More U.S. Workers Say They’re Inspired by Influencers — Not CEOs
Not long ago, content creators were mocked as talentless or unserious. Today, they’re role models.
From Alix Earle’s viral “get ready with me” videos to MrBeast’s YouTube empire, influencers have flipped the script on traditional success — and many American workers are taking note. According to a new study, a majority now say they find influencers more inspiring than CEOs.
The Rise of the Influencer as a Career Icon
In a survey of 1,004 employed Americans by SideHustles.com, 53% said influencers and content creators inspire them more than company leadership. That number jumps to 58% among Gen Z, a generation raised on social media and digital entrepreneurship.
This shift in admiration reflects deeper dissatisfaction in the workplace. The study also revealed that 79% of workers are interested in leaving traditional employment to start their own business. One in eight plans to take that leap within the next year.
In short, workers are tired — of burnout, instability, and economic uncertainty. Influencers, in contrast, seem to offer what many crave: flexibility, freedom, and the promise of self-made success.
Influencing Looks Easy. That’s the Appeal.
To most people, becoming a creator seems simple: a phone, a camera, a voice, and the courage to hit “post.” There are no gatekeepers, no degree requirements, no grueling interviews. Just a platform and the internet.
That’s part of why some influencers — especially those who call the job “hard” — face criticism. Beauty creator Mikayla Nogueira went viral in 2022 for complaining about a 5:15 p.m. workday. She was quickly reminded by the internet that most 9-to-5 employees would consider that early.
Still, it’s important to distinguish between what looks easy and what scales profitably. Becoming an influencer is accessible. Becoming a wealthy influencer is rare.
The Harsh Truth: Most Influencers Don’t Earn Much
While stories like Alix Earle’s $8 million net worth are attention-grabbing, the financial reality for most creators is far more modest. According to a 2023 report from The Wall Street Journal:
- 48% of influencers made $15,000 or less annually.
- Only 13% cleared six figures.
Most creators fall into the “nano-influencer” category — 500 to 10,000 followers — and earn between $2 and $250 per post depending on platform and niche. By contrast, mega-influencers with over a million followers can charge more than $1 million per post, but they make up just 0.16% of all Instagram influencers, according to Influencer Marketing Hub.
In other words, influencer success may be democratic, but it’s still deeply competitive and often driven by algorithmic luck.
Don’t Quit Your Job Just Yet
The dream of being your own boss through content creation is real — and in some cases, achievable. But it’s not a guaranteed path to fame or fortune. Even among workers surveyed, many admitted they wouldn’t feel confident leaving their job unless they were making at least $100,000 independently.
That kind of income requires far more than just hitting “record.” It demands consistency, brand building, partnerships, and often, years of unpaid work before a breakthrough.
Still, There’s Something Unmistakably Inspiring
The appeal of the influencer economy is about more than money. It’s about control — over your time, your message, and your work-life balance. In a world where layoffs loom large and AI threatens job stability, the idea of earning a living by being authentically yourself is powerfully attractive.
Whether or not it’s practical for everyone, the fact that influencers now inspire more workers than CEOs says something about how people see success today. It’s not about corner offices anymore.
It’s about having a voice — and using it.