Do influencers outwork doctors? Outrage erupts over shocking new claims about everyday Aussies
- Replies 3
The world of social media influencers is no stranger to controversy, but a recent move by a group of Australian content creators has truly set the internet ablaze.
The launch of the so-called 'Australian Influencer Union' has sparked a fierce debate. Its members claim that their work is not only as demanding as traditional jobs but, in some cases, even harder than being a doctor or a teacher.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s got everyone talking, and why so many Aussies are up in arms.
It all began when influencer Veronica B announced the formation of the Australian Influencer Union with a flashy promotional video and a launch event on 30 July.
Instead of applause, the announcement was met with a tidal wave of criticism. Social media users were quick to call out the group for being 'embarrassing' and 'out of touch,' with many questioning the influencers' credibility.
While a handful of supporters praised the move as 'beautiful,' the overwhelming response was disbelief and frustration.
The backlash only intensified when, on the union’s official social media account, influencer Jasmin Mitwali boldly declared that being an influencer is 'harder than being a doctor or a teacher.'
Mitwali’s comments, which included the assertion that 'staying relevant is harder than a doctor saving someone’s life,' were met with immediate ridicule.
Social media users didn’t hold back, with one person quipping, 'Didn’t know you had to study eight years to be an influencer,' and another adding, 'Saving a life is easier than being a social media influencer… literally… wow.'
Many echoed this sentiment, accusing influencers of being 'completely detached from reality.'
Some pointed out that the work influencers do—creating content, engaging with followers, and chasing views—is something most people do for fun in their spare time, not as a full-time job.
Despite the criticism, several influencers doubled down on their claims. On the @ausinfluencerunion social media page, some insisted, 'You can’t do what we do,' and 'It isn’t easy to get one million views.'
Others compared their workload to a traditional nine-to-five job, saying, 'We work as hard as people who work nine-to-five. It’s not that easy, sweetie.'
One influencer, Yaz Haddad, took a more aggressive stance, lashing out at critics: 'F*** you peasants, keep working your nine-to-five. You’re at home watching Netflix while we’re out here working.'
This only added fuel to the fire, with many Aussies feeling even more alienated by the influencers’ attitudes.
The debate didn’t stop at work ethic. When asked whether influencers should be taxed like other workers, two union members responded, 'Definitely not. This government bloody rips us enough.' This sparked further outrage, with many pointing out that everyone—regardless of their job—should pay their fair share.
To be fair, being a successful influencer does require a certain level of creativity, consistency, and business savvy.
Many spend hours planning content, editing videos, negotiating brand deals, and engaging with their audience.
There’s no denying that it can be a demanding job, especially for those at the top of their game.
However, comparing the pressures of social media stardom to the life-and-death responsibilities of doctors or the tireless dedication of teachers is a stretch for most people.
Doctors and teachers undergo years of study and training, and their work has a direct impact on the health, safety, and education of others.
Influencers, on the other hand, are primarily in the business of entertainment and marketing.
The backlash to the influencer union’s claims is about more than just job comparisons. For many everyday Australians—especially those who have worked hard in traditional roles, often for decades—the idea that influencers have it tougher feels like a slap.
It’s a reminder of the growing disconnect between online personalities and the realities ordinary people face, particularly when the cost of living is rising and many struggle to make ends meet.
It’s also worth noting that this debate highlights a generational divide. Younger Australians may be more likely to see influencing as a legitimate career, while older Aussies—who grew up in a very different working world—may find the whole concept baffling or even offensive.
Every job comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. While it’s essential to recognise the hard work of building a successful online presence, it’s equally important not to diminish the value of traditional professions that keep our society running.
Credit: TikTok
What do you think, members? Are influencers out of touch, or do they have a point about the pressures of their work? Have you ever felt that your own hard work has been overlooked or undervalued? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
Read more: Your grandkids are being targeted by pokies on social media—experts say you need to act NOW
The launch of the so-called 'Australian Influencer Union' has sparked a fierce debate. Its members claim that their work is not only as demanding as traditional jobs but, in some cases, even harder than being a doctor or a teacher.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s got everyone talking, and why so many Aussies are up in arms.
It all began when influencer Veronica B announced the formation of the Australian Influencer Union with a flashy promotional video and a launch event on 30 July.
Instead of applause, the announcement was met with a tidal wave of criticism. Social media users were quick to call out the group for being 'embarrassing' and 'out of touch,' with many questioning the influencers' credibility.
Influencer union faces backlash after members claim their work is harder than that of doctors or teachers. Credit: @ausinfluencerunion / TikTok
While a handful of supporters praised the move as 'beautiful,' the overwhelming response was disbelief and frustration.
The backlash only intensified when, on the union’s official social media account, influencer Jasmin Mitwali boldly declared that being an influencer is 'harder than being a doctor or a teacher.'
Mitwali’s comments, which included the assertion that 'staying relevant is harder than a doctor saving someone’s life,' were met with immediate ridicule.
Social media users didn’t hold back, with one person quipping, 'Didn’t know you had to study eight years to be an influencer,' and another adding, 'Saving a life is easier than being a social media influencer… literally… wow.'
Many echoed this sentiment, accusing influencers of being 'completely detached from reality.'
Some pointed out that the work influencers do—creating content, engaging with followers, and chasing views—is something most people do for fun in their spare time, not as a full-time job.
Despite the criticism, several influencers doubled down on their claims. On the @ausinfluencerunion social media page, some insisted, 'You can’t do what we do,' and 'It isn’t easy to get one million views.'
Others compared their workload to a traditional nine-to-five job, saying, 'We work as hard as people who work nine-to-five. It’s not that easy, sweetie.'
This only added fuel to the fire, with many Aussies feeling even more alienated by the influencers’ attitudes.
The debate didn’t stop at work ethic. When asked whether influencers should be taxed like other workers, two union members responded, 'Definitely not. This government bloody rips us enough.' This sparked further outrage, with many pointing out that everyone—regardless of their job—should pay their fair share.
To be fair, being a successful influencer does require a certain level of creativity, consistency, and business savvy.
Many spend hours planning content, editing videos, negotiating brand deals, and engaging with their audience.
However, comparing the pressures of social media stardom to the life-and-death responsibilities of doctors or the tireless dedication of teachers is a stretch for most people.
Doctors and teachers undergo years of study and training, and their work has a direct impact on the health, safety, and education of others.
Influencers, on the other hand, are primarily in the business of entertainment and marketing.
The backlash to the influencer union’s claims is about more than just job comparisons. For many everyday Australians—especially those who have worked hard in traditional roles, often for decades—the idea that influencers have it tougher feels like a slap.
It’s also worth noting that this debate highlights a generational divide. Younger Australians may be more likely to see influencing as a legitimate career, while older Aussies—who grew up in a very different working world—may find the whole concept baffling or even offensive.
Every job comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. While it’s essential to recognise the hard work of building a successful online presence, it’s equally important not to diminish the value of traditional professions that keep our society running.
Credit: TikTok
Read more: Your grandkids are being targeted by pokies on social media—experts say you need to act NOW
.png){kind=icon}
