Stuck Between Two Futures: How I’m Negotiating My Next Chapter

I’m going to help you negotiate your path forward.

The artwork for Start From Here is inspired someone standing at a crossroads.

You can read plenty of newsletters about negotiating an employment contract, but I’m going to show you my 7 steps for negotiating your path forward.

We’re now a month into unemployment, and I find myself staring at two very different paths. One leads back to a traditional journalism job with steady income. The other is the content creator path, which feels close enough to touch and offers room for my income to grow. But choosing between stability and possibility isn’t simple.

The honeymoon phase of unemployment doesn’t last long. After a month without work, there’s a strong rush to grab the first opportunity that shows up.

My professor heard about my situation and challenged me to write a paper that maps out my possible futures. I haven’t been offered any jobs yet, but working through this process has helped calm my nerves.

My 7 Steps To Negotiating Your Next Path Forward are below!

Before you choose your next chapter, get clear on what you’re really negotiating.

For me it’s income, autonomy, and work that matches my values.

Issues tell you what you want. Interests tell you why you want it.

I want steady income so I can keep my condo. I want a values-aligned workplace because the last one drained me. I want autonomy because that’s when I do my best work.

I built income and autonomy ranges so I know where I can bend.

I need at least $5k a month to live comfortably, and I know where I can cut costs if needed.

My ideal autonomy is working for myself, but I’m open to remote work or leading a team.

You can’t figure out your future alone.

Talking to people who already walked these paths gave me clear examples and honest warnings.

Content creators helped me break illusions, spot risks, and build smarter interview questions for both my work and potential future employers.

I know the minimum I need each month to survive.

That helps when a job looks great on paper but can’t cover the basics.

I also know how much remote or in-person work I can handle before it no longer works for me.

Many creators told me a stable paycheck isn’t worth losing freedom or walking into a toxic culture.

These steps and perspectives helped me see where I can be flexible and where I won’t.

My BATNA for becoming a full-time content creator is:

I can do content part-time or freelance until the income grows.

My BATNA for going back to a traditional journalism job is:

I can keep creating content on the side and negotiate for more autonomy in the role.

Knowing these backup plans makes the decision feel less heavy.

When I looked back at past choices, I noticed how many were driven by emotion.

I took jobs because I felt responsible or thought I could “fix” a workplace.

I chose what felt right in that moment, and did not consider the full picture.

I may not have a job offer yet, but this practice has made me more confident.

If you’re negotiating your next chapter, you’re not alone. Take the survey so I can interview people who have walked the path you are thinking about.