Exposing The Truth About Why Platforms Are The New Employers
Online platforms are the new employers. Social media, online platforms, and the internet are replacing the traditional 9-5.
When I was a freshman in college, Facebook had just come out.
My friends and I used it to connect, message, and create events.
The internet and online platforms have evolved a lot more since then.
Online platforms are the new employers. People are replacing full-time incomes and building online businesses using the internet, social media, and online platforms.
Social media and online platforms give you access to built-in audiences that you can turn into customers.
How Work Used To Be: Stuck In An Office
You used to have to show up at the office or factory every day.
You had a set schedule.
You had to listen to a boss.
You clocked in and clocked out.
You had limited freedom.
Climbing the career ladder involves waiting for promotions, remaining loyal to the same company, or switching companies within the same field. You got stuck working a job you didn’t love.
There weren’t many other options.
There are still many jobs that are like this, but the nature of work continues to evolve.
If you wanted to start a business, you needed a lot of upfront capital.
Physical businesses require more capital to start than a minimal online business.
Key Point: Traditional jobs were rigid, with little flexibility or control over your income.
The Internet Changed Everything
When the internet became fast and reliable, everything shifted.
First, email and messaging made remote work possible.
Then, social media allowed people to share ideas and connect globally. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Substack have provided creators with opportunities to monetize their content.
E-commerce platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and Shopify have made it easy to sell products directly to your audience and customers.
Suddenly, you didn’t need a boss.
You need an audience.
Key Point: The internet has made it possible to work from anywhere and earn money without a traditional employer.
How Platforms Pay You Instead Of A Boss
Creators and online businesses don't wait to receive a paycheck from an employer.
YouTube pays you by placing ads on your videos.
Substack lets writers earn from subscriptions.
TikTok and Instagram help influencers earn through sponsorships
Sites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to sell your skills directly online.
The best part?
You control how much you make based on how much you work.
Platforms are indirectly teaching you the skills to create your own business.
Key Point: Platforms pay you directly, giving you more control over your income than a regular job.
Building An Audience And Customer Base
Losing your job means starting over.
You have to go out and apply for jobs.
You have to prepare for interviews.
You hope that an employer will hire you.
Applying for jobs online has become a frustrating experience. It's now easier and faster to use platforms to generate income.
You can make more money by building an audience than by working for an employer.
Fans can follow you on your various social media accounts.
They can read articles on your website or Substack.
They can watch your YouTube and TikTok videos.
If something happens to one platform, you can easily switch to another.
The bigger your audience, the more opportunities you have for sponsorships, selling products, and selling services to your audience and customers.
You now have the opportunity to build a business.
Key Point: An online audience is a built-in customer base that follows you and subscribes to your email list online.
From Side Hustle To Full-Time Business
You can start posting content online to Substack or YouTube as a side gig. You can provide a service on Upwork or Fiverr.
Over time, once you gain traction, replace your full-time job.
Once you have a proven concept, turn it into a real business.
You can launch courses, sell merch, or start consulting.
The platform is just the beginning. The real money comes from scaling your business.
Key Point: A successful online presence can grow into a whole business.
Why You Want To Transition To A Business
Once you start earning enough money from a side hustle, you want to start an LLC and a business checking account.
Why?
A business is more official.
You receive tax advantages as a business owner. Hire a great bookkeeper and tax accountant to help you find all of the deductions you qualify for.
A business bank account is separate from your personal one.
If, for some reason, someone sues you or other legal issues come up, you pay through your business account. In the worst-case scenario, if you have to file for bankruptcy, you do it through your business name and business bank account. The business will be insolvent, not you.
Why Working For Yourself Is Better Than A Traditional Job
Working for yourself online has huge perks.
You set your hours.
You can work from anywhere.
No boss is micromanaging you.
You keep the profits with a business.
An employer or industry caps your income.
You’re building something that belongs to you.
Building a business takes time. You'll run into lots of problems along the way.
The hard work is worth it.
Once you build and scale a business, you can regain your freedom.
Key Point: Online work gives you freedom, flexibility, and unlimited earning potential.
How To Get Started
You don’t need fancy equipment or a large budget to start.
You don't need fancy recording equipment or an expensive studio to film in.
The simpler, the better when you start.
Focus on one platform to start, such as YouTube, TikTok, or Substack.
Start creating and posting content consistently.
Engage with your audience.
Solve your audience's problems.
Learn what works.
Continue to fine-tune as you go.
You'll attract followers and subscribers.
You can start to monetize your audience.
The point is to treat it like a real business, not a hobby.
Key Point: You start today! Just pick a platform and post consistently.
The Future of Work Is Online
Increasingly, people are leaving traditional jobs to pursue online work.
The rise of online work is partly due to its mainstream adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online platforms, from Upwork to Rover, allow you to earn money as an independent contractor. Companies are hiring more remote workers.
The top creators are earning millions of dollars by writing or filming from their rooms. Even small and medium-sized creators can build six and seven-figure businesses by selling products and services to their audience.
Younger people recognize that, for the most part, the traditional employer-employee model is dying rapidly. The gig economy and online platforms are replacing the old employer-employee model.
If you want control over your time and income, building on a platform is the best way to do it.
Key Point: The future of work is online. It's up to you if you want to have a side hustle or work to build an entire online business.
Summary
You no longer have to rely on an employer to pay you.
Platforms let you earn money on your own terms.
Platforms let you earn money through ads, subscriptions, or selling your products and services online. The internet has opened doors that didn’t exist before.
Start small, stay consistent, and you can turn an online side hustle into a full-time business.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational, entertainment, and informational purposes only. This is not business, financial, investment, or any advice. I write online about topics that interest me. I make mistakes just like everyone else. Always consult a professional before making health, life, finances, investments, taxes, or legal matters.