Publication: Insider
Topic(s): Gen-Z postgrad life, first-person lifestyle essays, travel writing, Amtrak/train journeys, relocation stories, downsizing, off-grid living, hobbies after 9–5, hidden travel gems
Rate: ~$240 per 600 words (~40+ cents per word)

Insider is actively commissioning lifestyle writing that leans heavily on lived experience and narrative journalism. The emphasis is on first-person reporting that feels grounded, specific, and observational rather than generic commentary.

Current commissioning priorities include Gen-Z postgrad transitions, especially around financial pressure, identity shifts, and early-career instability. Travel writing is also a strong focus, particularly intergenerational travel with older relatives, where tension, logistics, and emotional nuance are part of the story.

They are also seeking experiential lifestyle essays: Amtrak and long-distance train travel, interstate or cross-country moves, downsizing decisions, and experiments with off-grid or minimalist living. These pieces should be structured around concrete experiences rather than abstract advice.

Additional interest includes work-life balance narratives tied to hobbies outside the 9-to-5 structure, as well as “hidden gem” travel discoveries from locals or frequent travelers.