Life as a content creator: What they don't tell you before you start

From an outsider's perspective, being a content creator looks like the ultimate dream job. Free PR packages, invitations to fancy events, travel collaborations, and that powerful "influencer" tag that makes people think your life is more glorious than Disneyland.

But let me tell you something no one really tells you before you take that leap. All that glitters isn't gold. There’s an entirely unknown side to this world that you only uncover once you’re in it.

Starting with the most important fact: THIS is a full-time job, and then some!

Creating content is not only about taking pictures or posting dance reels. It involves planning, scripting, shooting, editing, posting, engaging with your audience, negotiating with brands, chasing payments, meeting deadlines, and constantly strategizing about what's next.

There are no holidays, no working hours, and definitely no "off" switch. You could be out with family or watching a movie, and suddenly an idea pops up that you just have to execute (the most productive time being 2 am).

Now, let's discuss creativity! What can I say?! When your livelihood depends on your creative bone, the pressure hits differently.

You're expected to be original, consistent, and trending all the time. It's very exhausting. There are days when you won't feel like showing up, but the algorithm doesn’t care.

If you don’t post, you don’t grow; it's that simple! But is it? Especially when the fear of falling behind is so real.

Speaking of the algorithm. No one knows it, no one's seen it, and it definitely doesn't make many friends.

This invisible force literally dictates your visibility. You’ll pour your heart and soul into a reel, you’ll spend hours editing it, and it won't impress the algorithm.

Your best work might get buried, while some cringe content gains millions of viewers. Your content’s performance constantly feels like a gamble, and it can sometimes mess with your confidence.

Let's talk about money, Honey!. Yes, content creation can be very lucrative. But what no one tells you is how hard it is to get paid on time, or at all sometimes.

Some brands will ghost you after content delivery, while some will expect a professionally shot video, three edits, the moon, and the stars for the price of a cup of coffee.

You really have to learn to value your time and say no when needed, even if it’s scary and even if it means losing a job or two. You have to constantly prove that you're worthy of the price tag you come with.

And chasing for payments? That’s a full-time job in itself. Sometimes, you deliver your work and wait even 6 months before the brands acknowledge your existence again.

There's one more thing nobody prepares you for.

The mental wrestling. You are constantly comparing yourself to other creators, watching their numbers climb overnight, and questioning your worth and all that you put into your work.

Imposter syndrome hits hard in our not-so-organized and chaotic industry.

Don't get me started on the trolling. People assume they are entitled to judge every little thing you do, from your outfits to your parenting style to how you speak and which brands you work with.

Everyone's got an opinion and the right to judge you through their 6-inch screens. You need thick skin, especially as your audience grows.

Now, as much as we say we’re curating “real” content, there’s always pressure to be ‘on.’ Your personal life slowly becomes public. Suddenly, your kid’s birthday, your morning routine, and even your tough days become content.

It takes conscious effort to protect your boundaries and not turn every moment into a reel. Sometimes those lines get blurred, and that's okay too. We are all humans, right?

Lastly, here’s a big one, no one tells you that you’ll end up playing multiple roles. You’re not just the face of your page; you’re the content strategist, photographer, editor, copywriter, accountant, customer support, and sometimes even your own legal advisor until you make enough income to build a team.

It’s a business, and unless you can treat it like one, it’s not going to grow.

But what you also need to know is it’s not all bad. There is joy in creating something so passionately from scratch and watching it connect with thousands of people.

There’s also freedom in being your own boss. Don't forget the power of building a community that trusts you and the recommendations you put out there.

But, before anyone jumps in thinking it’s an easy way to fame or fortune, they need to know that it’s a lot of work.