Gen Z and millennials turn to social media careers as influencers
A growing number of Gen Z and millennials are leaving traditional jobs to pursue careers as influencers, drawn by the promise of flexibility, freedom and the potential for fame, but the reality of the lifestyle is often more complex than it appears. Videos of influencers showcasing popular trends, sharing opinions and promoting products are everywhere on social media. Lindsey Thompson, known as Lemon Hearted across all social media channels, said, “For people that are hustling, I’ve seen people turn it into full-time jobs over a couple of years.” Thompson, a content creator for 14 years, understands the appeal of the influencer lifestyle, which can include fancy trips, clothing, brand deals and the freedom of being your own boss. However, she emphasized the volatility of the industry. “It really is quite volatile. That’s why everyone’s constantly changing different platforms that will pay them the most,” Thompson said. Jackie Stanchina, founder of Morse and Main, a creative agency in Winter Park, compared the odds of achieving significant monetary success as an influencer to a recreational basketball player becoming the next LeBron James. “The perception everybody will even come close to that level of monetary success at the very least is a very small percentage,” Stanchina said. A 2023 study by NeoReach revealed nearly half of all full- and part-time online content creators earn less than $15,000 annually, while only 7.2% make more than $200,000. Despite these statistics, the movement continues to grow, with more people producing content. A survey done by modern Consult in 2023 shows roughly 57 percent of young people want to become an influencer, looking for freedom and flexibility over traditional career paths.Thompson said, “It takes some determination and perseverance to become a good influencer that way.” The influencer lifestyle demands constant content creation, staying relevant and navigating algorithms, which can lead to significant stress. Thompson said, “They want people on those platforms, they want people to be addicted to it so that’s why they want you so present there, but at the same time, good quality content will speak for itself.” For many aspiring influencers, the goal is not to escape work but to redefine it. Thompson advised those considering a career in content creation to treat it like a business. While some influencers achieve fame and financial success, most are still working to make the numbers add up.
A growing number of Gen Z and millennials are leaving traditional jobs to pursue careers as influencers, drawn by the promise of flexibility, freedom and the potential for fame, but the reality of the lifestyle is often more complex than it appears.
Videos of influencers showcasing popular trends, sharing opinions and promoting products are everywhere on social media.
Lindsey Thompson, known as Lemon Hearted across all social media channels, said, “For people that are hustling, I’ve seen people turn it into full-time jobs over a couple of years.”
Thompson, a content creator for 14 years, understands the appeal of the influencer lifestyle, which can include fancy trips, clothing, brand deals and the freedom of being your own boss.
However, she emphasized the volatility of the industry.
“It really is quite volatile. That’s why everyone’s constantly changing different platforms that will pay them the most,” Thompson said.
Jackie Stanchina, founder of Morse and Main, a creative agency in Winter Park, compared the odds of achieving significant monetary success as an influencer to a recreational basketball player becoming the next LeBron James.
“The perception everybody will even come close to that level of monetary success at the very least is a very small percentage,” Stanchina said.
A 2023 study by NeoReach revealed nearly half of all full- and part-time online content creators earn less than $15,000 annually, while only 7.2% make more than $200,000.
Despite these statistics, the movement continues to grow, with more people producing content.
A survey done by modern Consult in 2023 shows roughly 57 percent of young people want to become an influencer, looking for freedom and flexibility over traditional career paths.
Thompson said, “It takes some determination and perseverance to become a good influencer that way.”
The influencer lifestyle demands constant content creation, staying relevant and navigating algorithms, which can lead to significant stress.
Thompson said, “They want people on those platforms, they want people to be addicted to it so that’s why they want you so present there, but at the same time, good quality content will speak for itself.”
For many aspiring influencers, the goal is not to escape work but to redefine it. Thompson advised those considering a career in content creation to treat it like a business.
While some influencers achieve fame and financial success, most are still working to make the numbers add up.