Teen Vogue’s layoffs hit hard. Here’s what we’re doing about it.

When Teen Vogue was folded into Vogue this week, more journalists lost their jobs in yet another reminder of how fragile this industry has become. 

And it’s only early November, which means we’re just entering peak layoff season for journalism.

The Teen Vogue news hits differently for me. Maybe because it’s not just another contraction, but the loss of a space where important work was happening I don’t see in a lot of other mainstream outlets. A space where fashion spreads seamlessly sat side-by-side with hard-hitting journalism that was, under the savvy leadership of Versha Sharma, reaching the next generation audiences we’re all so concerned about losing news literacy.

Maybe it’s because I grew up devouring similar titles – Sassy and Jane; titles that made it okay to care about lipstick and learn about my rights and exposed me to a world outside my suburban bubble – that the loss of Teen Vogue feels like an end to something important. 

But that’s just my lens. 

There are as many lenses as there are people who identify as journalists and every single one of us can cite similar examples of loss that make all of this feel more personal. Because the reality is that since 2005, news employment has dropped by more than 75% in the United States. More than 3,500 newspapers have shut down completely and even once untouchable media powerhouses like Condé Nast are on the ropes. 

Each wave of layoffs doesn’t just erase jobs – it erases community knowledge, mentorship, and connection. It erases hope for young people who work at their high school newspapers or are working towards an undergrad journalism degree. If young aspiring journalists don’t see a path to a sustainable career in this field, how long is it until we see matriculation rates at J schools – which are already dwindling in some places – really tank? 

For those let go from Teen Vogue and other newsrooms, it’s disorienting. For the people left behind, it’s isolating and a huge hit to morale. And for everyone watching from the sidelines, it raises the same quiet question:

Is there another way to keep doing this work?

At Project C, we believe the answer is a resounding yes. And in a free session on Nov. 24th, we’ll welcome recently laid off journalists – and those worried that cuts may be looming – to learn about the indie path. 

So if you were affected by the Teen Vogue layoffs (or you’re just watching the industry’s volatility and wondering what’s next 😬) join Lex Roman, me and members of the Project C Community for a free online session where you’ll hear from a crew of independent journalists who’ve built careers as newsletter writers, podcasters, video creators, and collective founders. We’ll talk about what it really takes to go solo:

Disclaimer: This is not a “quit your job and become an influencer” session. It’s a space to explore what sustainability, autonomy, building a durable personal brand and living your purpose can look like – especially when the newsroom walls keep shrinking.

🔗 Sign up here

The industry isn’t done changing. But that doesn’t mean your journalism has to end with your newsroom.