💪 Powered by community
I was only two minutes into the conference session when I realized, "Holy sh*t, this is me."
"I’m not an influencer, but I play one on the internet" at SRCCON 2025 was run by Lex Roman and Liz Nelson of Project C. They started by asking people to pick a label for which table they'd sit at, and that's how I discovered that I'd become a creator journalist.
We don't always choose where our career will take us. Sometimes, we start doing something and only later realize there's a name for it. And in my case, this realization came along with the single most powerful asset for any professional – community.
After that session, I discovered a vibrant group of other journos just like me, who were building their own platforms to directly connect with audiences. Anyone who has survived the pivots and platform perils of the media biz in recent history knows that our best bet is to reach readers on our turf, and not to yield to tech companies calling the shots.
That’s why this month I've joined the Back Indie Media Drive, to combine forces with other small outlets like mine to give more visibility to editorially and financially independent publishers.
Today I'm asking you to take a step that shows what's possible when we work together. Become a backer of my work for $5/month.
If you're considering making a career move, you won't want to miss these helpful resources for supporting subscribers when you upgrade:
- Instant access to the Map Your Career River guide, including a handy online tool.
Bridget Thoreson
- Special resources on every post in the "Career River Connection" section. Recent examples include the Career River map of Matt Kiser, founder of WTF Just Happened Today; a guided reflection on the psychological experience that directly contrasts with burnout; and in today's post, my recommended read for networking advice.
- Full access to the Career River archives, including a curated list of interviews and resources on making your next career move.
- Exclusive subscriber events and offerings, including online Career River Q&As with me!
From day one, I made a commitment: if you're not currently getting paid for your work, you don't need to pay for Career River. Contact me for access. If you're feeling generous, consider upgrading to the Tributary tier, which helps support these complimentary subscriptions for Navigators in need.
I believe in the power of community. I believe that together we can turn the tide against the systems that are built to artificially stoke division and competition among us. As I've talked with 130-plus professionals for this project, the most powerful resource for people struggling to make a career move are the people they turn to for advice and support. Will you help support this community, to keep offering inspiration and guidance for people who feel stuck, frustrated and alone?
If you want to go even further, you can skim through all of the publishers in the Back Indie Media Drive and choose one other to become a paid supporter of too. It’s (hopefully) a small impact on your wallet and it’s a massive help towards helping independent media stay alive and thrive. Here are a few other publishers I spotted that may interest you:
Freelance Opportunities!
Who it's for: Freelancers, Journalists, Creatives. Make more money from your creative efforts by finding clients in need of your services without doing all of the searching yourself. A subscription gets you access to double the number of opportunities and a private group where new paying opportunities are shared daily.
*Note: The author offers free year-long subscriptions to laid-off journalists.
Both Are True
Who it's for: Unpretentious creatives who frankly need the deadline. Part coworking party, part deranged powerpoint presentation, Both Are True’s BATWRITE is unpretentious structured writing time with your favorite creatives. Come for Alex’s weirdly useful prompts, stay for whatever voodoo makes everyone actually get their stuff done.
Continuous Wave
Who it's for: Audio, Media, Producers, Academics, Broadcasters, Radio. Continuous Wave newsletter and site exploring the forgotten history of broadcast and all electronic media. Why learn about the accidental business models, power struggles and weird dramas of broadcasting? Because everything is broadcasting. Featuring lively posts by podcast editor Julia Barton and friends.
Be sure to check out the full list for other great creators to support. We can't do this work without you.
Thank you, and happy navigating,
Bridget
🛶 Career River Connection 🛶
Support to make your next career move
Supporting subscribers get instant access to special resources on each post to apply the Career River to their work journeys. Upgrade anytime for access.