On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed a Gen Z influencer breaking down in tears while struggling to land a minimum-wage job despite holding two college degrees.
Gen Z Influencer struggled to land a job despite holding two college degrees.
On the TikTok platform, the viral video depicted the journey of a Gen Z influencer transitioning from a job seeker to an A-list dreamer.
On social media, Lohanny Santos, a 27-year-old Gen Z influencer, gained viral fame for her emotional video.
She expressed frustration over seeking minimum wage jobs despite holding two college degrees. Now, she aspires to become a top influencer, capitalizing on her newfound notoriety.
In 2020, Lohanny graduated from Pace University with degrees in communications and acting. Despite her qualifications, she struggled to find employment.
In November 2023, she lost her babysitting job, leaving her in a difficult position.
During this challenging time, Lohanny was also trying to grow her online presence. She posted daily on TikTok but felt discouraged about achieving fame.
An influencer sparks new ambitions after going viral.
Her fortunes changed dramatically when a video showcasing her language skills went viral. In the clip, she spoke English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Lohanny expressed disappointment at not receiving job offers, leading to millions of views.
After her video went viral, Lohanny decided to abandon her job search. She now aims to become a full-time influencer, using her online fame as a launchpad.
In the viral video, she described feeling “the most humbled” she had ever been. “It’s a little embarrassing because I’m applying for minimum-wage jobs,” she said, visibly emotional.
“I just want to be a TikToker. But I can’t be delusional. I literally need to make money,” she added.
Within hours of posting, her TikTok account surged from 50,000 to over 160,000 followers. “I was hoping this would happen sooner,” she told Fortune.
Lohanny has a new opportunitie after her video viral on social media.
Since going viral, Lohanny has signed a deal with a contraception pill brand. Her LinkedIn profile now labels her as an “actor and social media content creator.”
On Instagram, where she has over 43,000 followers, she shares updates about influencer events. She takes selfies and stages photoshoots in her high-rise apartment.
Lohanny has also secured a new talent agent at Missmanaged LA. “People are seeing in me what I’ve always seen in myself,” she remarked.
“I see myself on TV screens and red carpets. I envision being an A-list influencer,” she said.
Older Instagram posts reveal that Lohanny had partnerships before her viral video. She signed with Grail Talent in November.
Even before her job search video, she promoted fast fashion brands. She also attended promotional events for a makeup company and influencer marketing groups.
However, Lohanny believes there’s still room for growth. “I want opportunities to lead a creative life. I dream of starring in a movie or being in a Super Bowl commercial,” she explained.
Lohanny Santos’s journey gained attenrtin on social media
Lohanny’s story reflects a broader trend among her peers. Many Gen Z individuals aspire to be influencers.
@lohannysant I got tear stains on my resume 😔😔😔 #nyc #unemployed
On social media, many viewers express their shock at Lohanny Santos’s journey, while others praise Lohanny for the landscape of career aspirations.
On person said: Weaknesses seems to be very strong.
A second wrote: She must’ve taken that quote from the Simpsons literally. “ you tried your best, and you failed – the lesson is never try”.
While a third commented: I’m Gen Z aged 25 my love, and I’ve had more than 12-15 jobs if I’m correct. Yes it’s difficult out there but that’s how we learn and grow and eventually become adults
Another added: When will Gen z learn: digital footprint is forever.
Someone else said: Companies are crazy nowadays! They want you to have a masters degree with 10 years of experience to pay you bare minimum.
Lohanny Santos’s journey from job seeker to aspiring influencer illustrates the evolving landscape of career aspirations for Gen Z.
What did you think about Lohanny Santos’s journey?