Overworked and Underpaid: A content creator trying to survive in the digital world

When views drop, so does my income…

In a world where every piece of information is constantly at our fingertips, behind every piece of information lies a content writer who tirelessly creates the content we consume.

Meet Ada Arinze, a journalist and blogger who has dedicated herself to the pursuit of keeping the public informed with information at all times.

With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to breaking news, Ada’s journey in content writing reveals what it takes to be a content writer in today’s digital landscape.

“I’ve always had a passion for storytelling and keeping people informed. I started writing as a hobby, but when I realized I could make a career out of it, I went all in. I’ve been in the industry for a few years now, mainly focusing on breaking news and trending topics,” Arinze shares.

Arinze noted that her days are often unpredictable, explaining that since she covers breaking news, there is no fixed schedule.

“My days usually start with scanning the news for trending topics, researching, writing, and publishing articles. Since I cover breaking news, there’s no fixed schedule—I work when the news breaks. Some days are light, but other days, I’m glued to my screen for 12+ hours. Unfortunately, extra time isn’t always compensated. If traffic is low, the pay suffers, no matter how much effort I put in.” She said.

Speaking of challenges, she noted that one of her biggest challenges is the need for speed.

“Being the first to break a story while ensuring accuracy is intense. The pressure is heightened when everyone is covering the same news. I stay organized, fact-check quickly, and rely on credible sources. Taking short breaks helps me avoid burnout.”

“News doesn’t take a break, I also work on weekends and even on holidays. It could be covering a major political event, celebrity drama, or an emergency. If a big story breaks at night, I have to be on it immediately, no matter the day,” she added.

Recounting one of the most stressful days Arinze sheds light on a particular day during the 2023 election.

“I remember during the 2023 election, Updates were flying in every second, and I had to verify, write, and publish almost instantly. The workload was overwhelming, I barely ate that day, but seeing my article go viral made it worth it”

Ada says her income fluctuates despite consistent effort, explaining that some months pay well when traffic is high, while other times she earns far less despite working just as hard, which she finds frustrating.

“The payment structure varies, When views drop, so does my income, but on average, i can earn anywhere between ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per month, depending on traffic. During peak months like September and October, when I hit 100k views, my earnings were on the higher side. But in months with lower traffic, like November, it drops significantly.

“Considering the long hours, the unpredictability, and the effort it takes to break a story before competitors, I honestly feel the pay should be more stable. Some months, I work just as hard—sometimes even harder—but if traffic is low, the earnings don’t reflect my effort. It’s frustrating because my effort remains constant, but my income fluctuates,”

Arinze also admitted that juggling work and personal life isn’t easy.

“Balancing work and personal life is tough because news is unpredictable. I could plan to relax, but a major story might break, and I have to drop everything. To cope, I take short breaks, exercise, and try to disconnect when possible.

“I’ve missed family gatherings, birthdays, and even rest days because of urgent news. It’s frustrating, but I remind myself that this is the nature of the job.” She added.

Another major challenge she shares is competing with social media, where people consume free, unverified news. Another is dealing with the constant changes in online algorithms, which affect traffic. Both make it harder to sustain steady income and audience engagement.

Speaking of what keeps her motivated despite all the old, she said: “The thrill of breaking a major story before others keeps me going. Despite the struggles, I love the impact of my work.”

Arinze noted she considered diversifying into digital marketing or tech-related fields for more financial stability. “Every industry has its challenges, but at least some offer more consistent pay,”

Ada Arinze’s story reflects the struggles of many content writers and media professionals.

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication in an industry that demands so much yet often gives so little in return.

Despite facing long hours and inconsistent pay, her passion for storytelling keeps her going.

In a digital world where content is at everyone’s fingertips, Ada’s journey highlights the unseen efforts of those who keep us informed, often at the cost of their well-being.

Her experience is a reminder to appreciate the work behind every article and to push for fair compensation for those who bring us the news.