Since I started writing online, I have surrounded myself with the voices of industry experts. From them, I’ve learned that online writing is a constantly changing game, and it’s paramount to stay on top of emerging trends if you want to see success in this field.

So whether it’s advice in Nicolas Cole’s latest book or from Casey Newton’s Twitter feed, there is a common message I keep hearing, again and again.

Writers should pay serious attention to the new platform, Substack.

This is probably a good time to mention I’m not being paid by Substack to write this post. …

When you’re in a relationship, it’s easy to feel guilty about relying on your partner. Whether it’s emotionally, through acts of service, or financially, we all need our partner’s support at one point or another. When it comes to money, however, we can find ourselves dealing with old expectations and resentments — emotional hurdles we must clear to keep our relationship healthy.

Feeling financially dependent can lead us to convince ourselves we are cheap, manipulative people for needing our partner’s financial support, and it flat out sucks.

I know because I’ve been there. Working as a writer and in the non-profit sector, I don’t necessarily bring home the bacon, especially in contrast to my partner, who does very well in her field. …

For tech investors, last week was one for the books for tech investors, as two highly anticipated companies hosted overwhelmingly successful IPO’s.

The meal delivery service, DoorDash, went public, selling 33 million shares at $102 US, creating an initial value of 39 billion dollars. But the start-up didn’t stop there, as shares then surged 92%, coming close to valuing the company at $200 US per share.

Happy with their results, DoorDash quickly left the spotlight. Still, tech investors continued to furiously wave their money and chant for an encore.

So with the stage set, Airbnb, the hospitality start-up, held its wildly successful IPO later in the week, opening 115% above its offering price of $68, trading at $146. …

It’s easy to be fooled by today’s trendy workplace environments. The standing desks option, the daily gratitude huddles and Taco Tuesdays all work to convince us that this job will be an amazing experience.

However, many workplaces are highly skilled in covering up their toxic environments. They lure you in with a hip modern atmosphere, and by the time you realize your mental health is suffering, it’s too late. The workplace culture has convinced you that they are not the problem; you are.

I’m here to tell you that for the majority of people, this isn’t the case. While many workplaces can potentially foster healthy environments, you’re likely going to encounter a career that takes a severe toll on your mental health at some point in your life. …

When I went from casually blogging to consistently writing online, the biggest hurdle in front of me was getting published.

One year later I have permanently conquered my fear of submitting, and now, my articles are published on a weekly basis. It feels awesome to have this confidence, but it was a long trek to get here, and it all started with getting over that first hurdle.

So if you’re struggling right now in the online writing game, I want you to understand getting published is totally within your reach. …

Alright, let’s get one thing straight; I’m coming at this topic with a lot of privilege. Not only in my race, but in my gender, wealth, and basically everything else that being a straight white male affords me.

I have no intention to represent people of colour or speak on their behalf. I’m writing from my perspective on why I believe this is an issue and should be addressed.

I firmly think it is our, the privileged individuals' job, to amplify the message that our society is failing marginalized people.

“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” …

When I think about mundane everyday tasks that stress me out, little compares to the chore of scrubbing and rinsing the dishes currently soaking in my sink. The bitter reality of constantly needing to do the dishes is quick to greet us when we begin living independently and never seems to let up, ever.

If you’re reading this, nodding along, maybe even glancing over to your sink in disgust, understand that you’re not alone. Research has shown that clutter and mess can create anxiety, leaving us uncharacteristically depressed. …

Unfortunately, as many of us have learned, workplace cultures never truly live up to their hype.

HR will tell us they are one big happy drama-free family, where everyone is beyond excited to attend the 8:30 AM huddles. It’s unrealistic, but we believe them because most of the time, our judgment is clouded by the thrill of a new career.

As a new employee, you’re eager and ready to prove yourself to this trendy company and will do whatever it takes, which, unknowingly, puts you in a very vulnerable spot.

I know because I’ve been there.

My Culture Shock

After graduation, I chased a communications internship with a well-established non-profit as my first true adult job. I moved out east and left everything behind, excited to start my career with the hopes of building it into something long-term. …