Chapter 1: The Growth Experience

Recently, Medium's notification system has been restored, allowing me to see all your comments and mentions. It was starting to feel like a one-sided dialogue for a while.

As I look at my account's rapid growth, I’m pleasantly surprised by the influx of new readers engaging with my stories. A warm welcome to all of you—it's a pleasure to have you join me on this journey.

While I've never been fixated on audience numbers, I can't deny that one of my articles went viral, transforming my account into a semi-professional endeavor rather than just a pastime. With my follower count nearing 10,000, it seems like the right moment to take my “brand” more seriously. Rest assured, my straightforward style, complete with humor and candor, will remain unchanged, but I’m committed to enhancing the quality of my content.

As your readership expands, so too should the breadth of your ideas.

Now, I plan to delve into some independent journalism. This will primarily serve as research, but it will enrich my experiences and ultimately improve my writing. I’m aiming to travel to Ukraine by year’s end, navigating the complexities of its bureaucracy to ensure I'm prepared in advance.

Although I don’t have a personal stake in the conflict—aside from friends volunteering as foreign fighters and a genuine wish for peace between Ukrainians and Russians—it's evident that we’re witnessing a significant turning point. This narrative deserves to be conveyed with honesty, respect, and impartiality.

For the time being, you can find me exploring places like Mexico, Maine, or any nearby mountain range. The world has become my workspace, and I plan to fully embrace this newfound liberty. My only obligation is to you, my readers.

I’m also taking my social media presence more seriously, despite my mixed feelings about it. I've managed to curate an online space filled with inspiration and creativity. Regardless of your opinion about Elon Musk, he's made Twitter a bit more bearable.

Now that I’m being compensated for my presence there, I can tolerate a few moments of negativity in exchange for sharing my thoughts with a wider audience.

I approach social media like a hazardous environment. It’s wise to limit your exposure, yet sometimes you must venture out for essentials. Just remember to stay cautious and be aware of the potential pitfalls.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention—I’ve been interviewing for some “less-than-desirable” jobs as part of a series aimed at highlighting the unsung work that keeps America running, albeit flickering.

So far, I've secured entry-level positions at Walmart, Amazon, and McDonald's. I plan to spend a few days at each location, documenting both the positives and negatives while testing how far I can push the boundaries before being let go.

I’ve received a lot of feedback about this project; many people express their dissatisfaction with their jobs and seem eager to live vicariously through my experiences.

I also intend to tackle some more hazardous jobs. Dealing with rude customers, low wages, and apathetic managers is just one facet of the struggles the average American worker faces.

Roughnecks, commercial fishermen, deckhands, linemen, loggers, and cellphone tower technicians risk their lives daily to ensure our comfort. They deserve their stories to be told by someone who genuinely understands and appreciates their sacrifices.

It's been an incredible journey, growing from $236 in February to over ten times that amount by May. This achievement is thanks to you, and I want to express my gratitude for your support. I will strive to make the most of this opportunity and cherish every moment.

The first video, "Wade Bowen - When I Woke Up Today (Official Music Video)," captures the essence of awakening to new possibilities, perfectly aligning with my recent experiences.

Chapter 2: Reflecting on Change

In addition to my writing journey, I recently participated in a reading and discussion about "The Day I Woke Up Different" with 4th World Press.

This session provided profound insights into personal transformations and the impact of our narratives, resonating deeply with my own journey on Medium.