A small but important shift
Burnout, subscription updates, and why I’m changing how this newsletter works
✦ Quote of the week ✦
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
– Steve Jobs
This post will be a little vulnerable.
For a long time, I’ve been thinking about the value I bring to you.
I’ve invested a lot of time and energy into this newsletter — into what I write, what I share, and how deeply I choose to go. This blog has been part of my life for over two years now (about one year on Substack).
My content — just like my experience in the industry — keeps growing and evolving. That’s very important to me. I never wanted to be “just another person writing online”. If I show up here, I want it to matter (especially considering I’m a bit of an introvert).
Over the years, I’ve shared templates, insights, small systems and lessons I’ve built and refined across six years of working in this industry.
But at the end of 2025, I felt tired.
I found myself wondering: should I keep writing?
I was writing deeply, but sometimes it felt like speaking into a void.
I know you’re here. I know you’re reading. But you probably know that feeling — when you don’t see the feedback, the response, the “return.” And it can quietly demotivate you.
So I spent a long time thinking about how to make the valuable content I share accessible to more people.
And I’ve decided to update the way you can support my work.
Starting today, all of my posts — including those that were previously paid-only — will be open to everyone. Free.
Everything I write and share will now be available to anyone subscribed to this newsletter.
At the same time, for those who want to support my work through a paid subscription, I’ll be offering something different:
❋ Live sessions / workshops every 6–8 weeks where we can do Q&A, discuss topics in depth, review work, and talk openly.
❋ The private chat will remain active, and that’s where you can ask questions, share your work, and request feedback.
❋ For Founding Members, there will also be access to my personal templates and tools when relevant and requested.
You can see what’s been updated in each subscription tier below.
Thank YOU
I’m deeply grateful for every kind of support — paid or free. It truly means a lot to me and gives me energy to continue what I’m building here: writing for you, bringing clarity to freelance life, and sharing what I learn along the way.
My goal is to be closer to those who resonate with my work — and to create a small, thoughtful community where it feels good and meaningful to belong.
I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, or simply say thank you for being here.
My inbox is always open.
With warmth,
Irene 💜
