The first few years of working life can be full of uncertainty. While some people quickly find their footing, others can spend months trying to figure out what works for them. For one young creator, an unexpected change in direction came after his attempts to find a job repeatedly fell through.At 20, Neo decided to start making content for social media. What began as a new thing to try soon became a serious part of his journey. Just two months after he started creating content, he says he got his first four-figure brand deal, even though he had fewer than 1,000 followers.His experience has since drawn attention online, with people responding to his posts about work, content creation and finding a different path.
326 applications and no breakthrough
ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.Neo, who goes by the name Neo on Instagram, shared details of his job search in a post.“I applied to 326 jobs and got rejected from every single one,” the Gen Z creator wrote.He said the situation affected how he viewed his own progress, especially while people around him were getting jobs.“At 20, being unemployed while watching everyone around me work made me feel like I was falling behind in life.”He had tried several approaches during the search, including handing out resumes and applying online.“I handed out resumes. Applied online. Tried the same jobs my friends were getting. Nothing.”
A new experiment takes off
With those attempts not leading to a job, Neo began recording videos and sharing them online.The response eventually brought his first brand opportunity. He said this happened two months after he began his content creator journey, at a time when his following was still below 1,000.“Just 2 months into my content creator journey, with less than 1,000 followers, I landed my first 4-figure brand deal. Today marks 6 months of creating content.”Six months into creating, Neo said he still has more to do. He also used his experience to share a message with others who may be going through a difficult phase.“I still have a long way to go, but if you’re unemployed, struggling with job rejection, or feel like everyone your age is ahead of you , keep going. Sometimes the path that didn’t work pushes you toward one that does.”
What Neo wants to post next
His plans for social media are not limited to one subject. In a follow-up post, Neo explained that he wants to share different parts of his life rather than build his page around a fixed formula.“F**k the formula. I’m just documenting my life. Travel, lifestyle, random thoughts, places I discover, things I love and whatever else feels worth sharing.”He also said he does not want his identity as a creator to be tied to just one category.“I don’t want to be just a ‘travel creator’ or ‘lifestyle creator’. I want this page to feel like an actual person living an actual life, not a perfectly planned content strategy. Some days it’ll be travel content. Some days everyday life. Some days something completely random.”For him, the idea is to let the page reflect whatever he is interested in sharing at a particular time.“And if you’re into authentic travel, lifestyle content and people just figuring life out as they go, maybe you’ll like it here.”Neo has also shared that he is turning 21 in October.
People online cheer him on
The posts received supportive comments from other social media users.“This is inspiring.”Another person, who said they were also beginning their content journey, wrote:“We are both at the start of our content journeys was following you on my main account, but will be supporting as a fellow small creator!”“Wowww, congratulations on your success,” another user commented.One person also responded to his experience with a light-hearted comment:“Those employers were like ‘Nah, you’re destined for something greater than a 9-5’.”Several others shared their support through clapping emoticons.Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared publicly by the creator on social media. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims made in the post.Thumb image: Instagram
