Several high-profile social media influencers have left their online careers to pursue more traditional jobs due to the harsh reality of the influencer lifestyle, which often involves increased stress and negative mental health impacts.
Some influencers have found ways to strike a balance between their online and offline lives while others have left social media altogether.
Former influencers have valuable skills in image management, crisis communication, and rapid response that can transfer to more traditional careers in industries like public relations, marketing, and product development.
Despite the challenges of the influencer lifestyle, many former social media stars still appreciate the opportunities it provided them and continue to use their experience to help others navigate the difficult path from influencer to offline life.
Examples of influencers who have left the limelight include Lee Tilghman, Charli D'Amelio, Erin Kern, and Kara Smith.
In recent years, several high-profile social media influencers have chosen to leave their lucrative online careers behind to pursue more traditional jobs.
For some, the decision comes after experiencing the harsh reality of the influencer lifestyle, which often involves increased stress and negative mental health impacts.
Lee Tilghman, formerly known as @LeeFromAmerica, was a prominent figure in wellness culture. With a devoted following of 400,000 on Instagram, she once commanded up to $20,000 for a single branded post.
However, after experiencing a significant backlash from her audience and suffering from worsening mental health, Tilghman decided to transition to an offline life.
She now works as a social media director for a tech platform, relishing the stability of a traditional 9-to-5 job.
The Reality of Influencer Life
For many influencers, the dream of wealth and fame comes at a price. Charli D’Amelio, a TikTok star, admitted in 2021 that she had “lost the passion” for posting videos.
Instagram influencer Erin Kern deactivated her account @cottonstem, citing work-induced stress as the cause of her hair loss.
Afro-Indigenous influencer Kara Smith, who once earned up to $12,000 a month on TikTok, chose to take a full-time job to reduce her reliance on brand deals for income.
Lee Tilghman, formerly known as @LeeFromAmerica, was a prominent figure in wellness culture. With a devoted following of 400,000 on Instagram, she once commanded up to $20,000 for a single branded post.
A New Direction
While some influencers have left social media altogether, others have found ways to strike a balance between their online and offline lives.
Adrienne Koleszar, a former police officer in Dresden, Germany, chose to quit her job and pursue a career as a model and influencer after gaining more than 530,000 Instagram followers.
Although the transition wasn’t easy, Koleszar said she has never regretted her decision, adding that she is not “the desk job type.”
Pivoting to New Opportunities
As more influencers choose to leave their online personas behind, experts predict that they will find success in industries like public relations, marketing, and product development.
Casey Lewis, an expert in Gen Z consumer trends, believes that former influencers have valuable skills in image management, crisis communication, and rapid response that can transfer to more traditional careers.
Despite the challenges of the influencer lifestyle, many former social media stars still appreciate the opportunities it provided them.
Lee Tilghman, for example, continues to use her experience to help others navigate the difficult path from influencer to offline life, hosting workshops and offering one-on-one sessions to help others find balance in their lives.
