Top Stories
Stories in Journal that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
My 1st children's book
I had set aside the dream of being an author until last year when the pandemic hit. Back then, I was still working at a big fashion company as a marketing manager. I'd been there for 10 years.
The Myth of the 'Respectable Job'
What even is a 'respectable job'? For most if not the entirety of my life, a recurring statement I heard from my parents, teachers, well-meaning aunts and uncles was: "Work hard in school so you can get yourself a respectable job."
Jide OkonjoPublished 6 days ago in Journal
Britain's Got (No) Talent
Six years ago, I took a gap year. My plan was to eat an abundance of local delicacies, work a crazy job, get hammered with barefoot hippies and regularly wake up face first in a pool of my own vomit – I was, of course, moving back in with my parents in England.
Billy FrancisPublished 11 days ago in Journal
The Birds & The Bees
No matter how much you think you are in control, life will always find a way to surprise you. I spent the past decade creating a life for myself in New York City. I lived in several questionable apartments until finding a halfway decent one in Park Slope during that time. I landed a stable full-time job in Manhattan as a photography office manager securing a salary, health benefits, a retirement plan in an office surrounded by creatives. I embodied the hustle of city life where there is never enough time, and anxiety and stress are the norms. Everything seemed okay. My head was finally above water, and I entered the numb, comfortable daily routine many New Yorkers inhabit.
Marc AlainPublished 12 days ago in JournalCreative Copywriting in a Sea of Tech
Have you ever stepped into a boat and sailed out into the sea? The experience can be both exhilarating and terrifying. There are so many beautiful sights to see, but also many unknowns. What if you get lost or capsize? Can you really survive in these unknown waters? Stepping into the FinTech industry, a newly minted copywriter, was like paddling out to sea in a rowboat held together with duct tape.
Natasha CouohPublished 12 days ago in Journal
Dear Black Girl, Your Imposter Syndrome is Valid
“It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously...we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is. If I’m giving people hope then that is a responsibility, so I have to make sure that I am accountable.” - Michelle Obama
Millie DiazPublished 14 days ago in Journal
10 FREE Resources For Vocal Creators To Enhance Their Craft
As writers, we constantly strive to improve our craft. The quest for greatness is infinite. We are never truly finished learning or growing as artists of the written word. The drive to improve fuels our passion and ignites the spirit of creativity. If only editing could be as fun as pouring out that first draft.
The Creative ChimeraPublished 19 days ago in Journal
My First Month On Vocal
Writing on Vocal has been an interesting and incredible experience for me. I’ve always dreamed of being a writer, but after a decade long writer’s block, it didn’t seem to be in the cards for me. I dabble in writing for Medium, and I’ve been “starting” a blog for the last year. Two in fact, though one is more of a membership site and I have a team of comrades working with me.
Rii PiercePublished 20 days ago in JournalWhat Kind of Writer Do You Want to Be?
Confession time: I’m a hack writer. An online content hack writer, specifically. It’s not the only writing I do, but it’s usually what pays the majority of the bills. I used to be a little ashamed of it, but these days I’m feeling defiantly proud.
Maria Shimizu ChristensenPublished 24 days ago in Journal
6 Things Your Boss Wants to Know About You
Whether you like them or you hate them, they are your boss and if you want to keep your job then you are stuck with them. But no matter what kind of job you have and what kind of salary you might be pulling in, there are still some things that your boss secretly wants to know, but would never have the guts to ask you.
Leonora WatkinsPublished 24 days ago in Journal
What's a Zine and How to Make Your Own?
My newest "hobby" is making handmade zines. I'm not new at this, I’ve made multiple zines in the past, but this is an art I recently picked back up. There are huge zine fests worldwide, and my own hometown, Grand Rapids, has a small one. Zines are fun and popular - they’re even more popular than I thought, something I learned after spending some time looking up hashtags for zines and zinesters on Instagram.
Yvonne GlasgowPublished 28 days ago in Journal3 original side hustle ideas
Ah, 2020. The year we were all forced to stay stuck inside our homes, working away from our couches, beds, or impromptu desks. It was not as fun as it sounds, and many of us have realized that… Our regular 9-to-5 gig just isn’t enough to fulfill us.
