**What Happens When Your Ideal Job Is at Risk? TikTok Creators Confront an Uncertain Future**

What steps do you take when the foundation of your ideal career is suddenly in jeopardy? What if the force threatening to undermine it is, in fact, the U.S. government? This is the disconcerting situation faced by TikTok creators who have built their careers on the app, a platform that has transformed the definition of being an influencer. For many, achieving fame on social media is beyond just a job—it’s a dream realized. Indeed, **57% of Gen Z** aspire to become influencers.

However, that dream is now precariously balanced. TikTok is up against a critical deadline of January 19, when it may face a ban in the U.S. over concerns regarding its Chinese ownership. The U.S. Supreme Court recently validated a federal law that could lead to the app’s ban unless TikTok disconnects from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Should TikTok fail to comply, the ban might be enacted as soon as this weekend.

Although reports indicate President Joe Biden may refrain from implementing the law before he departs office, leaving the fate to President-elect Donald Trump, the situation is still fraught with uncertainty. Members of Trump’s team have conveyed their dissent regarding the ban, suggesting a potential delay in the process. Nevertheless, TikTok creators are preparing for the worst, readying themselves for a reality where their primary platform might cease to exist.

### Creators Face the Prospect of a Ban

For content creators like Brandon Edelman, known to his hundreds of thousands of fans as **Bran Flakezz**, the looming ban feels like a dire threat. “This ban is incredibly irresponsible and reckless,” Edelman shared with *Mashable*, stressing the app’s significance for many people’s livelihoods.

“If this app gets banned, I’ll use it every minute I can until it disappears,” he expressed. “I’m living in denial, I suppose. I won’t worry about it until I try to open the app and it won’t open.”

Responses among creators vary significantly. Some are in a state of panic, while others maintain skepticism regarding the likelihood of a ban. Michael Berkowitz, co-founder of the Greenlight Group, a talent agency for digital creators, observed, “Some creators are highly anxious and slightly panicked. Others? Not worried at all. They don’t see the ban actually happening.”

### The Influence of TikTok and the Anxiety of Losing It

TikTok has revolutionized the influencer landscape, providing creators with a distinctive space to engage with audiences and showcase their talents. For creators like **Jordan Howlett**, who has garnered nearly 14 million followers, TikTok has been transformational. Famous for his viral videos that delve into the latest trends, Howlett attributes his creative pursuits to the platform.

“I never thought, ‘Hey, I can actually do this for a living,’” Howlett reflected, recalling his traditional upbringing that favored 9-to-5 jobs. “TikTok has empowered me to wake up every day and find ways to express creativity.”

For others, such as **Rebecca West-Remmey**, co-creator of the food-centric channel **Devour Power**, TikTok became a crucial component of their business after years of cultivating followers on Instagram and YouTube. Since starting on TikTok in 2018, their account has soared to over 4 million followers. While West-Remmey recognizes the platform’s significance, she remains realistic. “Social media is like the Wild West,” she remarked. “You can’t predict what will happen.”

### Preparing for the Worst: Diversification is Essential

As the potential ban looms closer, creators are taking proactive measures to protect their content and audiences. Many are archiving their videos, guiding followers to alternate platforms, and diversifying their online presence. For established creators like Devour Power, a ban on TikTok would present a challenge but not a disaster. Their revenue sources extend beyond the app, including a media division that manages social media for various restaurants.

For less-established creators, the consequences are much steeper. **Avery-Claire Nugent**, who gained popularity with her “Girls Who Cluster” trend, is already redirecting her audience to Instagram and YouTube. Although the ban could hinder her progress, she views it as a chance to reevaluate her approach. “I’m going to take some time to get some fresh air for a while, to really relax,” she mentioned.

For creators like Edelman, who transitioned from a corporate career to focus on TikTok full-time, the potential loss feels incredibly personal. “It’s heartbreaking,” he stated. “The number of individuals who have discovered their voice and been able to share their stories and change their lives… like myself, a 24-year-old gay man from Philadelphia who was making $41,000 a year. My entire