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Some news: Today is my last day at The Daily Beast, which has been my journalism home for more than five years. I’m supremely sad to be leaving this phenomenal newsroom that so often punches above its weight, and I will profoundly miss my colleagues. 1/x
I’d have never been in New York or able to report any of my stories in the first place without @NoahShachtman and @Katie_M_Baker and @AndrewKirell and @matthewt_ny, who hired me, taught me, invested in me, supported me, guided me, and championed me every day.
In a little while, I’ll be on the lookout for new opportunities, so feel free to reach out at my gmail. I’m also optimistic that you’ll see my byline at The Daily Beast again. Until then, I will dearly miss my beloved home away from home.
While I’m tempted to be vague about my departure, I also believe it’s important to acknowledge the profound exhaustion, loss, grief, burnout, and trauma of the past year covering—and living in—a mass casualty event that has changed all of our lives.
I hit a mental and then physical breaking point after the death of a loved one and, for now, I must take a break. I know exactly how rare it is to have a support system and circumstance that enables me to acknowledge—and then act on—that fact.
I know so many people are isolated and struggling silently and feeling alone. If that’s you: I’m right here with you, and you aren’t alone. Please know that it’s ok to take a break if you have the means to do so. I’m so incredibly grateful that I do.
In the meantime, I’m making art about the pandemic and sometimes writing things on my Patreon. If in normal times you’d buy me a drink right now, or just otherwise want to keep updated on what I’m up to, please subscribe. https://www.patreon.com/oliviamesser
I am so touched and overwhelmed by y'all's response to this. 
There are so many people in my DMs saying they're experiencing the same thing. I'm not sure we're all collectively doing enough to recognize and respond to the psychological toll this has taken.
There are so many people in my DMs saying they're experiencing the same thing. I'm not sure we're all collectively doing enough to recognize and respond to the psychological toll this has taken.
