Tell us a bit about your background.

Thank you for this opportunity, Dr. Yildiz. I've always enjoyed our online conversations and greatly admire your writing and its global impact.

I grew up in a rural area of Poland during the 1960s, one of six siblings. Our village was a beautiful place surrounded by clean lakes and majestic forests. It had a diverse atmosphere, with neighbors who spoke German and Ukrainian, which made me accustomed to foreign languages from an early age.

Our diet consisted of fresh, organic foods, though at the time, we didn’t recognize how special that was; it was simply the norm. Like many, I believed that education and hard work would guarantee a bright future. Curiosity and a love for learning were always part of my life. After completing 21 years of education and earning a PhD in Animal Cytogenetics, reality set in: fixed salaries and work hours did not provide the freedom I desired.

Determined to reinvent myself, I pursued my passion for fashion and beauty, eventually relocating to London. Initially, the excitement was overwhelming—my work was featured in prestigious magazines, fashion shows, and television programs. However, the reality behind the scenes was far from glamorous, as I worked long hours, including weekends, struggling to make ends meet. I knew a change was necessary, but I was uncertain how to achieve it.

Following my curiosity, I began writing across various platforms, sharing my experiences and work through blogs on Blogger, Tumblr, and WordPress. Although I didn’t earn money from these efforts initially, I learned valuable skills such as website creation, lead generation, and content writing. I also explored various business models and started generating income online.

As living costs in London soared, I found myself working nonstop just to survive, leaving me utterly exhausted. Then came COVID-19, which, while devastating, allowed me to pause, reflect, and formulate new ideas. It was during this time that I decided to pivot from my old life, moving to Portugal and embarking on a new chapter utilizing my previously acquired skills.

What are your hobbies, or what excites or entertains you?

I have a wide range of interests, particularly in biology, psychology, education, paleontology, and nature. One of my hobbies is gardening; I cultivate various herbs and vegetables, including basil, mint, lettuce, and chard. I enjoy cooking and often host barbecues with my neighbors. In terms of entertainment, I find joy in watching animated shows, with "Brickleberry" being a past favorite, though it has since ended. "Roger" from "American Dad" is another character I appreciate, and I enjoy the MeatCanyon YouTube channel as well.

What are the top three books that affected your life?

One book that stands out is "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. Although it was published in 1937, its lessons remain relevant today.

Another influential book is "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" by Eric Jorgenson. Naval’s unique philosophy and perspective inspire me, particularly as more individuals seek to redefine success beyond mere monetary gains.

Lastly, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle has had a profound impact on me. In a society that often fixates on the past or future, this book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. It has helped me understand my ego and has been liberating.

Why do you write on Medium?

I choose to write on Medium due to its user-friendly interface that supports my growth as a writer and solopreneur. The platform’s high domain authority initially attracted significant traffic, although recent algorithm changes have affected this. Nonetheless, it has been instrumental in growing my email list, a crucial asset for any online business.

Do you write on other platforms like Substack? If so, how do you find them?

I recently began writing on Substack and have fallen in love with the platform. My newsletter, "50 Forward," is aimed at individuals over 50 who wish to thrive in today's fast-paced world.

While I had known about Substack for some time, I hesitated to divide my focus across platforms—a decision I now see as a mistake. After reading your article, Dr. Yildiz, regarding the optimal distribution of writing efforts, it became clear what I needed to do next. I only wish I had started on Substack sooner; your insights were invaluable.

What are your values as a writer?

My core values as a writer are transparency and honesty. We live in a society that often prioritizes profit over people, conformity over creativity, and competition over collaboration.

I used to lead a life dictated by societal expectations, which left me financially illiterate and deeply unhappy. Breaking free from these constraints allowed me to carve my own path and embrace the freedom of truth-telling, free from institutional loyalties.

Respect should be earned, not mandated by artificial titles or privileges. I focus on actions rather than words. My goal is to demonstrate that there are better ways to navigate life than following the crowd blindly. Life is a precious gift, but it only reveals its richness when we strive to reach our full potential, which involves exploring new avenues and embracing mistakes.

Life is full of diverse experiences waiting to be discovered, but following conventional patterns often leads to a monotonous existence. My passion for life drives me to share my experiences and lessons with others.

How do you connect with your readers?

I primarily engage with my readers by responding to comments and emails. Occasionally, I host Zoom calls to foster deeper connections.

Why did you join ILLUMINATION and how do you find it so far?

I joined ILLUMINATION because of its diverse range of topics. I had never encountered a publication quite like it and was eager to contribute. Being part of ILLUMINATION has enhanced the visibility of my work and supported my growth as a writer. It has also allowed me to expand my email list and attract commercial opportunities, for which I am truly grateful. The editorial team has been incredibly kind and efficient throughout the process.

What are your top five stories that you want to share with your audience and why?

I wish to share these stories as they provide insights into how the current economic landscape affects individuals over 50 and propose solutions:

• Life After 50: It’s Time to Rock the World, Not a Chair
• Thrive in Your 50s and Beyond Because it Can Be the Best Time of Your Life
• The Number One Skill That Will Make You Money in a New Economy
• The 7 Lies of Retirement that You Must Face to Improve Your Life
• 6 Important Reasons Why You Should Not Work 9–5 if You Are Over 40

What are the success factors for you as a writer?

Reader feedback and data analysis are crucial for my success as a writer. Even the best writing won’t matter if no one wants to read it. The growth of my email list and the quality of engagement are also significant indicators of success. While evoking emotions is wonderful, the real impact comes from nurturing those connections and converting readers into clients.

What do you recommend to new writers?

Here are some key recommendations for emerging writers:

• Practice daily. Set a specific word count goal, such as 1,000 words per day for the next 90 days.
• Treat writing as a business. Avoid becoming one of the many struggling writers.
• Don’t feel the need to have all the answers at the outset. Focus on refining your craft and analyzing feedback.
• Collaborate with fellow writers instead of viewing them as competition.
• Explore various avenues to monetize your skills.
• Concentrate on the process rather than just the outcomes.
• Be willing to evolve and pivot when necessary.

What are your plans as a writer or as a professional?

I’m enthusiastic about my new Substack venture, aiming to build a community of individuals over 50 who are ready to embrace life. I see immense potential in this group and wish to create a movement of like-minded individuals challenging age stereotypes while leading fulfilling lives. My mission is to assist others in achieving their goals by sharing resources and my experiences. Let’s rock the world, not just sit idly!

A heartfelt thanks to Jerry for sharing his time. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, reach out through ILLUMINATION’s Slack workspace, or chat with him on Substack Notes. He is always approachable and supportive.

If you're interested in further insights, I invite you to explore my recent work, including the book "Substack Mastery," where I share chapters to help beta readers.

Thank you for taking the time to read my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life, and I encourage you to explore various topics I cover, including health, cognitive function, and wellness.

If you’re a writer, feel free to join my publications by sending a request through my website. Together, we can build a supportive community for writers.

Join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack, and connect with "Substack Mastery" to expand your audience.