Bengaluru Entrepreneur Returns to Corporate Job Citing Unstable Income from Startups

Bengaluru Content Creator Chooses Corporate Career Over Influencer Life

In a surprising move, Prarthana Jagan, a 29-year-old content creator based in Bengaluru, has opted for a full-time corporate career alongside her content creation endeavors. This decision comes after years of struggling with delayed payments and income instability in the influencer ecosystem.

Prarthana, who started creating content at the age of 19, initially viewed content as a creative outlet rather than a means of survival. However, a difficult phase early in her career, including a nine-month unemployment period, forced her to reassess whether content creation could be a reliable primary income stream.

Delayed Payments and Erratic Cycles

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During this time, Prarthana struggled with inconsistent and delayed brand payments. She recalled dealing with brands that paid her eight months later, while others had a 90-day cycle. This experience left her frustrated and forced her to consider alternative career paths.

"I got tired of hounding brands for payments. A 90-day cycle I could still work with, but some wouldn't clear dues for months after work was delivered," she said.

The Turning Point

Prarthana's decision to pursue a corporate career was influenced by her experience with international clients, who generally had better budgets and timely payments compared to Indian brands.

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Corporate Stability vs. Content Creation

Now, Prarthana works as a product marketing manager and has found that her corporate job provides both financial stability and the freedom to be selective about collaborations. She estimates that earning Rs. 2-3 lakh per month is essential for living a comfortable life in Bengaluru, an income her corporate role currently supports.

"I prefer corporate life, which is mentally stimulating and challenging. Content creation offers a different kind of value – creative freedom without pressure," she said.

Risks of Relying Solely on Content Income

Prarthana echoed a growing sentiment among creators that depending entirely on content income can be risky, especially for those not well established. She highlighted the stark difference between corporate work and influencer life.

"With a corporate job, I shut my laptop at the end of the day and move on. But with content, it's not like that. When you're doing it for survival, the likes, views, and comments will get to you," she said.

Growing Presence, Measured Ambitions

Prarthana, who has over 12,000 followers on Instagram, prefers steady, organic growth rather than aggressive monetisation. She has found that her corporate role provides a financial cushion, allowing her to be more intentional about brand partnerships and avoid overdependence on social media income.

Prarthana's decision to pursue a corporate career alongside content creation serves as a reminder that financial stability and security should be a top priority for content creators. By diversifying her income streams and being mindful of her financial goals, Prarthana has created a more sustainable and fulfilling career path.