Is being an influencer hard work? The answer is both yes… and no. I really want to unpack this, becauese in the age of the internet, it often feels like there’s no space for nuance.
And there’s always someone out there making the discussion harder for everyone…
Influencers are often dismissed as having the “easiest job in the world”, and if they express anything that might say otherwise, they are called overprivileged complainers who don’t appreciate their lives.
But as someone who quit her 9-to-5 job to pursue being a full-time content creator, I can tell you that the truth is much more complicated.
Being an influencer has been, without question, one of the most privileged and enjoyable things I’ve ever done—while also being one of the most difficult. So, let’s break it down.
Related Post: Should you Quit your 9-5 to be an Influencer?
Is Influencing hard work… if it’s even work at all?
We’re going to dive into the discussion below, but if you prefer the video-version of the conversation, check it out here:
The Privilege of Being an Influencer
Let’s start with the obvious: being an influencer is not the hardest job in the world.
It hurts my brain that I need to even state that.
I’ve worked plenty of traditional jobs in my life, where the stakes were either much higher or the pressure more strenuous.
For example, when I worked in retail, I was responsible for meeting sales targets, keeping employees happy, and ensuring customers were satisfied. (Stakes objectively low, but the pressure was intense… if you survived retail life… you know exactly what I mean).
Later, I worked at a research institute where I managed health and safety protocols, oversaw equipment, and dealt with emergencies like chemical spills or freezer failures. If something went wrong, the consequences were significant.
Compared to that, my current life feels like a dream–a breeze.
My work is now on my own terms. Last week, “work” involved attending a movie premiere, celebrating the anniversary of a jewelry brand, co-working with friends in the middle of the day, and editing travel footage to create an aesthetic Instagram reel.
There are moments when I stop what I’m doing, stare into space, and feel overwhelmed with gratitude that this is my life. It’s a privilege to be able to do what I love, share content online, and connect with an audience.
So, when influencers claim this is the hardest job in the world without acknowledging the privilege that comes with it, I get frustrated. It’s no wonder people lash out with anti-influencer hate—it feels tone-deaf.
But Here’s Why It Is Hard Work (for me)
That being said, there are aspects of being an influencer that I found genuinely challenging.
I especially struggled with the transition from a traditional job to self-employment. Going from the structure of a 9-to-5 to complete autonomy was no small feat. Here’s why:
1. Self-Discipline is Hard
When you’re your own boss, there’s no one to hold you accountable. I struggle with:
- time management
- procrastination
- organization
My attention span swings wildly between barely being able to focus on something, and hyper-focusing for 18 hours straight, forgetting to eat or hydrate (much to my husband’s concern).
Working from home every day has been a massive adjustment for me, and a steep learning curve.
2. The Pressure Never Goes Away
In traditional jobs, there’s often clear separation between work and personal life. As an influencer, that line blurs. You’re constantly thinking about content—what to create, how to improve, and how to grow your audience.
If you take a break, it feels like you’re falling behind on your business. And in many ways, you literally are.
On top of that, the internet never sleeps. There’s this pressure to always be “on,” whether it’s responding to comments, keeping up with trends, or staying active on multiple platforms.
3. Success Takes Time
Becoming a successful influencer isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme. In my experience, it takes a lot of hard work to even make your first dollar, let alone make enough to go full-time. And once you do, the work doesn’t stop.
Related: 9 challenges that come with being an influencer
The Importance of Nuance
What frustrates me most about conversations around influencing is the lack of nuance. Some influencers vent online about how hard their job is, but they fail to include the context or privilege that comes with it.
Do influencers face challenges? Absolutely. But those challenges are different from the ones faced in traditional jobs. Missing a deadline for a brand partnership isn’t the same as dealing with a chemical spill in a research lab.
I wish more creators would acknowledge this nuance when talking about the realities of their work. Adding an asterisk to say, “Yes, this is hard, but I’m also incredibly privileged to do this,” can go a long way in fostering understanding.
Why Every Influencer Should Work a Traditional Job First
One of the best things I ever did was work traditional jobs before diving into content creation. Here’s why:
- Perspective: Working in retail and research taught me how to handle pressure, manage responsibilities, and work with people from all walks of life.
- Humility: Experiencing the realities of traditional jobs helps me stay grounded and grateful for the opportunities I have now.
- Connection: Being around other people in a workplace setting gave me a better understanding of the world outside of social media.
I firmly believe that anyone who wants to become an influencer should work a traditional job first. Without that experience, it’s easy to lose touch with reality and develop a skewed sense of what “hard work” really means.
The Pros and Cons of Being an Influencer
Just like any job, influencing has its perks and challenges. Here’s a quick breakdown:
The Perks
- Flexibility to work on your own terms.
- Opportunities to attend cool events and collaborate with brands.
- Creative freedom to express yourself.
- The ability to connect with a community and make a positive impact.
The Challenges
- Lack of structure and accountability.
- Pressure to always stay relevant.
- Inconsistent income, especially in the early stages.
- The mental toll of being online 24/7.
Final Thoughts
So, is being an influencer a hard job? It depends.
For me, influencing is both the easiest and hardest job I’ve ever had. It’s easy in the sense that I’m doing something I love on my own terms, but it’s hard in ways I didn’t expect—like managing my time, staying disciplined, and navigating the mental challenges of being self-employed.
At the end of the day, every job has its pros and cons. Influencing isn’t for everyone, but for those who pursue it, it’s important to approach it with humility, gratitude, and a willingness to put in the work.
What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments or on social media.
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