After working at the same newspaper for 25 years, the author will leave the organization at the end of 2025. During their career, they reported on topics such as local government budgets, elections, and moderated televised debates, including the 2018 Ohio gubernatorial primaries. In 2015, the author traveled to Washington, D.C., where they interviewed then-Speaker of the House John Boehner after attending the State of the Union address.
The departure follows a voluntary buyout offered by the company last year. Although the author is leaving under retirement terms, they are not yet eligible for full retirement benefits and will rely on severance pay. The decision was challenging and involved significant consideration, but the author reports feeling prepared for the change. With about 70 days remaining before leaving, the author notes some uncertainty about the future, especially if they pursue work outside journalism.
The author reflects on their career and personal experiences, stating that a job does not define identity and that change is a regular part of life. Previous transitions, such as military service, changing colleges, recovering from injuries, earning degrees, marriage, parenthood, and loss, have contributed to their readiness for the next step…