Navigating Medium: Is Writing Here Worth Your Time?
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding the Medium Experience
In late August 2023, I embarked on my writing journey with Medium, marking nearly seven months of engagement. Time has certainly flown by. It appears I missed the platform's so-called golden age; shortly after I began writing, the algorithm underwent significant changes.
Initially, I was drawn to Medium by a number of writers whose work I admired as a reader. However, many of these established authors started to either leave the platform or diminish their output, opting to focus on other pursuits. These weren’t just casual writers; they were individuals with substantial followings who relied on their Medium articles for a significant portion of their income.
The reasons for their departure are understandable. It must be disheartening to rely on a platform for income only to see your earnings plummet by 75% due to algorithm changes.
This experience turned into a glorified hobby for me. I didn’t start writing with the expectation of striking it rich. Instead, I found myself unemployed and looking for ways to fill my time. Writing quickly became an obsession; I found myself creating content almost daily. While some articles came together, many ended up discarded. Writing morphed into both a habit and a compulsion.
Recently, I've begun to reassess how much time I should devote to writing on this platform. Previously, I invested significant effort into my articles, but the returns felt meager, making it seem like a time sink.
As I transition into a new career, I’ve chosen to write less frequently. It seems more prudent to focus on activities that yield actual financial benefits rather than spend excessive time on what increasingly feels like a mere hobby. Additionally, I prefer not to be tethered to my laptop for extended periods.
Advice for New Writers on Medium
For those new to the Medium platform, my primary advice is to keep your expectations in check. Don’t enter with the belief that you’ll make a substantial income from your writing here. Who knows, you might achieve the success of writers like Tim Denning, Zulie Rane, or Eve Arnold, but that may only come after years of consistent writing.
Most likely, your earnings will be modest. You might generate a few dollars here and there, maintain consistency for a while, then lose momentum, leading to a decline in your writing output until you eventually stop.
In March, I earned $81 from Medium, and I anticipate reaching $100 by the end of the month. Considering the hours I’ve invested, these figures are hardly impressive.
Approach writing on Medium as a hobby that might provide a bit of extra cash. The chances of striking it rich here are slim, and with more newcomers hoping to make a quick buck, further algorithm changes are likely.
Most importantly, only start writing if you genuinely enjoy the process. If your mindset is that this will serve as a lucrative side hustle, you’re likely setting yourself up for disappointment. There are far better side hustles out there.
Final Thoughts
I don’t intend to dishearten aspiring Medium writers; rather, I aim to present a realistic outlook. Maintain low expectations, view it as a gratifying hobby that may yield some extra spending money, and step away if you don’t truly love writing.
And remember, don’t complain about the algorithm. You’re operating on borrowed ground, subject to the decisions of Medium's leadership. Personally, I’m grateful for a platform that allows me to earn money by blogging about topics that interest me, especially since traditional blogging has largely faded away. I have no complaints.
Here's the Truth About Writing on Medium… - YouTube
A deep dive into the realities of writing on Medium, including potential earnings and the impact of algorithm changes.
How Much Money You Can Make Writing on Medium in 2024 - YouTube
An exploration of the financial aspects of writing on Medium, including insights on earnings and opportunities in 2024.