The recruitment of unpaid writers and sub-editors by luxury lifestyle magazine The Life of Luxury has ignited controversy and provoked outrage on various social media platforms. The magazine, scheduled for launch in January 2025, solicited job applications on Linkedin and Twitter from individuals capable of generating top-quality lifestyle content without remuneration.
The job specifications necessitate documented writing experience, exceptional editing and proofreading abilities, and a comprehensive comprehension of luxury lifestyle inclinations. Despite the demanded proficiency and expertise, the company offers no remuneration for the work. Furthermore, the successful candidates are expected to deliver a minimum of three articles per week and exhibit flexibility in commuting to London as required.
The advertisement elicited criticism on Twitter, with users expressing indignation and incredulity at the company’s appeal for pro bono labour. The concept of individuals working without compensation to promote opulent living, while being expected to cover topics such as high-end jewellery and deluxe baby products, was met with pronounced disapproval.
Some users took to Twitter to highlight the irrationality of the situation, querying how individuals devoid of income could possess credible insights into luxury lifestyle topics. A comparison was made to the healthcare sector, facetiously proposing the recruitment of unpaid, zealous surgeons to perform surgeries, thereby underscoring the unreasonableness of the request for unpaid labour.
In response to the backlash, The Life of Luxury defended their position by asserting that the unpaid roles provide an opportunity for individuals to amass experience in digital publishing and partake in a flexible and remote working environment. They also emphasized the prospect for seasoned writers to augment their portfolios and function within a cooperative and supportive team.
The controversy encircling the magazine’s recruitment methods has engendered widespread discourse online, with users disseminating their viewpoints and engaging in discourse pertaining to the ethics of unpaid labour in the luxury industry. The matter has raised apprehensions regarding equitable compensation for creative professionals and the appreciation of their expertise and contributions.
The Independent has endeavoured to elicit further comment from The Life of Luxury on the subject. As deliberations persist, the ethical ramifications of unpaid labour in the luxury lifestyle industry remain a subject of debate and contemplation.