Are Lifestyle Content creators modern day monks

A perspective on the Realities of a Lifestyle Content Creator's Life

Last month, inspired by a thought-provoking post from a lifestyle blogger on Substack, I posed a simple yet intriguing question: "The life you live is inspiring—how do you fund it?" The answer was straightforward yet profound: he writes books about it.

Like many, I often find myself captivated by the stories of lifestyle bloggers—whether they’re cycling through exotic landscapes, hiking in nature’s most breathtaking corners, or embracing a minimalist existence centered on health and wellness. Their experiences resonate deeply, igniting a spark of inspiration within me.

However, as I delve deeper, I've come to realize that many lifestyle influencers operate like modern-day monks, albeit in a different context. Their ability to share these awe-inspiring stories doesn’t just stem from a passion for adventure but also from a carefully curated career. They have the luxury to escape the grind of daily life, carving out a space for their extraordinary lifestyles, all while relying on the support of their audience and subscribers.

Photo by Julian Hanslmaier on Unsplash

For many of these individuals, their alternative lifestyles—rooted in simplicity, well-being, travel, adventure, and freedom—go beyond mere choices; they represent a means of earning a living. It makes me wonder: if they weren't able to monetize their adventures through books, Substack newsletters, or social media content, how would they sustain themselves? Would they still be able to live this captivating life, or would they join the rest of us in the hustle for financial stability?

While I find their journeys inspiring, I’m also conscious of the divide that exists. Most of us can’t build a career around content creation. For the majority, embracing these enduring lifestyles means carefully saving, taking extended breaks from work, or maximizing two- to four-week vacations to explore and experience life differently.

I admire these content creators and genuinely enjoy following their adventures, but I often feel a twinge of dissonance when they urge their followers to replicate their unique paths. If everyone took their advice, we would see an oversaturation of lifestyle content, increasing competition and making it even harder for these creators to sustain their livelihoods.

The parallel to monks becomes strikingly clear. Just as monks thrive on the support of their community, given the freedom to meditate, write, and counsel, lifestyle content creators owe their existence to their subscribers. This raises a compelling question: if everyone were to become a modern-day monk or lifestyle creator, who would be left to provide the sustenance that supports these lifestyles?

Photo by Daniel Marchal on Unsplash

A devout Buddhist once shared with me that the essence of a monk’s role is to outsource spiritual practice—allowing those better suited for it to offer guidance, while they focus on the busyness of everyday life. Could it be that this is the modern role of lifestyle content creators as well? They provide inspiration and insight for those of us grappling with the demands of a conventional life, yet without their audience and content, their unique existence would face significant challenges.

In the end, while I draw motivation from their lives, I'm reminded of the complexity woven into the narratives we admire. There lies a balance between inspiration and practicality, between aspiration and reality. It’s a delicate dance, one that encourages us to carve out our own paths while appreciating the stories that fuel our imaginations.

Food for thought

Cheers

David