Embracing a Successful Writing Career Without Social Media
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The Social Media Dilemma
Do freelancers and entrepreneurs genuinely need a robust online presence to thrive?
I maintain all the necessary accounts—LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. However, I often struggle to engage with them effectively. The idea of committing to a daily routine of three LinkedIn posts, two tweets, and one Instagram update feels overwhelming, despite suggestions that it could enhance my career and financial prospects. Is there something I’m overlooking?
The core issue lies in my uncertainty about whether my ambition for success through social media outweighs my reservations about these platforms and their impact on individuals, including myself. This internal conflict is a daily battle that many can relate to. At what point does social media become excessive for us and our followers? How much should we contribute to the chaos? Most importantly, do we truly need to depend on it for our success?
It's concerning to see my generation increasingly absorbed by their devices. As a member of the older Millennial cohort born in 1984, I have a unique perspective; I recall life before the internet but also embraced it wholeheartedly once it emerged. We now spend more time online than even Gen Z, and that statistic includes our social media usage.
I've witnessed and participated in many instances where face-to-face interactions are overshadowed by smartphone screens. Whether waiting in line or strolling down the street, I often find my hand instinctively reaching for my phone. Our world is overflowing with distractions emanating from our compact devices, and it appears that my generation is particularly vulnerable to these temptations.
I question whether I want to amplify the noise or delve deeper into these dopamine-driven platforms, perpetually seeking a fleeting sense of gratification. But what does this mean for my career? Am I destined to struggle as a writer simply because I haven't cultivated a Twitter habit? For freelancers, is social media a prerequisite for success? I'm not entirely convinced.
The Essence of Making a Difference
Is social media essential for creating a meaningful impact in the world? I believe it's possible to effect change without constantly tweeting about it. A writer I admire, Jared A. Brock, significantly influences the world through his work. He provokes thought and challenges established beliefs without engaging in social media, yet he earned more on Medium last year than most writers.
As author Joshua Becker recently highlighted, there are myriad ways to make a positive impact, and social media is seldom necessary for achieving these goals. I aspire to make a difference not just through my writing but also in my daily life. While many argue that social media can expedite this process, one could also contend that it might detract from our ultimate objectives.
After all, I’d prefer to devote my time to writing rather than tweeting. Do you need social media to achieve what suffices for you and your career? I resonate with the idea of “enough.” Recognizing what is sufficient can prevent your life from spiraling into chaos, driven by lifestyle inflation and the pressure to keep pace with others.
This principle applies to any freelance career. Do you require a six- or seven-figure income, or would a five-figure salary suffice? (Spoiler alert: in many parts of the world, a salary of $99,999 allows for a comfortable lifestyle). If you can meet your needs without juggling multiple social media accounts, is it worth the effort to create a constant stream of online content? Perhaps what you’re already doing is sufficient.
However, it’s not solely about monetary gain; that raises another dilemma. Self-employed individuals tend to be ambitious (after all, who would choose this path without that trait?). We seek more than just financial rewards; we desire recognition and respect in our fields. This aspiration can complicate our understanding of what “enough” truly means.
I can’t count the instances where I’ve wondered if increased activity on Twitter or LinkedIn would boost my visibility and credibility. But do we genuinely need that validation? Or is it merely our ego seeking acknowledgment from peers and followers?
While I consider myself a successful writer—more than just adequately so—I’ve reached this point relatively quickly without a prominent social media presence. It’s important to clarify that I’m not against social media; I have personal accounts that I engage with regularly. Besides, what is Medium if not a form of long-form social media?
When utilized appropriately, social media can serve a purpose. It has the potential to foster connections among people based on shared beliefs and values, rather than mere geographical proximity. It can also educate and inspire. Engaging with Medium has profoundly transformed my life over the past two years.
So, if you find that platforms like TikTok or Twitter resonate with you, go for it. Embrace it wholeheartedly. Perhaps one day I’ll join you (though it’s unlikely). But if you feel pressured to maintain a social media presence without genuine inspiration, take a moment to reflect. Success can be achieved without a massive social media following—just ask Jared.
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Chapter 2 Title
Video Description: Should Writers Maintain an Active Social Media Presence? This video explores the balance between social media engagement and focusing on writing.
The Importance of Online Presence for Writers
Video Description: Having an Online Presence as a Writer. This video discusses the pros and cons of maintaining an online presence in the writing community.