A TikTok user has gone viral for seeking advice from fellow creatives on how to earn a living while pursuing their passions.
Grace Warner (@ironicallynotgraceful), who currently works in a low-paid customer service role, shared her frustrations about balancing financial stability with creative fulfillment. Her video, which has garnered 254,900 likes and 2.4 million views, sparked a widespread discussion on TikTok.
“I knew this video would strike a chord—not just because the job market is so oversaturated and people are struggling, but because at our core, we’re meaning-seekers. Most of us settle for jobs that simply allow us to survive: pay bills, eat, exist. Which we obviously need to do,” Warner told Newsweek.
Warner expressed her frustration with the way work consumes such a significant portion of life and the challenge of finding something more meaningful. She referenced Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day, particularly the famous line: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Many responses to her video suggested that manual labor might be the best option for creatives, as it provides financial support while allowing the mind to remain free for artistic pursuits. Others advocated for fully committing to a creative career, though some warned about the risk of burnout. “The only universal consensus? Avoid corporate,” Warner said.
As someone working in a corporate environment, Warner acknowledged the emotional exhaustion it brings, draining the energy she would rather use for creative projects.
However, she also recognized that struggling with career fulfillment is a privilege in itself. Despite her own challenges—including working a low-paying job, recent personal losses, mental health struggles, and living in an isolated area—Warner remains committed to keeping the conversation from ending in despair.
“My hope is that by finding a path forward, others might see a little more possibility for themselves too. The best part of social media is realizing you’re not alone,” she said.
Expert Insights
Brent Woods, a licensed counselor and photographer, shared his thoughts on balancing creative work and preventing burnout.
“Doing photography allows me to tap into that creative side and really can just be so refreshing. That being said, doing photography part time allows me to keep burnout in check and I do believe I would be more susceptible to burnout if I would be full time,” he told Newsweek.
He advised setting clear boundaries with clients, communicating expectations upfront, and targeting the right audience to avoid draining interactions.
Brittany L. Truszkowski, chief operating officer at Grand Canyon Law Group, offered a broader perspective on work fulfillment with Newsweek. She argued that the issue isn’t about choosing between money and meaning but rather restructuring work itself.
Truszkowski highlighted how creatives can thrive in roles like content strategy, design consulting, and client services—especially in mission-driven organizations.
“The key is autonomy, flexibility, and psychological safety. People burn out when they feel unseen, not just overworked,” she explained. While many people advise quitting corporate jobs, she suggested that the solution may be in fostering healthier work environments within those spaces.
Lauren Schneider, head of brand and communications at Compt, reflected on her own experience navigating creative careers.
She emphasized that the balance between fulfillment and financial stability depends more on company culture than the industry itself. “Creative work within organizations can be fulfilling when the company culture genuinely values creativity and innovation,” Schneider said.
She also pointed out that the job market now offers more flexible career paths—such as contract work, freelancing, and remote positions—that allow creatives to build multiple income streams.
Schneider shared her personal salary journey, revealing that she currently earns $130,000 in her tech marketing role, a stark contrast to the $25,000 she made as a TV reporter in 2015. She urged creatives to reframe their job searches, asking not “What job won’t crush my soul?” but rather, “What environment allows me to thrive creatively while meeting my financial needs?”
Social Media Reacts
The discussion Warner initiated resonated widely, with many social media users sharing their own career paths.
“I do UX design from home and it pays crazy good. Obviously not the most exciting gig, but I have a lot of free time to do the things I enjoy,” said Ivy.
“Social media manager for a brand in a niche industry that only rich old people buy/can afford,” shared Mitch.
“Copywriter! I personally love working in lifecycle marketing,” another user added.
Meanwhile, some responses reflected a more cynical take. “No job. Hope that answers your question,” wrote Blair.
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