Burnout Diaries

Behind the scenes of managing a mythical influencer without magical insurance. Read at your own risk. May contain keyboard smashing, existential dread, and unsolicited venting.

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: Passive Income Is Neither

Passive Income Is Neither

By Ken Hollow, digitally exhausted and financially underwhelmed Let me preface this by saying I did everything “right.” I followed the gurus. I watched the…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: You Know It’s Bad When You’re Envying Bots

You Know It’s Bad When You’re Envying Bots

By Ken Hollow, certified human (barely) There was a time when I scoffed at AI-generated content. “Oh please,” I said, adjusting my ethically sourced hoodie.…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: I Accidentally Made a Reel That Performed Well and Now I Have to Be That Person Forever

I Accidentally Made a Reel That Performed Well and Now I Have to Be That Person Forever

By Ken Hollow, currently trapped inside his own brand voice It was supposed to be a joke. I had five minutes, an iced coffee, and…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: My Heart Skipped a Beat (But It Wasn’t Romantic — It Was Burnout)

My Heart Skipped a Beat (But It Wasn’t Romantic — It Was Burnout)

By Ken Hollow, professionally stressed and personally short-circuiting It happened on a Tuesday — because of course it did. One second I was resizing a…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: The Real Reason I’m a Freelancer? I Can’t Emotionally Handle Slack

The Real Reason I’m a Freelancer? I Can’t Emotionally Handle Slack

By Ken Hollow, typing this with Slack notifications disabled and inner peace restored People like to romanticize freelancing. “Oh, the freedom!” “You make your own…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: Why I Still Post Even When the Reach Is Dead

Why I Still Post Even When the Reach Is Dead

By Ken Hollow, part-time ghost in the algorithm machine Let me paint you a picture. You’ve crafted the perfect post. It’s clever. It’s formatted. You’ve…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: How to Look Successful Online When You’re Actually in Debt

How to Look Successful Online When You’re Actually in Debt

By Ken Hollow, proud owner of 14 unpaid invoices and a thriving aesthetic Welcome to another day in the glittering charade that is online success.…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: Is It Creator Economy or Is It a Cult? Signs You Might Be in a Pyramid of Productivity

Is It Creator Economy or Is It a Cult? Signs You Might Be in a Pyramid of Productivity

By Ken Hollow, ex-member of five hustle cults, current prisoner of passive income promises Ah yes, the Creator Economy: that glittering dystopia of self-monetization, aesthetic…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: Can You Be a Personal Brand If You Have No Personality Left?

Can You Be a Personal Brand If You Have No Personality Left?

By Ken Hollow, sentient content shell and personal brand in terminal decay There comes a time in every creator’s journey when you wake up, stare…

Illustration of Ken and Nana for the article: The Creator’s New Imposter Syndrome: When Your AI Tools Do All the Work

The Creator’s New Imposter Syndrome: When Your AI Tools Do All the Work

By Ken Hollow, professional scheduler of posts I didn’t really write anymore Ah yes, imposter syndrome — an old friend. But in 2025 it’s evolved,…