Is It Worth It To Be a Content Creator? 15 Hard Truths That No One Knows About
CindyA few decades ago, content creation wasn't a potential career path; now, it's a job many young people aspire to. But what's it really like being a content creator? It's easy to be impressed by the highlight reel we see online, but a lot goes on behind the scenes that the average person doesn't know. The following are fifteen truths about content creation that no one knows about.
1. It Isn't Easy
Content creation seems easy from the outside looking in, but the harsh truth is that what you see online is only one part of being a full-time content creator. There's researching content, creating, producing, and editing, and depending on what platforms you use, several administrative tasks are also involved in the process.
2. You Will Be Criticized
Don't obsess over strangers on the internet who don't like your content. People will leave bad comments and bad reviews and unfollow or unsubscribe; don't let that get to you. Every creator is making content that caters to a specific audience. If someone doesn't align with your content, they aren't among the people you are making content for. Never obsess over the people who don't appreciate your work.
3. You Won't Make Money Right Away
People often look at content creators and see dollar signs. It's often the assumption that creators make a lot of money from the moment they first set out. But in this industry, it often takes a long time before you start seeing any income from your work. Some creators work for years before seeing profits from their content.
4. You'll Compare Yourself to Others
Comparison is completely normal and, for many people, unavoidable. While it's easy to recommend that you don't compare yourself to others, it's definitely easier said than done. But you should never compare yourself to others so much that it affects your life or work. Everyone is different, and what will set you apart as a creator is by being your authentic self.
5. It's a Financial Investment
Content creation comes in many forms, but one thing remains true regardless of what type of content you create: you have to spend money to make money. While starting off with the most expensive equipment isn't necessary, you will need to produce content at a quality level that will get people interested in following you. If you're starting out, investing in yourself and your business is the only way to grow as a creator.
6. You Won't Go Viral Overnight
There are definitely content creators who go viral from the moment they post their first video, but these cases are few and far between. With creators constantly going viral for their blogs or short-form content, it's easy to believe this will also happen to you. But when getting into content creation, you need to set realistic expectations. It's likely that it will take you several months to years to truly find your audience and build success.
7. You Will Improve With Time
Many creatives struggle with perfectionism. Like any other industry, you won't be a pro from the beginning, and that's totally normal. A lot of trial and error is involved in being an entrepreneur, but being a content creator is a space where you have much room to grow and improve. Give yourself grace, and watch yourself improve.
8. You Have to Keep Detailed Records of Finances
Being a content creator means being comfortable with inconsistent finances. When working in a job with a set salary, it's easy to keep track of your income and expenses. However, content creators make money in several different ways, such as through ads, brand partnerships, or the sale of merch and courses. When income and expenses move in several different directions, it's easy to get confused and even overpay on taxes. Always keep a detailed record of all revenue and expenditures.
9. You'll be Misunderstood
While being a content creator is more common now than a decade ago, many people are still skeptical when a loved one decides to become one. Not everyone in your life will support your decision, especially in the beginning when you're still finding your audience and your niche. But that shouldn't sway you from your choice to pursue this career. Align yourself with other like-minded people who will motivate you to keep moving forward.
10. Success is Inconsistent
Every content creator knows that success is inconsistent. The video, photo, or article you posted last week might do better than the one you posted this week, and that's normal. There will be months when your income reaches record highs and others when you'll need to dip into your rainy-day fund. But by planning for the low months, you'll always have something to fall back on and won't need to panic.
11. Impostor Syndrome Is a Real Issue
A lot of creators struggle with impostor syndrome once they start making money. It's that feeling that you don't deserve the success you have, that you're a fake, or that other people think too highly of you. But you deserve every ounce of success you receive from your work. When impostor syndrome begins to rear its ugly head, remind yourself of all the hard work you've done to achieve the success you've attained.
12. No One Cares
Many people allow the fear of what other people will think to hold them back from becoming a content creator, but the truth is, no one cares – and that's a good thing. Putting yourself out there is scary, and while it might feel like people are analyzing your every word and move, that isn't true. Of course, there will always be people who don't relate to or like your content, but you shouldn't allow your insecurities about what others think to stop you from sharing your content.
13. It’s a Lonely Job
Most full-time content creators work alone. Working from home alone can make you feel lonely, especially if you haven’t found a supportive community of other creators. It doesn’t matter if you have a thousand followers or a million; at the end of the day, they can’t replace the connection of interacting directly with others.
14. Money is a Big Concern
You’re solely in charge of your income as a full-time content creator. While this is exciting, it’s also rather scary. Working a regular 9-to-5 comes with the peace of knowing exactly when your next paycheck comes in. However, creators don’t have this same comfort. Financial stability is a major concern for several content creators. You may have a good month where you make $10,000 and a bad month where you make $3,000.
15. Burnout Is Common
Burnout is common among content creators. With the fast-paced nature of the internet, many creators believe that producing content at a rapid rate is the only way to remain relevant. But this constant need to release new and exciting content makes many creators feel exhausted and burnt out.
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.
