Coming Back to Science Writing After Quitting for 18 Months
What a biochemist-turned-journalist learned by stepping away from the work entirely
Rafal Duniec trained as a biochemist before moving into science journalism. After 3 years of freelancing, he stopped entirely. He spent 18 months doing technical writing for a biotech firm before returning to journalism — and he says the break changed how he reads, pitches, and interviews.
What quitting revealed about the original problem
During his break, Rafal realized he had been writing for validation rather than for readers. He was chasing bylines in prestigious outlets instead of asking whether a story needed to exist. He says that distinction sounds obvious but took him years and 1 full career pause to actually feel.
The first 4 hours back
When he returned, he spent his first 4 working hours not writing at all. He interviewed 3 scientists about their current work with no story in mind — just to remember what genuine curiosity felt like before the pressure of placement entered the room.
Rafal Duniec: I had forgotten how to listen without already drafting the headline. Scientists can tell when you are not really listening. They give you less when that happens, and your piece ends up thinner than it should be.
Afternoon: Pitching with a different standard
He now sends no more than 5 pitches per month. Previously he was sending 20. Fewer pitches forced him to invest more in each one — he spends roughly 2 hours on a pitch that used to take him 20 minutes.
His acceptance rate went from below 8 percent to above 35 percent within 6 months of returning. He attributes that entirely to selectivity, not to improved writing skill.