Being a TikTok star may seem glamorous, but for many content creators, it is a demanding and all-consuming job. According to a survey of 1,000 Gen Zers, more than half of them aspire to become influencers. However, those who are already in the industry caution that it is not as easy as it appears. Hannah Williams, a popular TikToker with 1.4 million followers, shared that she works from the moment she wakes up until midnight every day after quitting her job to focus on content creation full-time. Despite the financial benefits, the job demands constant attention and work around the clock.
Similarly, 22-year-old lifestyle creator Caroline Lasher revealed that she works from 8 a.m. to at least 10 p.m. daily, earning around $10,000 per month. She emphasized that being an influencer requires being a photographer, videographer, and editor all in one. Lasher also expressed the pressure to post daily and the difficulty of taking breaks due to the fear of losing followers or opportunities. Despite experiencing burnout, she finds it challenging to step back from her influencing job, as it is a constant presence in her life due to the nature of social media.
Some successful creators have even decided to step away from content creation due to falling out of love with the job. Caspar Lee, a YouTuber with over 6 million followers, stopped posting content in 2019 because he no longer enjoyed the process as much as he used to. Instead, he has shifted his focus to other projects such as creating a talent management company and a venture capital firm. Lee’s advice to those in the industry is to do something they genuinely enjoy, even if not many people are watching, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment over external validation.
The pressure to constantly produce content and maintain a presence on social media can take a toll on mental health and well-being. Many influencers feel the need to always be online and engaging with their audience, leading to burnout and exhaustion. Despite the allure of a large following and potential financial rewards, the demands of being an influencer can outweigh the benefits for some content creators. The competitive nature of the industry and the need to constantly evolve and stay relevant can contribute to stress and anxiety for those in the field.
Influencers like Hannah Williams and Caroline Lasher are examples of the realities behind the facade of social media stardom. The non-stop nature of the job, combined with the pressure to always be on and producing content, can lead to a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of work. The passion that initially drove these creators to pursue influencing careers can eventually fade, leaving them with the decision to either continue in an industry that no longer fulfills them or to pivot to different career paths.
Ultimately, the life of a TikTok star or influencer is not as carefree as it may seem from the outside. The constant demand for content creation, engagement with followers, and the pressure to always be on can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction for many influencers. Despite the financial rewards and potential fame that come with being an influencer, the toll it takes on mental health and personal well-being is a significant factor to consider for those aspiring to enter the industry. Finding a balance between work, personal life, and self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable career as an influencer.
