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The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
Igniting Your Newsletter: Growth, Engagement, and Persistence
Hey everyone,
Like most of my advice, this comes with an honest admission: I am still learning as I go. Every strategy here is one I am testing myself. In fact, I just started experimenting with Boost to see how it truly works. I will let you know.
If you have been lurking and have not started your own newsletter yet, this is your sign. Jump in. We are here to cheer you on, share wins, and lift each other up. When I saw @karatademada hit 500 newsletter subscribers, I was so excited and happy for her. I thought, “I can do it too.” That spark is where everything begins.
Our plan is simple: share strategies that work, keep readers hooked, and build communities that keep us motivated. Because this is not just about writing emails. It is about learning to monetize ourselves, diversify income, and create sustainable businesses. Let us scour Reddit for the right groups, trade experiments, and turn our newsletters into launchpads for more.
Ready? Let us go.
Step 1: Engage Your Readers
Subscribers are not numbers. They are people. Keep them coming back with content that feels personal and valuable.
Write how you talk: short sentences, real stories, and no fluff.
Be consistent. Weekly drops build anticipation and turn your newsletter into something your readers look forward to. Engagement is not just for growth; it is the bridge to new monetization opportunities.
Encourage others to take the leap too. Tag a potential creator in your next post or poll. Show them the thrill of that first reply or subscriber.
@neon_on_X
Step 2: Build Community (Reddit and Beyond)
Let us talk Reddit. Can it help grow newsletters? I will find out firsthand and share my results.
For now, remember this: no spam, no self-promotion, just genuine conversation.
Communities like r/Newsletters are full of creators sharing real experiments:
One post reached 1.2 million views by sharing metrics behind curiosity-driven content, dropping cost-per-sub from 3.50 dollars to 0.70 dollars.
Another creator hit 1,000 subscribers in a few months by scratching their own itch and sharing insights in niche subreddits.
Reddit might just be the most underrated growth engine for creators right now.
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Step 3: The Growth Plan — From 0 to Infinity
Start small. Tell your friends. Then scale smart. Your newsletter is the core, but the bigger picture is ownership and diversification.
Monetization ideas worth testing:
Affiliate marketing (already on the radar for 54 percent of creators)
Selling digital products such as courses and ebooks
Exclusive memberships or paid tiers
Merchandise, podcasts, live events, or even UGC licensing
Full-time creators expect 78 percent revenue growth in 2026 by stacking multiple income streams.
So do not just build a newsletter. Build a resilient empire.
I am going to take my own advice here. This year, I will be testing some of these monetization ideas wherever I can, seeing what works, documenting the lessons, and sharing what actually moves the needle. We grow together when we experiment together.
Remember: slow growth is not failure. It is setup for the explosion.
@Neon_on_X
The Pact
Hey everyone, let us make it official.
Never give up. Pivot when needed. Rest when inspiration runs dry. Then come back stronger.
The crawl is the fuel for the fire.
What is your top strategy or monetization idea?
Hit reply and tell me—Reddit find, engagement win, or your next bold step.
I will feature the best ideas in the next edition with credit, of course.
Share this with a fellow creator or a newbie who just needs that nudge.
Stay illuminated,
Neon
@Neon_on_X