Zara Dar, a YouTuber known for her advocacy in science and technology, has made a surprising career shift. The former PhD student recently left academia to become a full-time OnlyFans content creator, a move she described as a “gamble on her entire life.”
X
In a YouTube video titled “PhD Dropout to OnlyFans Model,” Dar opened up about her decision. While acknowledging it wasn’t easy, she said she doesn’t regret it. “This isn’t just a career choice—it feels like a gamble on the direction of my entire life,” she explained.
Dar, who once taught machine learning and neural networks to over 100,000 YouTube subscribers, has now shifted her focus. Although she considered a future as a professor mentoring students, she ultimately chose a different path.
Dar expressed disillusionment with the academic world, stating that many professionals in academia and corporate sectors are tied to someone else’s vision. “They spend their lives doing things they don’t necessarily enjoy, never receiving the recognition they deserve,” she said.
She also highlighted the precarious nature of traditional career paths, saying, “They constantly worry about getting laid off, plan their lives around salaries, and often just rent a place to live.” Her perspective reflects her desire to avoid such constraints.
Having completed a master’s in computer science at the University of Texas, Dar initially began her OnlyFans content creation as a side project. Her success on the platform has been significant. She revealed earning over $1 million, allowing her to pay off her family’s mortgage and purchase a car.
“Thankfully, I avoided student loans,” she said, adding that her earnings also helped build an investment portfolio and plan for buying her own home.
Dar shared that leaving academia has given her freedom to explore topics she truly cares about. She emphasized that her decision wasn’t solely about financial success but also about creating a life unbound by institutional expectations or corporate limitations.
In the video, she critiqued the reality for many professors in the U.S., who earn around $100,000 annually but spend significant time writing grant proposals rather than conducting research. She felt this lifestyle didn’t align with her goals.
Dar concluded by affirming that her choice was about more than money. “This path lets me carve my own future,” she said, highlighting the personal and financial independence her new career provides.
Her story has sparked a mix of support and debate online, with many praising her boldness while others question the long-term sustainability of her decision. Despite the divided opinions, Dar’s journey underscores her commitment to living life on her terms.
