Why I Quit My Lucrative Content Creator Career: The Hidden Costs of Influencer Life

The Dream Turned Sour

Evelyn Ramli, a 22-year-old from Indonesia, started her journey as a content creator while studying English literature in university. What began as a fun side hustle on TikTok and Instagram, focusing on video editing and fashion, quickly evolved into a full-time career after graduation in 2024. She transitioned to beauty content, finding it the most lucrative niche, but soon discovered the dark side of the influencer world.

Former influencer Evelyn Ramli took a pay cut when she quit content-creating and got a corporate job. Photo courtesy Evelyn Ramli

The Reality of Full-Time Content Creation

At its peak, Evelyn's content creation career involved attending four to eight brand events weekly, one to two days of content shooting, and daily video editing. She enjoyed free products, collaborations with beloved brands, and meeting inspiring people. However, the instability became apparent when she lost nearly half her income after cutting ties with a major sponsor over moral disagreements, dropping her earnings to around $2,300–$2,800 per month.

Moral Conflicts and Personal Toll

Evelyn realized that her content had shifted from a hobby to almost entirely ad-driven. She was chasing views, followers, and money, but felt she wasn't serving her audience or herself. Representing beauty companies made her complicit in promoting unrealistic standards to young girls, leading to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and disconnection from her authentic self.

The Switch to Corporate Marketing

Fearing a future career gap and lack of professional experience, Evelyn decided to pivot to a corporate marketing role. She applied for jobs on LinkedIn, leveraging her degree in English language and literature, and landed a position as a marketing specialist at an education company. Though she took a pay cut, she appreciated the stability and structure of a 9-to-5 job.

Benefits of a Structured Work Environment

In her new role, Evelyn enjoys the routine of dressing up, going to the office, and collaborating with a team. The structure has reignited her passion for creativity and self-challenge, contrasting with the unpredictable free time of content creation that often led to unproductive days.

Lingering Doubts and Reflections

Despite the positives, Evelyn sometimes misses the freedom, events, and products of her influencer life. She acknowledges that nostalgia can distort memories and reminds herself of the hollowness and dissatisfaction she felt. She's now focused on what truly makes her happy, free from societal pressures.

This story highlights the trade-offs between creative freedom and stability in the digital age, offering insights for anyone considering a career in content creation or marketing.