Abbie Chatfield angers after claiming influencer job causes more ‘stress’ than previous 9-5

The outspoken personality has weighed in on whether being an influencer is hard work – but her comments haven’t gone down well.

Abbie Chatfield is copping heat after she claimed her influencer job causes her more “stress” than her previous 9-5.

The 29-year-old recently shared a series of videos in which she discussed the realities of working in social media after two unnamed podcast hosts decided to take some time off as they felt “stressed” because they were “constantly working”.

Chatfield, who previously worked in commercial real estate before appearing on The Bachelor in 2019, said she could understand both sides of the argument since her career had pivoted following her initial reality TV stint.

Despite the It’s A Lot podcast host acknowledging influencers are paid “disproportionately well” for the work they do, Chatfield said there’s a unique “stress” to having your personality monetised – and her comments haven’t gone down well with everyone.

Fans have turned on Abbie Chatfield after she said being an influencer was a ‘uniquely stressful job’. Picture: Instagram/AbbieChatfield

In one of the videos she shared discussing the topic on TikTok, The FBoy Island Australia host, 29, said her influencer work has at times taken a severe toll on her mental health.

“When I had a 9 to 5 job, if I was having a s**t time mentally I could go into work and forget about my real life,” she said.

“But as an influencer you can’t detach your work from who you are. You have to perform and be a personality, even if you are having a bad time.

“The amount of times I have literally been sobbing and had to go on camera and go zing! It’s crazy and awful.”

While in another clip, in which she was responding to a fan who said they were “jealous of influencers”, Chatfield described the judgement she receives online as “hell”.

“I’ve been doing it for five years and I have not got used to it,” she shared.

“It’s only got worse, it gets much worse, it’s hell.

“Having your personality commodified is one of the most horrific experiences.”

The TV host shared her thoughts on the realities of being an influencer in a series of videos. Picture: TikTok/AbbieChatfield

Influencers experience a ‘constant need to be relevant, to be interesting, to be funny’ she said. Picture: TikTok/AbbieChatfield

She went on to reason that unlike actors who can separate the artist from the art, influencers experience a “constant need to be relevant, to be interesting, to be funny”, which she described as a “unique stress”.

While some rushed to support Chatfield, agreeing they would “not cope well with the criticism”, her comments fell flat with some.

“She is carrying on that influencing is a uniquely stressful job because you have to constantly perform. I don’t think she realises how tone deaf she sounds in a cost of living crisis,” one person shared in a Reddit thread dedicated to the conversation.

“I will NEVER give any of these influencers sympathy for choosing to pick one of the easiest and laziest jobs in the world. Get a grip,” someone else added.

As one raged: “She has no concept of how bad this comes across considering she’s been raking in $$$ for years now. She needs a reality check.”

“She’s become more out of touch each year, she has complained about every job she’s ever had – commercial real estate, waitressing, reality TV, radio, influencing the list goes on,” chipped in another.

“Anyone who works needs to put on a performance, I mean, if you’re a woman you’ve no doubt put on a performance many a time,” someone else mused.

“It’s when they complain about their awfully busy day then show a to do list that’s things I have to do AFTER my job,” said one woman.

Some fans believe that in the current economic climate, her comments are ‘out of touch’. Picture: Instagram/AbbieChatfield

There were some who supported the star’s opinions. Picture: TikTok/AbbieChatfield

Supporters flooded her comments section on TikTok, with some describing how “burnt out” they’ve become working in social media.

“I went on my honeymoon and couldn’t switch off. I was bombarded with emails, still couldn’t take ‘time off’ because I have contracts and agreements, and it was the most worked I’ve ever felt on holiday,” one shared.

“Tbh corporate is a breeze. Someone telling me what to do everyday? It was a dream. BUT the trade off is the flexibility. I work for myself now and it’s more stressful but I feel more fulfilled,” reasoned another.

Chatfield isn’t the first influencer who has tried to explain the complexities of working in social media before – and failed.

Cassidy McGill has previously described it as “hard work”, but was swiftly criticised after finding reality TV fame on Love Island Australia in 2017.

While YouTube star Matt Hey has previously said he “sometimes wants to delete all social media and go and live off grid” but stressed he realised there is an “intense amount of privilege that comes with being an influencer”.