Circa 2009 I started writing HR content. Although, let’s face it, not a single soul used the term “content” – a word that now makes me want to barf (“I’m Susie and I’m a Content Creator!”). So most assuredly not “content” – it was just writing.
I started by contributing “guest posts” on friend’s HR blogs before launching my own site – and an archived version of the original HR Schoolhouse is still floating around out there in the web-o-sphere. There was self-hosting, name changes, a loss of a few years of posts(due to the switching around of hosts), but I’m happy to have kept it alive now for 15 years.
I certainly don’t write as much as I used to; back in the glory days of HR blogging I churned out 2 – 3 posts per week. But I’m getting back in the swing of things.
And I find that the same things that compelled me to write circa 2009 are the things that keep me writing today:
- writing allows me to organize my thoughts
- presenting a persuasive argument (or making a point!) requires me to be clear and concise
- the very act of writing, on a topic which I may not have my thoughts fully formed, often forces me to educate myself and, potentially, form an opinion
- writing regularly is akin to creating a time capsule for my life; I can quickly be reminded of what I was doing or thinking at a particular moment in time
- I enjoy the deliberative moments and flights of fancy when I think about the “nonsense” we encounter in the world of work
And now, in the year 2025, I realize there are some additional reasons why writing is appealing:
- the world is falling apart (hyperbole? I’m not so sure…) and writing in solitude provides me with a way to “center” myself
- it’s my way of battling the ridiculous and never ceasing continuation of “thought leadership” articles and/or LI posts that are merely contracted writing passed off as being from the minds/pens of Susie CEO or Bob HR Chief
- I want to fight against the AI generated crap passed off on site after site as being written by a human
- I want to ensure my personal vow – and forever crusade – to NEVER write a post entitled “6 Ways to Do XXX…” stays intact
But to tell the truth, it’s even more than that – and this is certainly not unique to the HR profession/field.
I have long found it both amusing and curious that there are folks who run around seeking out (desperately seeking out!) the moniker “influencers.” Styling up a personal “brand” and then, through sheer force of will, scrabbling for industry celebrity status where worth is seemingly measured by engagement metrics on Linked posts, number of YouTube views, and ever-increasing newsletter subscribers.
In the days when everyone, seemingly, has a podcast or LinkedIn/YouTube show, the need to stand out and differentiate oneself is fascinating to observe from afar. OK; maybe I’m not one to talk since the Drive Thru HR podcast is out there and still going strong after 15 years and close to 1,700 episodes. But at least our longevity – and lack of monetization – speaks to doing it well before it was cool.
Am I shaking my fist at the sky and lamenting the youngsters? No; it’s not that at all. I love that we have choices and variety and new and exciting voices. I think it’s spectacular that there are multiple places for HR folks to have interesting conversations and be provoked by fresh and hot new takes. We need that – every profession needs that. There are some super communities and collectives and gathering places out there where people are connecting and learning from each other.
It’s just, I dunno, somewhat comical that people who have spent a hot minute*** working in or around HR have decided to brand themselves as “experts” and strive to become HR famous. Is this what they truly see as their entre to all the riches and accolades that are showered on us? Can someone who has never had to deal with an employee feces or masturbation issue really call themselves an HR “expert” in the first place? (*** hot minute defined as anywhere from 6 – 24 months).
So I guess, if I’m being honest, I write to keep my hand in the game. I write to keep my voice and my thoughts out there. Probably, if I’m really being honest, it’s because I want to remind folks who mill about in and amongst and around the HR industry that I’m still here. And still relevant.
I guess my rallying cry it to bring back the written word: real, actual-baby-Jesus-approved writing. Not AI generated “content” designed to get engagement on LinkedIn posts. Not hot takes on TikTok.
HR bloggers unite!
