“When the Ground Shook: The Surprising Accountability of Editors Exposed”

"When the Ground Shook: The Surprising Accountability of Editors Exposed"

Have you ever found yourself standing your ground, only to realize the ground beneath you isn’t as solid as it seems? The thrilling yet terrifying chaos of an unexpected earthquake serves as a perfect metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life—and the workplace. As we navigate the trembling dynamics of our careers, there are moments that shake us to our core, forcing us to choose between safety and conviction. In this gripping narrative, the author takes us on a rollercoaster ride from a casual beer with a friend to the heart-pounding realization that the ground beneath can shift just like the precarious balance of our professional choices. So grab your favorite drink and settle in for a story that showcases not only the shock of an earthquake but also the tremors of determination that led to a life-altering decision. Curious to see how it all unfolds? LEARN MORE.

THE RECKLESS WRITER

I stood my ground and ended up losing my job

Image by Walter Rhein

The epicenter of the earthquake was 150 miles to the South, but we felt it in Lima. The tremors rippled out in all directions. I was drinking a beer with a friend of mine when the floor slipped away. Your senses aren’t prepared for an earthquake. You don’t even realize what’s happening. There’s a long period of confusion followed by absolute terror.

“We should get out of here,” I said, fearful that the roof would collapse. We stumbled to the door. It was like walking on gelatin. The brick boulevard outside the bar seemed to ripple.

Outside, I looked around to assess if there was any danger of falling buildings. They swayed, but otherwise they appeared stable. I looked to my friend. He stood in the alley holding his beer. I started to laugh. I thought it funny that as he’d moseyed outside to observe the end of the world, he’d been sure to bring his drink along.

Then it stopped. There wasn’t much damage. When I returned to my apartment, I found our television balancing precariously on the edge of the stand. It was only held in place by the power cord that was still stuck into the wall. At the…