Despite earning over $162,000 from her YouTube channel in just two years, the 24-year-old decided to pursue a corporate job.

Sharon Kim's earnings from social media allowed her to purchase a $750,000 home with her brother shortly after graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2023.

She claims that the concept of making money through content creation is often portrayed as more glamorous than the actual experience.

The 24-year-old tells CNBC Make It that it's all up to them to be their own employer, secure sponsorships and affiliates, and manage contracts and other related tasks.

In 2018, she launched her YouTube channel while still in high school. She discusses her journey to Parsons and the reasons behind her shift from fashion to tech.

Kim decided to pursue a corporate career as a UX designer for stability, despite earning around $162,000 from her YouTube channel over the course of 2022 and 2023.

"Although I earned six figures from social media, I acknowledge that income can be unpredictable and may not be sustainable in the long run. I don't want to rely solely on one successful year and assume that the next year will be equally profitable."

Kim is a UX designer in New York City who earns approximately $94,000 and also runs a YouTube channel.

DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to negotiating a higher salary

Despite working long hours to manage her social media accounts in addition to her 9-to-5 job, she gains advantages from both.

"Kim says that content creation provides her with a sense of autonomy, which she values despite the added workload. She appreciates the satisfaction of having the best of both worlds and feels financially secure due to the stability of corporate."

How to manage a content creation side hustle

Anyone with a 9-to-5 job who wants to pursue content creation should begin with small steps.

"She advises against fully committing to content creation. Instead, she suggests testing the waters for a year to determine consistency and desired outcomes."

If you're in a corporate role, ensure you adhere to your employer's social media usage guidelines and avoid disclosing any private information about the company.

Kim avoids conflicts of interest by focusing on posting lifestyle content and tutorials.

She suggests that the content doesn't have to be a tutorial on how to build something, but rather what one should know before entering finance or a typical day as an intern.

Surrounding yourself with individuals who share your goals and can motivate you is crucial if you decide to pursue content creation while working a corporate job, Kim advises.

"Putting myself out there allowed me to meet so many other friends," she remarks. "It's important to meet as many people as possible to avoid stress."

Earn more money at work by taking CNBC's new online course, "How to Negotiate a Higher Salary." Expert instructors will teach you the necessary skills to increase your paycheck, including preparation, confidence-building, effective communication, and counteroffer crafting. Pre-register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for a 50% introductory discount through Nov. 26, 2024.