Don't Quit Your 9 to 5 To Create 'Content'
I need to get something off my chest.
Working in a 9 to 5 job isn't as bad as it's made out to be.
With the advent of the creator economy, it's now become common to slag any and every 9 to 5 job.
Why work in an office when you create content on the web? Relying on a monthly wage is holding you back.
The world of work is changing. This will be one of the biggest challenges the world faces in the next twenty years.
How do we reconcile the increase in automation and the need for people to find meaningful work? For many, the answer is to 'create content' online.
The words 'create content' sends a shudder through my body. The internet is a big and noisy place. It's only going to get noisier.
Creating content on the web or becoming an internet entrepreneur may sound like the dream. I mean, that's why you see all the articles eulogising Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk everywhere.
The problem is, this isn't the reality at all. It's more mundane than the glamourous image a lot of 'content creators' portray.
You're not typing words at the beach or watching sales come in on your phone as you watch the sunset in Bali. More often than not, you're sat behind your desk in your sweatpants.
If that sounds good to you then go for it. But that doesn't mean 9 to 5 jobs are bad. Some of them are, but some of them are meaningful, enjoyable and provide a way for millions of people to feed their families.
Not everyone can be an entrepreneur, not everyone should be an entrepreneur, and nor should we want everyone to be an entrepreneur.
The world of work is changing, but 9 to 5 jobs aren't going anywhere. Chasing dreams of instant riches on the interwebs may not be the tonic you think it is.
Be careful what you wish for.