1. The Pressure is Relentless

After four years in the writing field, I feel more pressure today than I did when I began. The workload is never-ending. First, I tackle an article, then I publish it on Medium. Following that, I craft more content for Twitter, LinkedIn, Convertkit, and Substack. Once that’s complete, I reach out to potential clients. Once I have client work, it’s time to deliver. Finally, I focus on digital products aimed at solving problems, or I need to promote what I have to increase sales. This cycle is a daily occurrence, with no breaks or holidays in sight. A single day off risks erasing my presence from the algorithm. Even short breaks can disrupt my consistency, creating a continuous cycle of pressure to produce and grow, which can be utterly exhausting.

2. The Isolation of Creation

Having spent a few months in a conventional job before transitioning to being a creator for four years, I can attest to the loneliness that often accompanies this lifestyle. Let’s compare:

a) 9–5 Job: - Daily human interactions: 30+ people - Face-to-face meetings: 1–2 each day - Lunch breaks with colleagues: 5 times a week - After-work socializing: 2–3 times a week - Weekend events: 1–2 activities

b) Creator Life: - Daily human interactions: 0–1 (usually just the delivery person) - Face-to-face meetings: 0 - Lunch breaks with colleagues: What colleagues? - After-work socializing: What work? It never ends. - Weekend events: No weekends exist.

Despite the vast number of online connections, they often only amount to a heart emoji or a brief compliment. Ironically, while we are more connected than ever, we also experience unprecedented levels of isolation, which can lead to feelings of boredom.

3. The Never-Ending Learning Curve

When I first began writing, I thought my background in web development would make the transition easy. I quickly learned that generating income as a creator involves much more than just producing quality content. It requires constant adaptation and the acquisition of new skills. The journey has taken me from writing to client acquisition to product development, each stage demanding a distinct skill set.

For instance, I invested significant time creating what I believed were valuable digital products, only to be met with silence upon launch. No sales, no income, just a lot of effort wasted. This reality taught me that creation alone isn’t enough; understanding marketing and sales is crucial. Even after years in this field, I am still learning how to effectively monetize my offerings. Just when I think I’ve mastered a platform, it shifts, necessitating a new strategy.

4. The Income Rollercoaster

Let’s discuss finances. A staggering 98% of creators fail to earn five or six figures monthly, with many not even reaching four figures. To break it down: - The top 1% of creators earn six to seven figures monthly. - The next 1% are doing decently well. - The remaining 98% are in a struggle.

I find myself in that confusing middle ground, where one month I may earn $8,000, and the next only $2,400, despite working even harder. This inconsistency arises from factors beyond my control, such as fluctuating platform algorithms, changing audience preferences, and market saturation.

5. The Fear of Becoming Irrelevant

The fast pace of the internet means that relevance is fleeting. I constantly grapple with the anxiety of falling out of favor. Every dip in engagement raises questions about my future—should I consider a "real" job? In this unpredictable environment, I refuse to confine myself to a single niche or platform. I’ve embraced new trends, such as AI, and expanded my content across Medium, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Substack, while also working with clients and developing digital products.

If your goal is to thrive as an online creator and earn six figures, consider accessing my free ‘7-Step Wealth Machine’ playbook. It offers insights on building a personal brand, creating scalable income, and achieving financial independence.

This video, "Benjamin William Hastings - A Message To My Wife (Official Visualizer)," serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional aspects tied to our journeys, revealing the deeper connections we hold with our work and loved ones.