If you’re thinking about getting into SEO because it “sounds cool” or you want to be a digital marketing ninja—slow down. Let’s talk. Because this job? It might not be what you think it is. In fact, you might want to run in the opposite direction.

SEO is Not Glamorous

Forget what you see on YouTube videos. SEO isn’t sipping lattes in Bali while your rankings magically go up. It’s more like:

• Digging through spreadsheets
• Begging Google not to penalize your site
• Writing endless meta descriptions
• Explaining what “SERP” means to your boss. Again.

You’ll spend days tweaking title tags and fighting for 1% improvements. It’s a grind. Not a fantasy.

Everyone Thinks They’re an SEO “Expert”

The worst part? Everyone thinks you’re wrong. Even your dog’s cousin’s barber has “tips” on how to go viral.

Here’s who you’ll need to argue with:

• Your client who read an outdated blog post from 2014
• Your boss who demands you rank #1 next week
• Your coworker who insists SEO is “just common sense”

You’ll have to defend your work like it’s a court case. Even when you know you’re right.

Google Keeps Changing the Rules

Just when you figure things out—BAM! Google changes its algorithm.

Today it loves long-form content. Tomorrow, it wants videos. Next week, it might decide every site needs AI integration and machine-learning-flavored microdata sorcery.

Keeping up is exhausting. There’s no finish line. You’re always chasing something new.

You’re Not Paid Enough

Despite all that… guess what? You probably won’t make that much money.

Sure, there are big salaries in top companies. But most SEO gigs?

• Limited budgets
• High expectations
• And very little appreciation

You’ll work overtime to save a site from oblivion—and barely get a “good job.”

AI Is Coming for Your Job

This one hurts: SEO is becoming automated. AI tools can now generate metadata, optimize content, and suggest keywords.

That means clients think you should be that fast too. Your human limitations? Not their problem.

So you’re constantly racing against computers, while pretending you’re not being replaced by one.

Still Not Scared? Okay, Fine

Let’s be fair—it’s not all bad.

SEO can be rewarding when you push rankings up or double a client’s traffic. You’ll learn tons about how websites work, user behavior, and the dark arts of analytics. Sometimes it’s even fun.

But this job? It’s not for the faint of heart.

The Harsh Reality

If you’re looking for:

• Fast wins
• Creative freedom
• A job that makes sense every day

Then no—SEO isn’t for you.

But if you like puzzles, love data, and enjoy losing your mind one algorithm update at a time—then welcome to the jungle.

Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.