I recently read that John Wilson began Chattanoogan.com 25 years ago. He’s been publishing news, events, and opinions on-line ever since.
I didn’t know about Chattanoogan.com until last fall when I asked my friend Doug Daugherty, a fellow writer, whether he knew anyone at the paper (I was thinking of the Times/Free Press.) But he gave me John Wilson’s name, and I approached him about writing a column.
You see, I was looking for something to do with my time.
Like John, I was laid off or let go (you can call it whatever you want; the results are the same.) And like John, I was good at my former job, but the new company wanted to make changes.
John gave me the opportunity to write this weekly column, for which I’m grateful. I’ve written “A Boomer’s Ruminations” since Dec. 2023, and I’m proud to say I’ve gained a bit of a following. Of course, my followers are mostly friends and church members, but that’s okay. If John’s audience grew from just a few friends and family to many thousands of readers, maybe mine can too.
Personally, I’ve never done ANYTHING for 25 years—except stay married (this time,) so I’m impressed by the fact that Mr. Wilson has been doing this for so long.
It makes me wonder why some people persevere and others give up after a while. My husband is one who does things for the long haul. I was more apt to try this a while, then switch to something else.
When I was in my 30s I wrote a “weekly” column for a small Marshall, Mi. newspaper. I lost interest after a couple months.
When I was 50ish I got my real estate license in Mississippi—never sold a house—so I quit that gig. I left a couple other jobs because I was bored or because I didn’t like management. The longest job I ever held was the most recent one—not quite 15 years. I was finally getting the hang of longevity when I reached retirement age.
With age comes wisdom and, hopefully, growth. I have learned the grass isn’t always greener…, etc., so I don’t switch direction as often as I did when I was young. For example, this is my 40th column, and I plan on continuing if The Chattanoogan will have me.
All this rambling is just to say I’m glad John Wilson started this on-line paper and appreciate him giving me the opportunity to have my ruminations published. I’m sure I won’t be writing a column for 25 years (I’d be 102,) but I’m enjoying it now. And if I get to the point of not being able to write, I’m going to keep reading
chattanoogan.com because it’s a great source of news, events, and opinions.
Thanks John.