Call for Former Worker Experiences

If you spent time in the work, you carry a kind of knowledge that’s hard to explain to people who haven’t lived it. You know the language, the pressures, the complicated love, the camaraderie, the grief, the humor, the loyalty, the disorientation and the rebuilding. And you also know that no two stories are the same.

If you’d like to write and share your experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

What we’re looking for

Posts can be short (500–900 words) or longer if the story needs it. We welcome:

• Personal reflections on leaving, staying, returning, or rebuilding

• What helped you heal (and what didn’t)

• Practical guidance for someone in the thick of it

• Processing shame, fear, identity shifts, family dynamics, and spirituality

• Boundaries, finances, education/career pivots, and starting over

• Stories of support, community, and hope—without pretending it was easy

You don’t have to write a “perfect” piece. Honest and specific is better than polished.

Safety and privacy

You can publish under your name, a first name only, or a pseudonym. If you want to change identifying details to protect yourself or others, that’s okay. We can also work with you to edit for clarity while keeping your voice and boundaries intact.

We won’t publish anything without your explicit approval of the final version.

How to submit

Reach out to Heidi Estrem, heidi.estrem@bridgesandbalm.com, to propose your idea or even just to talk through your thoughts.

We’re grateful for your voice and your courage.