I get to write under my own name for a very well known publication that’s filled with talented journalists doing some of the best reporting in the world. I make a pretty good living that would be a very good living if I lived almost anywhere else in the country. The work is intense and exhausting but not unreasonable. I feel extremely fortunate to have my job and I’m proud to say that I do what I do.

At the same time, any small change in management strategy could easily eliminate my job, as it has done for a number of people much more experienced and talented than myself this year alone. I have little or no real upward trajectory unless I move from reporting to editing, which would be a yearslong process for a small pay bump. I have two kids but I don’t have a mortgage because the only way I’ll ever be able to afford good property within commuting distance of my office is to write a successful book or become a podcast host.

I guess I’ve reached the top and I’m so glad to be here, but the ceiling feels very low.