Reclaiming Her Stripes: 100 Bylines in The Bay Area
In a world where success often comes at a cost, one journalist’s journey from managing editor to freelance writer is a story of rediscovery and resilience. Ashwini Gangal, a Mumbai native now residing in Sunnyvale, shares her introspective tale of reclaiming her journalistic identity in the bustling Bay Area.
Redefining Success
As the echoes of Arthur Hailey’s cautionary tale about the perils of seniority reverberate through the pages of a fictional medical drama, Ashwini finds herself at a crossroads between corporate success and personal fulfillment. The protagonist’s plea to “lock yourself in a closet if you have to” to stay relevant strikes a chord with Ashwini as she reflects on her own journey.
The Journey Back to the Byline
In a candid revelation on LinkedIn, Ashwini opens up about the gradual disappearance of her byline as she ascended the editorial ladder in Mumbai. The transition from a prolific reporter to a managerial role left her yearning for the tangible connection that writing provides. With the support of her former boss and mentor, Sreekant Khandekar, Ashwini embarks on a quest to rediscover her voice and reignite her passion for storytelling.
A Tapestry of Stories
Through her freelance endeavors, Ashwini has woven a tapestry of over 100 articles across a myriad of local publications, capturing the essence of the Bay Area’s diverse communities. From personal essays to in-depth features, each story serves as a portal into a different facet of local culture and human experience. As she navigates the competitive landscape of journalism as an immigrant in search of full-time opportunities, Ashwini remains committed to honing her craft and embracing the challenges that come with the pursuit of writing.
As Ashwini’s journey unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder that success is not just measured by accolades or titles but by the resilience to adapt, evolve, and reclaim one’s true passion. In a world where the allure of corporate success can often overshadow the essence of one’s craft, Ashwini’s story stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of journalism and the unwavering pursuit of storytelling in its purest form.
