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Somewhere along the way, pursuing a higher education started sounding like an alternative plan. Meanwhile, influencing and pursuing a career in social media became the dream everyone’s chasing. That shift in priority is worth taking a beat, because it’s not as seamless as it seems.
The volatility of the creator economy
Content creation isn’t for the faint of heart. It may seem alluring, but it’s not all brand deals and fun trips. It’s a lifestyle, and for some people it’s a viable career option. Today’s social media climate is highly saturated, and it’s even harder to break through as a small creator. A 2023 Morning Consult survey found that 57% of young adults aspire to be influencers. Only 4.7% of social media users are able to capitalize on their success and turn that into recurring income. That’s not a deterrent, but the statistics are reflective of the current social media climate students may find themselves in.
The algorithm isn’t always kind. Today you might get 5K views, but tomorrow you may get 200 and it’s something you should be prepared for. Platforms are volatile and aren’t always predictable. TikTok faced a potential ban, brand budgets shift and trends die. What works today might be buried by an algorithm update tomorrow.
The case for higher education
Looking at a degree as a fallback for people who “didn’t make it” is almost irresponsible. Reframe education as risk management for a career path that isn’t guaranteed. It’s not there in case you fail; it’s there in case the platform does. In an ever changing economy where oversaturation has become the norm and not the exception, craving stability isn’t risk averse it’s strategic.
Duality as strength
The good news is you don’t have to choose between content creation and pursuing an education. Honestly, some of the most successful creators have built followings based on their duality as a student and a creator. The nursing student whose study methods actually work. The marketing major, whose advice helps students learn the fundamentals of the trade because they learned it in a classroom. Two things can be true. Content and your degree don’t have to compete for space in your life.
So, keep posting if that’s your thing. Chase that passion project. Build your niche audience. Just don’t let the following be the only thing you’re chasing. Embrace that duality. The gift of education is invaluable, something that can never be taken away from you. Your degree doesn’t have an expiration date while trends do.
Wanting a grounded foundation isn’t settling for less; it’s proof of ambition. It’s ensuring you always have something to stand on.
By Raigan Clay