Even If It Gets Views
We’ve all seen it — the flashy income reports, the Instagram posts showing off monthly earnings, and the Medium articles boasting about six-figure months. It’s almost like a trend now, right? Writers and creators revealing their income in hopes of gaining attention, views, and followers. Sure, it works. They get tons of clicks. But here’s the thing: just because something works in the short-term doesn’t mean it’s the right move.
Let me be clear: I’m not against sharing income for the right reasons — motivational content can be incredibly powerful. But revealing income solely to chase views, clicks, or clout? That’s where the problem lies.
1. It Undermines Your Value Beyond Money
When you put a price tag on your success in such a public way, you risk reducing your entire worth to a number. Success isn’t just about how much money you make; it’s about the value you create, the growth you experience, and the lives you impact. By focusing so much on the income, you could inadvertently send the message that the only thing that matters in your work is how much you’re paid for it.
Think about this: Are you really proud of your work because of the paycheck, or because you’ve helped someone, shared your knowledge, or made something you’re passionate about? If the answer is the latter, maybe it’s time to stop measuring success by dollars and cents.
2. It Creates Unrealistic Expectations
Social media has a way of distorting reality. When people see numbers like “$10,000 a month” or “$100,000 a year” splashed across their feed, it can create the illusion that this is the norm — that success is easy and attainable for everyone.
The truth? Income is unpredictable, especially in creative fields. There are highs and lows, good months and bad months. Putting that income front and center can set up unrealistic expectations for your audience — expectations that they’ll likely never meet, which leads to discouragement and frustration.
3. It Can Hurt Your Brand
In a world where trust is everything, being open about your income can risk alienating certain audiences. Some may admire your hustle, but others might feel that you’re only using them for views or, worse, chasing clout.
There’s also the ethical dilemma: If you’re sharing your income to make people think that you can help them achieve the same thing, you’re setting yourself up for a fall. If your audience buys into that narrative, they may think that success is guaranteed just by following your advice. In reality, that’s not always the case, and it can lead to feelings of disappointment when things don’t work out.
4. Money Can Distract from Your True Purpose
When income becomes the focus, it can skew your intentions. Writers and creators might start chasing views, likes, and follows instead of focusing on what they actually want to achieve with their work. Writing for the paycheck and the attention shifts the focus from your message to the money you’re making.
If you’re truly passionate about what you do, money should be a byproduct — not the driving force. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of fast cash, but if your content becomes about income rather than purpose, you’re losing the essence of why you started in the first place.
5. It Can Lead to Comparisons and Burnout
If you’re constantly posting about your income, you’re opening the door to unnecessary comparisons. “Why is their income higher than mine? What am I doing wrong?” These kinds of thoughts can be toxic, especially for newcomers trying to break into the space.
Income is often not a reflection of talent, effort, or the value of your work. There are so many variables that contribute to success: timing, audience, platform algorithms, and even luck. It’s easy to spiral into burnout if you’re constantly measuring yourself against others, especially when you’re only seeing their best moments.
6. It’s Better for Motivation, Not for Validation
Here’s where I think sharing income can be useful: as a motivational tool. When you share your success story, explaining how you got to where you are, it can serve as an inspiration to others. It’s powerful to hear stories about hard work, dedication, and the real struggles behind someone’s success.
But don’t do it for validation or to create an image of wealth and success. Share it as a way to motivate others to keep going, to show them that with perseverance and the right mindset, they can make progress too. Your story should empower, not compete.
7. The Focus Should Be on the Journey, Not Just the End Goal
Instead of revealing income, why not share your journey? Talk about the struggles you’ve overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, and the growth you’ve experienced. That’s the real value in your work — the stories, the process, and the authenticity.
People connect with the human side of things. They want to see how you’re navigating your challenges, not just your wins. By sharing the journey, you not only inspire, but you remind people that success isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about how you get there.
Focus on What Really Matters
Income is just a small part of the equation. If you’re creating for money alone, you might find yourself in a constant race for validation. But if you write because you genuinely want to share something meaningful, something that helps others or adds value, the money will follow.
The focus should always be on your growth, your message, and your purpose. Don’t chase views for the wrong reasons. Write because you believe in what you have to say — not because you want to prove something.