It is columns (?) like these which make me a paid subscriber. Yes you cover the topics of politics and news worthy items, but you also give us insight into you as a person, a husband and father. That is what make me respect and understand your point of view when you write on politics. I got some of that insight when you were on the TK show. Keep up the great work.
OK. First performance review; Insightful 9/10, Topical 9/10, Creative writing 9/10, Humor 9/10, Focus on your kids - ability to prioritize 10/10. Congratulations my friend.
I loved your work at CNN and was excited to follow you when you started this venture. You ARE working hard! Some days, you have published three columns and I know that they don't just pop into your head, fully formed. The world of politics is insane right now and I appreciate your analysis of events and the times that you can make me laugh at the craziness of it. It sounds as if you have become a better dad and husband and I think that is rare when a person undergoes a major career upheaval. Many people just pull the blanket over their heads and focus on how they've been wronged.
Keep up the good work, on your writing and yourself!
And, no, I definitely don't think you're dumb to be slowly realizing that you've been working. I'm of a generation (perhaps closer to your dad's than you) where the single-employer-5-day-8-hour-workweek-for life is the "normal" model. There is a reason that old folk like me eventually move out of the workforce and let the next generation define what the new model is.
I wasn't "out of a job" when I started That's Another Fine Mess; I've been "self (un)employed" for 40 years as a screenwriter and author. But I did start TAFM with much the same attitude you started this Substack. Friends had been urging me to do it for six months. I had no idea when I finally published the first piece if anyone would read it, and was amazed to have three paid subscribers by the end of the first week along with ten free subscribers. I'm always surprised when I read the "page statistics" from Substack Central and see how many subscribers I have. What's really nice is, from those who leave comments, my subscribers are exactly the people I would have chosen if I could. (I suspect you might say the same)
And I do exactly the same thing you do here: follow the news, get up thinking what to write, all of that.
Yes, it's a job, but I think you'll agree with me that it isn't "work."
Yep, for us old folks it is hard to adjust to the new realities of the workforce. I’m thinking that you love the freedom that you have to write what, when, and how you want to. Good for you!
And I don't actually mind helping provide your income stream in exchange for the knowledge, insights and amusement your writing provides. Well, as long as I have the money, anyway.
Good for you, Chris! This sounds quite similar to the writing journey of Lyz Lenz, author of Men Yell at Me on Substack, a gal from my hometown in Iowa. She was fired from the local newspaper (I'm still angry with that organization!) because someone didn't like one of her op/eds. Ugh. So her Substack column started as a filler as she figured out what came next. Like yours, her column is very popular and insightful. I'm really glad you are continuing to write, I enjoy the various topics in and outside of politics. Meaningful work is what you make of it. Thank you!
Welcome to the world of freelancing. While I have held a few fulltime jobs for most of my working life I've written for newspapers and websites, taught college classes, did paid lectures, and authored several books. No one thing has been enough, but together it's enough for a roof over my head and food on the table. You may be travelling a similar path.
I have really enjoyed your work here. I was laid off from my own job of 28 years a few months before you left CNN. I have often found comfort in your observations about being laid off and how you have worked through the changes. This article was no different. Thank you for giving me new perspectives and ways of looking at the world. Keep up the great work!
It is columns (?) like these which make me a paid subscriber. Yes you cover the topics of politics and news worthy items, but you also give us insight into you as a person, a husband and father. That is what make me respect and understand your point of view when you write on politics. I got some of that insight when you were on the TK show. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much. Sharing more of myself has been nerve wracking but rewarding!
Agree!!!
The House is still looking for a speaker. Have you considered applying?
He's over-qualified. they'd never hire him.
OK. First performance review; Insightful 9/10, Topical 9/10, Creative writing 9/10, Humor 9/10, Focus on your kids - ability to prioritize 10/10. Congratulations my friend.
Ha, thanks Lou!
Lou, I thought about giving Chris a "review", too. You pulled it off better than I would have. :)
Glad to be a supporter of your work!
Thanks, man. I really appreciate the support.
It's my pleasure!
I loved your work at CNN and was excited to follow you when you started this venture. You ARE working hard! Some days, you have published three columns and I know that they don't just pop into your head, fully formed. The world of politics is insane right now and I appreciate your analysis of events and the times that you can make me laugh at the craziness of it. It sounds as if you have become a better dad and husband and I think that is rare when a person undergoes a major career upheaval. Many people just pull the blanket over their heads and focus on how they've been wronged.
Keep up the good work, on your writing and yourself!
It hasn't all been roses, Laura, but I think I have come to a few important observations/revelations over these months.
Ditto Laura for me, too!
Ditto for me on what Laura said!
Your work is very much appreciated Chris. You have built a great community here, and I am extremely glad you did!
Thanks, Chuck!
You are doing such a great job and I am thankful that you made the decision to write this newsletter. I enjoy it immensely.
Thanks, Judi. Much appreciated.
Grateful that Substack exists for you to have a platform to reach us ! Old school discipline
Me too!
You're hired!!!
And, no, I definitely don't think you're dumb to be slowly realizing that you've been working. I'm of a generation (perhaps closer to your dad's than you) where the single-employer-5-day-8-hour-workweek-for life is the "normal" model. There is a reason that old folk like me eventually move out of the workforce and let the next generation define what the new model is.
Welcome to the "company"! :)
Ha! Thanks!
"Choose your joy, and the money will follow."
I wasn't "out of a job" when I started That's Another Fine Mess; I've been "self (un)employed" for 40 years as a screenwriter and author. But I did start TAFM with much the same attitude you started this Substack. Friends had been urging me to do it for six months. I had no idea when I finally published the first piece if anyone would read it, and was amazed to have three paid subscribers by the end of the first week along with ten free subscribers. I'm always surprised when I read the "page statistics" from Substack Central and see how many subscribers I have. What's really nice is, from those who leave comments, my subscribers are exactly the people I would have chosen if I could. (I suspect you might say the same)
And I do exactly the same thing you do here: follow the news, get up thinking what to write, all of that.
Yes, it's a job, but I think you'll agree with me that it isn't "work."
Good point.
Great realization Chris!! Work, and how it looks, has changed for so many of us since the pandemic! Love reading your articles!
Thanks, Kevin!
Yep, for us old folks it is hard to adjust to the new realities of the workforce. I’m thinking that you love the freedom that you have to write what, when, and how you want to. Good for you!
It IS an adjustment for sure!
Lol, great insights!
And I don't actually mind helping provide your income stream in exchange for the knowledge, insights and amusement your writing provides. Well, as long as I have the money, anyway.
Good for you, Chris! This sounds quite similar to the writing journey of Lyz Lenz, author of Men Yell at Me on Substack, a gal from my hometown in Iowa. She was fired from the local newspaper (I'm still angry with that organization!) because someone didn't like one of her op/eds. Ugh. So her Substack column started as a filler as she figured out what came next. Like yours, her column is very popular and insightful. I'm really glad you are continuing to write, I enjoy the various topics in and outside of politics. Meaningful work is what you make of it. Thank you!
Welcome to the world of freelancing. While I have held a few fulltime jobs for most of my working life I've written for newspapers and websites, taught college classes, did paid lectures, and authored several books. No one thing has been enough, but together it's enough for a roof over my head and food on the table. You may be travelling a similar path.
Indeed.
I have really enjoyed your work here. I was laid off from my own job of 28 years a few months before you left CNN. I have often found comfort in your observations about being laid off and how you have worked through the changes. This article was no different. Thank you for giving me new perspectives and ways of looking at the world. Keep up the great work!
Absolutely. Ultimately, it's why I do what I do!