What is it like to have content creation as your 9-5? Belle Rodolfo, Jocelyn Yang, Joella Lauron, and Janica Bayangos reveal it all
What counts as a “real job”? In the Philippines, it comes with a desk, a monthly paycheck, and a clear corporate trajectory (at least, it’s what most are raised to believe). Meanwhile, content creation is often sidelined as a pastime—fun and creative, but not quite career material. Ahead are stories of Belle, Jocelyn, Joella, and Janica, Filipina creators who aren’t here to fit into outdated definitions. Talent, grit, and an unapologetic understanding of the self have done them well, proving that possibilities don’t cap at a title.
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The Roads Taken
It first bears noting that there’s no set formula or university degree for making it work. Joella Lauron tested the corporate water before diving in, while Janica Bayangos builds her brand between university lectures and deadlines. Jocelyn Yang jumped in straight after college, while Belle Rodolfo traded the editor’s desk for the other side of the industry. Before content creation became a full-time reality, it was a side hustle, so to speak, one they nurtured between office meetings or school deadlines.
How exactly did they begin? Belle Rodolfo played the long game. “I’ve been doing this for four years, but only half a year full-time,” she shared with MEGA. The switch, though, was more strategic than impulsive, spending years as a beauty editor first. “I was getting enough partnerships to well compensate for what I was making in a full-time job.”
Joella Lauron, on the other hand, always knew she wanted to create. A multimedia arts graduate, she spent years navigating YouTube, TikTok, and even a short stint in corporate before taking the leap. “I’m lucky that my husband’s salary is enough to support the both of us,” she shared. It was the push she needed to leave the nine-to-five and finally bet on herself, now posting about her lifestyle, beauty, and life as a newlywed.
Jocelyn Yang stumbled into the pack in college, posting TikTok videos for fun—until the numbers started climbing. “I didn’t expect people would actually enjoy my videos,” she admitted. But seeing the growth, she doubled down. “Eventually, I decided to pursue [it] full-time because I genuinely love what I do. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my videos bring value and joy to others.”
Lastly, Janica Bayangos first dabbled into online selling before doing this. But when the market got oversaturated, so did her interest, and content became her main career by 2023. “I’m young, I’m a student, I’m doing this full-time, but I’m also studying,” she shared. There was no dramatic “I quit” moment, just a smart pivot at the right time.
What They Don’t Tell You About Influencing
Despite their different paths, these four women move through the same spaces—beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and the revolving door of PR events and gatherings. So, for those on the outside looking in, isn’t this the perfect job? It’s fun, flexible, and far from the tiring nine-to-five—not to mention the gifts from brands. “I haven’t had the need to buy shampoo in so many months because I get them as PR!” Joella playfully quipped. But as with all things and jobs in particular, it takes a lot of work to keep them afloat.
One, relevance. “That’s the problem in creating content—[your posts] aren’t always going to be relevant,” Janica revealed. Joella shares the same sentiment: “There are so many up-and-coming creators as well who blow up overnight sometimes.”
Another is the lack of structure. As a content creator, you hold your own time and you’re essentially your own boss. But this poses as a difficulty for Jocelyn. “The most difficult part is having no specific routine everyday,” she shared. “My schedule constantly changes depending no events, shoots, and brand deals.” And without the concept of “work hours,” it’s difficult to set boundaries, stay consistent, or even find time to rest.
Another pressing concern is relayed by Belle. “I was really afraid about not having health insurance,” she laughed. “And I guess the con of going freelance is that you also have to take care of the admin side of things.” In a traditional job, these things are handed to you, but as a content creator, every logistical detail—taxes, contracts, benefits—is yours to handle. Unless you hire a manager, that is—which Belle and Janica have and recommend.
Then there’s the isolation. “It gets lonely!” Belle expressed, “You don’t really have regular colleagues, and although you do have your beauty community, it’s not the same as seeing people doing what you do on a regular basis. You have to make an effort to build that for yourself.”
Can it Pay the Bills?
Addressing the question of the hour—does it pay well? The short answer is a loud yes, but it will always depend on how well you perform and, arguably, luck. Because although there’s no such thing as the 15th and the 30th and you don’t really know when your next payday is, when the stars align, the payoff is more than livable—enough to justify the gamble. After all, why else would these women and so many others take the leap?
Content creators tap into many income streams. One is affiliate marketing where personalities earn from product links and recommendations. “Actually, some of the highest-earning marketers aren’t even influencers,” Janica revealed. “But if you’re an influencer, it’s definitely easier because you already have an audience.” Then there are brand deals, one-off campaigns, and long-term ambassadorships where stakes, and thus payouts, are higher.
The Right Kind of Influence
Beyond the financials, there’s another kind of currency: connection. “Influencing” is nothing without the influenced, built on communitieegs that grow as fast as these women’s follower count. Belle, Jocelyn, Joella, and Janica create spaces where sensible conversations are made in their comment sections—that’s why people support their content. And yet, some still question if this is a “real” job.
But if something demands consistency, creativity, and a business mindset, what else should content creation be called? A hobby? Skeptics, especially older people who are understandably confused, will always debate, but people take this leap because it pays, because it matters, and because it’s more than selling something to earn—it’s selling personality and a sisterhood, just like Belle, Jocelyn, Joella, and Janica have.
Featured Image and Photos: BELLE RODOLFO, JOELLA LAURON, JOWIE GUISON, JANICA BAYANGOS (via Instagram)
