It takes about four months to burn out - that’s my observation. They arrive with change the world attitude, but the return on time investment just isn’t there. You can bust a gut and do 5 stories a day, but they won’t be quality and so they’re going to return less than minimum wage.

I did my hamster wheel of death in October 2018 and it wasn’t worth it. Since then I’ve chilled out, enjoyed the vibe and been a regular contributor. Medium is too fickle a place to try and earn a wage - it shifts regularly and makes lucrative strategies not lucrative at all. Best to show up, write for fun and accept any money that comes your way as a happy accident of fortune. :o)