33 Comments
User's avatar
Jane Anderson's avatar

Oh wow, Erin! I am so excited for you. Really excited! In my life from 15 to 72 I worked in 30 places. I always wondered what it would be like to work one place for over 9 years, the longest I was ever in one place. The Historical Society - perfect for you as you are perfect for them. Hello 2026! Hello amazing!

Meagan Davenport's avatar

So much of this is so relatable! I’m experiencing a layoff and also went through several similar pressures around AI. So excited to hear about your new role; sounds amazing on all the levels! And, too, gives me hope as I start looking for a new role.

Erin Bartels's avatar

Ugh, I'm sorry. I probably will have a lot more to say about the AI thing, but I am also using my experience with it for inspiration for another novel (and thereby exorcizing the anger demons living in my head). I truly hope that this year brings renewal and new opportunities for you.

Meagan Davenport's avatar

Kudos to you!! And thanks so much!

Caryl Kane's avatar

Happy birthday! Blessings to you in your new adventure!

Annemarie Maynard's avatar

Good luck. Hope you love your new job.

Sheri's avatar

Good for you, lady. What an inspiration you are!!!

Barbara Stark Nemon's avatar

Great move, and they’re lucky to have you!

Kathie Simpson's avatar

Congratulations, Erin! Way to make a change into something new and different! John and I love MI History Magazine and get it snail mail!! We've been thinking of taking some of their bus tours. Best wishes in your new job and looking forward to seeing your name in our next issue of the magazine!

Patricia Biswanger's avatar

They have bus tours??

Vickie Watts's avatar

This sounds like an amazing opportunity for you! I am happy for your new job and wish you all the best.

Nadezhda Miloshevska's avatar

Happy belated birthday, and congratulations on the new job. I wish you success and fun at the new workplace, and lot more energy and inspiration this year. Happy New Year!

Sue Lohr's avatar

First, Happy Birthday! (Should I capitalize Birthday?) Those are big changes, all of which you are certainly capable of mastering. I can tell you from my perspective as a 76 year old, always doing "new" will keep you fresh and young-minded. It is very exciting that you will be editing those important publications for our state. You might even (wink, wink) find fodder for another novel!

Blessings to you in the New Year! I will always buy your next new book and look forward to each one.

Brian Huggler's avatar

Congratulations Erin on your new position. I am very excited for you. Wishing you all the best success in 2026 and beyond.

V J Spindler III's avatar

Good for you! Life is a challenge, and you just needed a new one. I felt the same way going from teaching speech and drama to English, and finally to computers, which I learned along the way as they started to permeate society. I wish you well in the new year and endeavor, and be safe on those roads!

Staci's avatar

Happy birthday and best wishes in your new job!

Ian's avatar

Happy birthday, Erin! And congratulations on your new role. Editor-in-Chief! How marvellous. May the first days/weeks be both eye opening and exciting filling you with renewed energy and perspective.

Next time you should share a picture of your lunch box! I presume you had to buy one?

Big love ❤️

Erin Bartels's avatar

I got one for Christmas! :)

Barb Barnes's avatar

Oh. My. Goodness. (Couldn't resist the blog style despised by editors.) Blessings on your new chapter. Always fun to see what God's got in store when we step out. You will do well, I have no doubt. (Midlife's a good time for change. Started at Baker at age 50, a social work degree on the resume. Maybe I'm due for a change again.) I love the progression: new and nerve-[w]racked, competent, confident, excellent. Something to buoy us all with courage. :) Well said. Congratulations!

Erin Bartels's avatar

Barb, so good to hear from you! :)

Kristin's avatar

Happy Birthday!!