What you hear is the sound of a squealing dinosaur

In one week’s time, four of the magazine industry’s best known editors stepped down from their publishing posts.

Reporters say it wasn’t a coordinated exodus, but it wasn’t a coincidence either. It’s simply the arc of the industry.

What you’re hearing is the sound of a squealing dinosaur. Apparently, nobody in their right mind wants to take on the arcane and exasperating world of publishing. And who could blame them?

But there is a bigger issue here, pun absolutely intended. This trend is not about publication, it’s about reinvention. The very human questions that cross my mind are:

What happens when somebody is compelled by a calling to take their life somewhere else? How does a person create a new context from which to relate to their work? And what does it feel like to engage in a new conversation with the world?

One former magazine editor said she looked around at her environment and honestly didn’t see where she fit it anymore. Another one said that her industry was dying, and she didn’t want to be there when the lights went out. While a different editor said that her original goal of nabbing some coveted publishing title wasn’t admirable anymore. A different editor said she was no longer up for living the brand the way that you have to in the publishing world.

My favorite was the magazine veteran who admitted that he felt like a patch of mold on the kitchen ceiling that you’re not quite sure about it, but as long as it doesn’t start dripping, you can just let it be.

If you’ve ever found yourself in that situation before, it can be a bizarre and complicated moment. One that brings you to your knees.

On one hand, you experience yourself as alien and obsolete and alone, which feels sad and scary.

On the other hand, there is a newfound sense of freedom and possibility for what’s next, which feels invigorating and euphoric.

Either way, few things in life are more natural than reinvention. Just as nature reinvents itself minute to minute under the influence of light, rain, soil and wind, human beings do the same.

Next time you read an article about a celebrated athlete or business mogul who announces their retirement, listen loudly.

That squealing dinosaur sound might be coming from inside the house.

What are your triggers for reinvention?