The promise of the creator/passion economy is simple: follow your dream, work hard, and you'll achieve financial freedom while never working a day in your life.
But the reality is far more complex.
The emergence of the "side hustle" culture is part of a troubling trend - corporations are raking in record profits while wages stagnate. It's no coincidence.
For the past two decades, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Housing has become a burden that many families can barely afford. The path to financial independence feels like a forced march, with every step forward met by two steps back. Meanwhile, corporations have frozen wages while enjoying unprecedented profit margins.
The answer to this problem hasn't been increased corporate accountability or a freeze on executive salaries. It hasn't been a practical solution to inflation, poverty, or the cost of living. Instead, we’ve been on the receiving end of a marketing campaign for a nihilistic hustle culture.
Source: https://www.epi.org/publication/charting-wage-stagnation/
We've been told to take on endless "side hustles" - a euphemism for second, third, and fourth jobs. Folks who are already exhausted are being pushed to work even harder, with the promise of financial freedom that remains entirely elusive.
The passion economy is a scam. It shifts the burden of financial stability onto the individual, letting corporations off the hook. It romanticizes the idea of turning hobbies into income streams, glossing over the realities of burnout and exploitation.
We need a different approach. We need to hold corporations accountable, fight for fair wages, and advocate for policies that address the root causes of economic inequality.
The path to financial freedom shouldn't be paved with endless side hustles. It should be built on a foundation of fair compensation, work-life balance, and a social safety net that allows everyone to pursue their passions without sacrificing their well-being.
It's time to wake up from the creator economy dream and face the economic realities head-on. Because following your passion shouldn’t come at the cost of your financial stability and mental health; and neither should it be its sole support structure.
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