometimes, all we need is someone believing in us.
Honestly, I could never imagine getting paid for something I enjoy so much because most of my jobs were alright — I like 80% of what I do, but not 100%.
I had a fair share of different job titles in the past, so believe me. It’s only writing that I love!
Two months ago, I decided to give this writing thing a real shot, not just tippy-toe around writing in English.
I have multiple drafts in the making and 80 articles published — 50% of them from this year. My goal is to reach 100 stories by the end of 2023.
Sometimes, I feel dumb that I gave up on English writing a few years ago. Where could’ve I been if I kept working at it? Oh, well.
In the first few weeks, my renewed passion for writing motivated me to carry on, write and publish consistently, but I knew I shouldn’t rely on motivation.
Motivation comes and goes. It’s fading.
Once it’s gone, only discipline can keep you consistent.
Discipline will help you keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
After a couple of months, I have a few constant readers, who I genuinely appreciate. We read each other’s work, and I feel grateful to find these women (Marie A. Rebelle and Bette A. Ludwig 🔍) online who I can trust and rely on, so my articles don’t go into the black hole of Medium.
Success means different things to everyone.
In my case, it means I can earn so much from my writing that I can reduce my full-time job to a part-time one.
The following 2–3 years will be challenging. Every platform is difficult initially. I know it because it was hard on YouTube, too.
The hardest part is to keep going and creating while nobody’s watching or reading your work.
Then, I’ll meet highs and lows during my writing journey, but I’m ready for it.
I can only trust myself and my tenacity to go ahead even during difficult times.
I’m in love with writing.
It was my first love and my saviour when I was a kid. It’s still my go-to therapist. It’s how I make sense of the world around me.
Is this writing gig a worthwhile attempt?
I believe so! I also think, writing is why I was put on this earth: to share & give.
Let me tell you, there’s no better feeling than turning your passion into a paycheck. So, if you’re on the fence about Medium, take the leap. Your future self will thank you.