In 2016, I got my first “real” job, a job that would require me to sit at a computer all day. I would write content, create graphics, edit photos and post on the companies social media accounts for 8-10 hours each day.
I got a lot of headaches at that job.
As I switched up jobs and continued to sit at more computers, the headaches continued, and I began to wonder, “Are these screen headaches or stress headaches?”
Both can be fixed. There are blue light glasses available, and stress can be managed, but one of those fixes is easier said than done.
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The other day, I saw a job posting from the University of Kentucky basketball program. They were hiring a digital media manager role, much like the role i’m in now and much like the role I was in when I got my first “real” job. The major difference was, the University of Kentucky was only going to pay $20,000/year for the job to be done, which wasn’t much different than I made at my first job.
An unfair and abusive use of an employee.
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I think the world sees digital media marketers as less-than. They see social media and think, “Anyone can do that, why should I pay much for it.” When those of us in the industry know that’s note the reality. Digital media and social media are stressful. It requires a person to always be connected, always be on call and always be the funnel of the dissemination of all information and storytelling. You’re at the mercy of everyone around you, and most times, no one understand the work involved.
This creates a lot of screen time. This creates stress. This creates headaches.
At the end of the day, if you’re in digital marketing, take care of yourself. Take breaks, know your limits and know where you can push back and say, “This is too much.” Because in a world that’s full of content being put out 24/7, sometimes it’s okay to say, “This is too much.”
-Cliff
Cliff’s Note: Headaches can be avoided if I look out for myself.