Why YouTubers Are Quitting
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- Check out @mkbhd Video Here:
• On "Quitting" RUclips
Check Out @RickBeato Video Here:
• Why So Many RUclipsrs ...
Recently many big RUclipsrs have announced they're quiiting, or scaling back from their RUclips channels. Why is this happening and what can we learn from it as musicians?
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I've seen more of these "RUclipsrs are quitting" videos than RUclipsrs quitting
He's following the algorithm with this video...
almost like an echo chamber...
@@cali4tune " look look im quitting... dont stop me...." ....lol... honey im leaving u(but stop me) lol
This is called a job. I was a film and tv editor for over 32 years, I am now semi retired. I love editing and film making, it never felt like work. While there were projects I did not love I never stopped loving what I did for a living. You have to ask yourself would you rather go to a job you hate or you don't feel no passion for or go to a job you love. My dad loved his job and he told me to find something I love because I'll be spending more time doing that then any other thing. I was luck and I found that as well. As for worrying about how your your income fluctuates that is the nature of a freelance gig isn't it? I don't care if you make end tables or RUclips vids, your life is tied to how much you sell (get views). If you want stability that might mean taking a job you don't really love and that is the trade off.
You have to be honest to yourself. Do you do this thing you do for love or for money. If you chase money you’ll never be happy. Do the thing you love because you love doing it. Forget about the money side. You’ll survive bit you’ll still enjoy your life!!
@@pentachronic I think that is what my dad was getting at. Do what you love you'll be happier in the end. I was lucky my profession paid well. But once I had a family and responsibilities the love of what I was doing became secondary and I had to provide. That's why it's called a job.
It's not the love of the work that's the problem, it's the amount of work that needs to be done to earn a living ... doesn't matter what the job is nor one's love for it ... working 12-14 hours a day and weekends for years and years is NOT sustainable. Hence why so many are quitting. The biggest problem is that when someone has been living on content creation for several years and then does quit, what do they have to fall back on that can provide income? In most cases, nothing ... have to start life over again.
@@robainscough I know this is a bit of an old thread, but I just wanted to echo this sentiment. I disagree with @Mediocre_Bass_Player in that you can't equate online content creation to freelance work, for the simple reason of who is setting the rates. In standard freelance work, you set your own rates, and as your skills develop or demand increases you can raise your rates, and in so doing lower your workload or number of clients to develop a sustainable lifestyle. So whilst there's an early manic hustle to build your business, things can settle over time. With online content creation, the rates are determined by, in this case, RUclips. It's no wonder creators are saying they feel like they've never left that early manic hustle, even after a decade on the platform.
@@rhimiles Agree, it will always be a manic hustle because that's exactly how RUclips have orchestrated their policy for content providers ... more, more, more, now, faster, more. I just got a notice from RUclips that they are going to terminate my contract with them because I haven't produce enough content in the last 30 days. Get this the "contract" is that I can monetize my videos?? Haha ... I've never monetized my videos for over a decade. Not only that, unless you're well over 2 Million subs, monetized video doesn't bring in any level of sustainable income. The folks that make money on RUclips use Patreon and/or their platform to sell their own products like, mugs, t-shirts, etc. I think if these larger RUclipsrs actually sat down and worked out the costs to benefit ratio ... they would simply run their own server for content and just provide ONE and only ONE link to it from their RUclips channel.
I was a photographer for almost 30 years and art definitely doesn't scale .... as you get better known and get larger commissions you need more equipment, a bigger car, maybe even an assistant but there's also more administration, getting access, retaining rights, having your films processed when the next job is starting to jostle for time all of which puts pressure on your creative side as you need to earn more just to pay for the overheads. At a certain point I found I was working myself into the ground but was no better off personally or financially .....so I cut right back, pared my operation to the bone, got more selective about what I did and for whom. Suddenly I started enjoying the process again, doing better work and was just as well off despite bringing in "less money", it takes courage and it's counter-intuitive, but it definitely worked for me.
WHO CARES ABOUT MATPAT LEAVING.🤣🤣 MY VIDEOS ARE MUCH BETTER.😁
IM GLAD HES NOT HERE😂😂...
You miss the element where you manage volume by increasing PRICE
Up to a point @@BobBob-rt1vl ..... but it's very easy to price yourself out of a job, even reliable and repeat clients would approach a couple of other folk for their price and availability as they only had a certain amount in their budget.
I so badly needed to read this... this is where I'm at now.
It's a struggle @@RyanJamesTheNomad that only those involved can sort out, but success can bring things that destroy the creative urge, I got to the point where I was churning out work, yet I couldn't remember any of my pictures a week later and all whilst I was neglecting my family, driving crazy miles .... you probaby know the rest. So many times I saw an architect get commercial success and the edge went off the work because it became"studio of" and not the original creative reputation. Rhett expresses it perfectly that the commercial side becomes the driver and the bit he loved, making music has to take a back seat .... the agency who represent me calls it "Feeding the Beast". Keep strong, think everything through, listen to others f you can and enjoy your work.
That last thing, don’t make what you do your identity, is crucial for everyone. People take pride in what they do well. But stuff happens beyond our control that changes that. Maybe it’s a different leadership, maybe it’s retirement or an unplanned job change, maybe it’s health. But what you do isn’t who you are. It took me a while to learn this and it’s something I’ve had to learn more than once.
I am also quitting watching youtube videos and getting gear
Too much money for never being happy
Last week I just connected my strat to my 65 AC30 and though….what the hell on Earth do I need beside that? ❤
I wished I'd spent more time learning, and not such much chasing gear
@@colinpadley1897 Everyone is selling or promoting something. Hence all the links to Sweetwater, etc. "Sponsored by", "Promoted links" - all meant to generate revenue. I am too getting tired of videos triggering GAS but there's no money in purely conveying information.
@@colinpadley1897 Moderate spending is okay, I wouldn't play as nearly as much as i do if I didn't invest sometimes almost a whole paycheck on gear or even more. But gear doesn't make the player.
Trust...you will be back...been there ;)
@@wasabimask4952try being a drummer and guitarist 😆
Jeff Beck said, if you start playing guitar at age 8 or 10, by the time you're 30-35 years old, you'll be impressive and remarkable. That's just it. It's all in or nothing. Not everyone has the ability, perseverance, time, lifestyle, financial support to do that. It's the reality of being a musician, or not.
RUclips isn't what it used to be, neither is the entire internet. there's a real world out there where we belong. if you're spending more time on the net, than in the real world outside, that's a problem. business or not, whether you get paid or not, is secondary.
I've seen more "why RUclipsrs quit" videos than "I quit" videos.
It isn't rocket science. RUclipsrs are quitting because youtube, which probably started out as fun endeavor, turned into **a job**, they burn out, they get tired of the constant grind of appeasing the algorithm. You can literally watch in real time when channels go from fun to a job - everything changes. Most of us probably used to watch small channels and enjoyed them then stopped watching them because there came a point of channel growth where you felt they started "selling out."
The RUclipsrs are fully guilty of turning what could have been a fulfilling activity into a job. They have only themselves to blame.
I agree. You need to have other income streams, another job, or investments to provide that security that Rhett mentons. It takes the pressure off and makes it more likes it was when they started. Being a slave to the algos is no different than working for a job that pays straight commission, you never know how prosperous the month is going to be. I'm sure it's easy to get sucked in once brands start coming to with product. Every other RUclipsr I watch has a room full of amps and cabinets lol. But there is price for that..if they don't have the discipline to keep up burnout is inevitable. @@danmar007
Yup.
It's almost like you took this video, summarized it, and acted like it's your own brilliant thought. Go back to bed before you hurt yourself.
Why are so many RUclipsrs making so many videos about quiting RUclips?
It is fascinating to watch all this. RUclipsrs quit. The ones who haven't. Make videos about it...
I think it's a microcosm of RUclips as a whole. Nothings been the same since creators started making money, RUclips isn't anyone's side project its their job and the Meta is so defined and competitive that the most interesting videos are the poorly recorded 0 sub channel ones of some guy just talking into a camera.
and all at the same time
Videos like these bring views ;) They are all at it!
@@AdvenuringTimeyeah. This video is jumping on the back of other ones people have posted. Just trying to feed the algorithm with pointless shit
Even more fascinating, this is basically a reaction video to someone who made a video about someone who made a video about quitting. ffs
Please don’t quit RUclips!! It’s an honor to be taught by you and your peers like Rick Beato, Tim Pierce and so many other great musicians. Thank you Rhett, for creating such great content.
WHO CARES ABOUT MATPAT LEAVING.🤣🤣 MY VIDEOS ARE MUCH BETTER.😁
IM GLAD HES NOT HERE😂😂...
Grow up prik
Thank you, Rhett. I definitely feel the pressure of "the algorithm" and keeping the balance can be interesting. Not an easy thing but we're all blessed to be here. Cheers!
I think RUclipsrs quit because they run out of ideas for real videos, as evidenced by the fact that everybody is posting a dang video about "Why RUclipsrs quit" at the same dang time. Seriously....this is not a dig at Rhett specifically, but it's ridiculous that everyone is giving takes on this dumb subject.
so true
Lmao😂😂
yep. i like how since the algo is throwing quit vids out like parade candy someone just coincidentally has a serious 2 cents to put in.
it's just a way to get views, as most of the time the person is not actually quitting.
Chasing content
Hi Rhett, this video struck a nerve…
My wife lost her job, and she had 2 choices…work for someone else, or start her own business. We chose to start our own business. That said, the creative part of her job has been given over to running a business-not what she does best. That’s the challenge with everything you do, right?
A friend of mine sent me a link to Michael E. Gerber’s book about why businesses fail…it’s because you don’t get to do what you did, that made you good! Now, you have to run the business!
Best advice? Hire people that you can trust to run the business, so you can do what you do best! Thanks for the video…
Thanks for the video Rhett. I am a professional opera singer who was sidelined during the pandemic. I took up the guitar, something I had been wanting to learn since I was a kid, but circumstances always thwarted that happening. My teacher is a jazz player, and studying guitar from a jazz perspective has opened up an entirely new creative world for me, musically speaking. I totally agree that it has reinvigorated my love for music, and broadened my understanding of how I do what I do on stage. Always enjoy your content!
Hi Rhett. The part where you say connect with other like minded people really resonated with me.
I was professional "jobbing musician" for 20yrs then gave up playing professionally to be with my family as I was always working away from home. I started working for the NHS which I did for 18 yrs till my recent retirement.
I have always writen and recorded my own material and thought retirement would give me time for this, but I became more insular and began to record and produce music less and less. I've recently offered to help others record their music and this has re-invigorated my passion for creating my own material again. Thanks for the video.
I'm glad you're sticking around! I enjoy and appreciate your information, delivery of the information and your personality.
Keep pushing...
Great video! I’ve watched quite a few of these videos talking about people quitting RUclips, but this one was far away the one worth my time! Order and strategy almost seem like the antithesis of creativity.
The reality is is that the digital bubble burst at the end of 2022 and there’s not as much money being pumped into add sense by advertisers. People have gone from making the content that they want to to pandering to the algorithm. Also, they just completely revamped the algorithm last year. From what I understand, it doesn’t work anything like it used to.
YT veteran here. Started in 2007. Have followed you almost since your beginning .
You are totally correct here.
I never quit my day job, and over the past year, I have let go of the idea of "chasing the algorithm"
Now, I don't care as much about keeping up to the schedule, I make videos whenever I feel like it, and I am much happier.
Good vids too!!
WHO CARES ABOUT MATPAT LEAVING.🤣🤣 MY VIDEOS ARE MUCH BETTER.😁
IM GLAD HES NOT HERE😂😂...
I have learned a lot watching all of you. I am more encouraged than discouraged to try and build something new and interesting. Thank you, Rhett.
Thanks buddy- I don’t wanna be a RUclipsr but I find all your stuff interesting and easy to listen to. Found you through Rick B awhile back.
It means a lot to hear someone talk about what makes sense for them on a deeper level and wanting to help others with it. Feels good to be one of the many trusted receivers of such heartfelt declarations. Congratulations on having figured out where to go and on having found the resources to keep it going. It's always a work in progress I guess, as you seem to imply, so good luck and I hope you keep enjoying the ride!
WHO CARES ABOUT MATPAT LEAVING.🤣🤣 MY VIDEOS ARE MUCH BETTER.😁
IM GLAD HES NOT HERE😂😂...
Great video! As a fellow content creator that was getting pretty burned out...I really needed to hear this. I appreciate it! 👊🏼
I may just end up as another spec in the youtube comments section but just want to show my appreciation for you and this channel. You helped me start my journey playing guitar and improve a great deal along the way
I think I need to quit watching RUclips at least for a while, it's become an addiction and way too time consuming.
Right out my head as well!!! Thanks Rhett 👍🎸🎶
These are all just legacy creators who came up when RUclips was a different animal. Now it’s moved to shorts and they don’t want to adapt. I don’t really feel bad for them. I have to work a soul crushing job 10 hours a day just to barely pay my bills, these people have turned making videos into upwards of multimillion dollar empires. Good on them, glad they can retire comfortably AND early. Don’t care why they quit, don’t need a long winded explanation from them, don’t need the drama, they’re not my friends, they’re one step removed from essentially being actors. Just say making videos isn’t fun anymore and move on
What’s your soul crushing job?
@@BOOLsheet working in an heavy machinery assembly factory. 10 hours a day pushed to the very last minute to get as many product as possible off of the line, not much alternative opportunity in the area, was never given a chance to leave my home “zone,” if you want to call it that. Theoretically when I was younger I guess I could have thrown caution to the wind and just left and seen what happened but I didn’t want to take that much of a risk because I had no plan or friends or family outside of where I’m from if things went south
Woah. Barely paying bills is just life in the 2020's, but a soul crushing job is a choice. If you are here watching Rhett, make moves and do something you enjoy! (I dont live in the US so am lucky not to have Healthcare or low minimum wage worries etc) but millions of people use these channels to get through days of their soul crushing jobs. So for some people, the stability of these channels is important to them. Just my 2 cents in return of yours...
@@Scraps-nt6xy gotcha. You’re fairly articulate so I didn’t think heavy machinery assembly would be the answer. It does sound like you’ve sold yourself short.
When a person turns a hobby into job, it no longer is a hobby. Some people can deal with it, many lose the joy in the hobby. There are many "you-tubers" that have no creativity or talent but want to make money.
I remember seeing Rhett post a poll trying to gauge interest in a patreon and there were so many votes for no, and then the post was deleted. It’s sad to see how much people value free content and yet scoff at the idea of paying for media/entertainment/educational content.
Thanks Rhett. Your channel has taught and inspired me a LOT. You can take it to heart that your generosity with your creativity has touched many lives! Keep up the great work.
I‘m in a nine to five job, so this here is not exactly my department… But wouldn‘t our world be duller without you! So thanks for keeping it up, but take care for your beloved ones in first place. They are your pillar and strength 😊
You ALMOST said "i love lamp". That would have been epic
That's really good advice. I got into RUclips to share my music with the world, and at the same time, it forces me to get better and consistently play, which makes me a better musician. I could care less about the ad revenue or the views. I don't ever want it to become a job. Creativity at the core is really key for everyone. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hey, Rhett. Just wanted to say thanks for addressing this issue. I'm suffering from burnout in my profession. I've been a commercial photographer for over 20 years now. I've taken a few of your suggestions about finding other professionals in my field to share ideas and grievances. It's helping. Keep up the good work, Man.
Well said: RUclips is an educational platform. And for that reason, I hope, you won't quit. I like to get educated by your content! - THX for that!
Everything you said ist not just related to obvious "creative" jobs (or YT-Channels, etc.) but to everyone who puts his heart into whatever is to be done, because that's the only way one can estimate the face in the mirror every morning ...
I have to say this is how I fell into academia in a lot of ways. Teaching is the income stream and writing work is the creative thing. Great thoughts here!
As a creator, everyone has to deal with this same thing. I toured with club bands most of my young life and earned my living playing cover music and a few originals. When I hit my 40's I decided to go back to school and became an RN like my wife. The music biz is tougher now than it was when I was doing it. I have a studio similar to yours in my home and recently retired from healthcare. My bandmates who kept following the music dream are in their 60's and 70's playing for peanuts in bars with no retirement and small SS checks. Having fun while young but planning for old age is my best advice.
You're definitely one of my favourite RUclipsr's Rhett. In particular my tone and sound would not be where it is today if it weren't for you. Oh, and you made me buy a Telecaster, which I'll never regret.
Thank you.
I think the keyword is business. If you see it for what it is, a business, then you can run a channel without sinking your whole identity into it.
The whole creative jobs don't scale is not a creative problem. It's a business owner problem. Say a person creates a landscaping business because they are passionate about it and it does well, eventually they are spending their days doing zero landscaping. Think of any business and the end result is the same. If you start a business and it succeeds, your job becomes running a business. That problem is not exclusive to creators.
This whole "RUclipsrs quitting" thing smells like a monkey-see, monkey-do kind of thing.
Seeking popular topics and making a video about it....
@@69sidewinder It indeed seems!
I barely watch anything other than RUclips. And I am glad you are here.
EVERY beginner RUclipsr (and even experienced ones) should watch this video! My channel is super niche and small, yet monetized. It's certainly not my main income source but yeah, it's my creative outlet as I play cover and tribute band gigs. Even for a small channel us "little guys" can experience burnout too. And definitely the stress thinking of multiple ways to get our channel bigger. My solution was to just keep my initial mindset...create the videos for the passion I have, to share knowledge, and to create. For me, the rest is gravy...and I still have FUN doing this. Thanks so much for this video!
Is it just a coincidence that Rick released a video on this topic a couple of days ago... and now Rhett?
Glad to know you are not dropping off the platform. I agree with you that YT is a teaching and learning platform. Cheers
Thank you! Congrats on your success. Definitely find some peace. Keep going.
I’ve been watching Rhett for about six years now. He is really baring his soul in this one. Some of my favorite videos have been when Rhett, Rick Beato, and Dave Onerato get together
Just remember that your guitar, in whatever shape or form, is what makes your channel. Just don’t do a vid on taxes or “my summer vacation” and I’ll always be here to watch and LEARN. Thanks Rhett!
Really good advice, I am about to start content creation for my band, and I think I really needed to hear that going in. Glad you're doing well, thanks for the perspective.
Rhett "the dog that caught the car" is a perfect analogy! I love RUclips as a musical education tool, but I am not a RUclipsr myself. However a similar burnout has set in. Having spent the last 10 years improving my theory, ear training and playing skills, somehow the fun factor and passion has plateaued. The effect is the fun creative part has taken a back seat to my energies going into the job/business side.
Great insight Rhett, Thanks!
Great video, thanks for the encouragement 👍🏻
Thanks for doing this. I do watch episodes and its a quality broadcast and I have learned alot. its alot of work that's taken for granted because you have excellent production skills; video,audio, scripts all top notch.
Great topic and thoughts. I think that the key factor is to respect yourself. When you push too much, you should slow down, when you feel that you should change something, you should do it... I agree about making it an "independent service" not connected to views. Overall for a lot of users it is still just a hobby and there is nothing wrong with it. Got my like here. Cheers.
Everyone is leaving now because RUclips wants you to pay for platform space with their new promotion feature. RUclips figures if we stop sharing your videos, even to your subscribers, then you will be forced to pay for platform space. I mentioned this in the “think media” live chat, and they kicked me out and scolded me for it. So what does that tell you?
I have fallen victim to this on more than one occasion. I have hobbies that I turned into a business and they soon lost their charm and became a job. I already had a job and didn’t need or want another job. One example is I loved scuba diving and became an instructor. I taught through a shop for several years. One day I realized every time I got in the water I was working so I quit diving all together.
It becomes work and like many businesses, the hardest thing in the world is sustaining and growing the business. Staying relevant in your business is so difficult. Staying focused is so hard. You’re doing great
Really appreciate this perspective, Rhett. For me being an educator, I'd been down the path of putting my band "on hold" (or at least, as the lesser priority) for the sake of my business, and I felt sucked dry and lost my sense of identity. But I felt a lot more invigorated when I started prioritizing balance and making sure to pursue both, brainstorming ways to keep both afloat and manage the various obligations that both entail, instead of making it one or the other. If I hadn't done that, my identity would very much be tied solely to my teaching and while I do love it, I don't want to end up hating it because of it enveloping me entirely. There's more I want to do.
Now I'm faced with a new challenge - getting back in the creative space after both the lockdowns over the last few years and having a bunch of unrecorded material sitting on the backburner had me feeling apathetic about being creative in general. The band is getting more productive again, and that feels good, and I'm also pursuing a solo project to experiment with ideas that don't fully fit with the main band, and it's tricky balancing it and committing the energy to create when it's needed after my work obligations are taken care of. But that's a "me" thing to figure out.
But I digress. Thanks for the video; really appreciate your perspectives and overall authenticity in a RUclips culture that can at times be very toxic and annoying. This was primarily about RUclipsrs quitting, but there was a lot for me to take away from it as well. Cheers.
The same thing happens as a consumer of content. The journey becomes much more enjoyable than the destination. You can literally burn out by researching how to do something before ever even attempting to do that thing. Unintentionally vicariously living through the content creators. It’s like someone giving away the end of a movie. If you listen to 20 different people give their explanation of the ending, it is just impossible to force yourself to watch the movie to gather your own explanation.
Dear Rhett, thanks for this beautiful video 🙏 The things you say from around 06:55-8:00 are touching deep as they describe the dead end street I was in 😕I became very successful as a songwriter and gigging artist plus I was working for one of the big guitar brands full time. My father always warned me and said:”You run the risk of losing that secret escape/oasis music is for you!” 😢Unfortunately, he was right and I burned out on it for many years until I could return. Nowadays I run a small but successful RUclips channel 🎸, but having my main source of income in a “regular” job that still bears some sort of creativity and leaves me all freedom I need to stay in balance ⚖️ ☮️
I was pretty sure I didn't want to watch the third video on this topic, but I'm glad I did, cheers Rhett!
As others have said or tried to say RUclips channels in their infancy are more entertaining to watch. As money and what it brings works its way into your work it becomes less appealing to watchers. I'm a watcher and that's the way I have felt for many years.
Much love to you brother
Rhett, my good man - the issues you are commenting here and not anything that anybody who is not independently wealthy doesn't deal with, no matter what they do for a living. Your diversification suggestion is a truly excellent one.
Thanks Rhett. As someonre trying to get my own channel to the next level this was very informative and helpful for my big picture.
Hi Rhett. I'm really glad you tossed this out there as a "forewarning". I'm about 4yrs away from retiring from my shitty 9 - 5 IT job, and I'm already in the process of creating a regionally toured show that has Shakespearean theater segments that preface each musical set for context. (I can explain in a DM). I've always been in cover/original bands in some context or another, been a small time studio musician & shade tree producer ever since 1986. But that day gig always sucked up the lion's share of my life. I've never realized the success you have musical career wise. I was hoping to live off my day job's pension, and then supplement with live show gigs & then produce additional content for "RUclips" once every three months or so. What advice would you give to someone in my shoes? I'm not even sure if "live show" performances are worth it after seeing what Ticket brokers & Large venues are doing to artists. (Cut of the Merch + incidental venue fees you can't get a set price for up front.) It's never been a question of "if". Its when & "how far do I want to take it before the STRESS takes out all the enjoyment and creativity"?
Rhett, you’ve come a long way on RUclips. I’m glad to have been a small part of your journey the past few years. Great video as always🤘
10:40 "Do not rely on Google or RUclips for your income". The wisest advice that you get at the beginning of the year 2024 in the internet world.
I appreciate you man. I have a dream job for me and guitar is a hobby that I love, but it is definitely not my goal to make it my job. I’m thankful you took this route and learn things all the time, but my favorite is your new reel time jams. You know what you’re doing, just keep going
Truly, thank -you- for sticking around! I am preparing to re-launch, maybe this summer, with the aid of an instructor, new ideas, an intact unrelated day job for 18+ years, and a pension... yep, that old. So AdSense? Fine. Patreon? Maybe... But engaging useful content? Yes... My hope and prayer. Thanks to you Rhett, and that community you speak of. I think I subscribe most everyone you've mentioned over the years.
I did it last year pretty much. I've been uploading since 2009. But needed to move on. I do still think in terms of "That's good video idea". I will upload again someday.... but it's never going to be the same.
I’m here because I’m a maker and I use hobbies like music and woodworking to keep me from being burnt out. I’m leaning on them extra hard right now.
What’s really special about you vs. normal videos is your vulnerability. This wasn’t just a “what you should do” or “why RUclips whatever.” You took your thoughts on that and related that back to what you’ve gone through and are going through. It’s been the best mental health check of my week.
I’ve started making sure I’m more open about my issues because you’ve have helped me a few times. Maybe I’ll help folks that think people in my position don’t struggle like they do. And that’s therapeutic as well. Pretty cool.
So thank you. Yeah, you’ve helped my playing and entertained me. But you’ve helped me be a little happier in life. And I’m just a random guy on the internet.
As somebody who has been a songwriter and creative all of his life… I can totally understand where a lot of these people are coming from. Doing something over and over again in the creative space, creates burn out. Regardless, if you’re working on something different every time or not… It’s a lot of pressure to perform. it starts out a purely creative endeavor and then you have to plan out almost everything you do… Because you don’t want to repeat yourself with different videos.
By limiting yourself, and creating a daily planner, it’s not really creative anymore. It’s more of a job. Your scheduling your day out to get the most out of your videos, the quickest. And especially if you are editing your own videos, that makes it that much more work. I know a lot of the larger RUclipsrs are hiring editors, out of house, in order to save time… Which actually helps with the creative process. Though, you can actually cut out editing altogether if you plan out each scene. Which is another plan, though it cuts out a big piece of the puzzle.
Essentially a story of what you want to do. Though, doing so can cut out the spontaneity of your videos unless you’re a really good actor. Spontaneity doesn’t matter to most, though. Because it can lead to a lot of retakes, and a lot of post production to get it to look and feel right. Especially if you’re talking about multiple camera angles. Which again, takes you back to editing. Which is more work.
Like anything in life, you have to strike a balance. A harmony between work and play. It also helps if you have a friend who can go along for the ride, to make making videos fun. But, many RUclipsrs choose to do it alone… which can easily burn you out, because your interaction with those around you, can become limited due to the very isolating nature that making videos is. I always thought it was a good idea to have a friend learn to be your cameraman, because then you get production done along with enjoying the day with your friend.
Though, I can totally understand the burnout, and the work that needs to be put into making your channel everything it needs to be. This is why the record industry and the film/TV industry has agents and managers and directors and editors… Because then the actor can focus on acting. The Director can focus on directing and so forth. Imagine, if you were an actor, and you had to act, direct, edit, and then take charge of your career and book gigs for yourself. That’s exactly what a RUclipsr has to do. So it’s no wonder that there is a disconnect between people who have been doing this a long time.
They develop this huge following with complete strangers, and over time it becomes a job, as opposed to something fun they’re doing to entertain people on the Internet. Music is no different than film. If you’re writing songs, and mixing and editing and mastering along with dealing with everything you have to deal with with the videos… Not to mention marketing and booking flights and hotel rooms and rental cars and everything that you have to do in order to make one video. Not to mention, thousands.
So I hope everybody out there who watches these videos, who doesn’t make their own… Gives these people props. Because they get a lot of flack from a lot of people who are angry that their lives aren’t going as well as some of these RUclipsrs. They think that, just because a RUclipsr has 100,000 followers or more… Even 50,000… That they are rich and that is far from the truth. Unless you have a lot of Patreon supporters, but then you have to take into account taxes and RUclips’s cut, Patreon’s cut, Marketing, flights, gas, hotels, food.. $50,000 a year all of a sudden turns into 25,000 or less really quick. Now, a lot of that is a write off…
But, we are still making half or less of what people think you are. Depending on what kind of videos you are doing. If you are sitting in your house, talking to people… Then you can make considerably more… Because you costs aren’t as much. But, that can also lead to severe burnout, because you’re not going anywhere and doing anything… focusing on talking to your camera and editing out what you need to. Which I think would lead to burn out faster.
Regardless, people need to show a lot of these RUclipsrs respect. Because you do not know the work that goes on behind the scene to make all of these videos coherent and look good for the mainstream audience. On top of that, dealing with negativity on a daily basis, can get old really quick. There’s a lot of people in the world whose lives aren’t going great and they simply want others to join them, because they feel so isolated and helpless. I always say, never judge another man or woman, until you walk a mile on their shoes. Though you shouldn’t be judging them at all, because we all go through things.
Live life every day like it’s your last and love like it’s your very first. Which has been my motto all of my life. I hope everybody’s 2024 is off to a wonderful start and God gives you all of the blessings that you deserve. be kind to one another. This planet is far too angry, and it makes living the every day that much more difficult for everybody involved. Don’t be afraid to walk up to a stranger and say something nice to them… as, everybody needs a little encouragement every once in a while, and sometimes the people in their lives are too busy or blinded by their own ambitions to do so.
Rhett, God bless you in every way and your wonderful talents. I know, from experience, how difficult songwriting could be on its own… Not to mention, making videos on top of it. I appreciate what you do and how you do it. You are down to earth and seemingly try to be kind to your audience and everybody around you. I wish more people would take your lead. It is why your channel has the popularity it does. people can see themselves in you and that means the world to a lot of people who can’t get out of bed or don’t have the will to leave their houses.
People like you are a lighthouse, a beacon, to show others how to live without regret. Something people need more than ever right now. So from me and all of your fans here on RUclips… Keep doing what you do, knowing that it is helping and entertaining people around the world, who need every little bit of sunshine and happiness they can get in this gloomy environment we live.
You nailed it Rhett. Speaking as a professional artist and college professor, there is a BIG difference between creative/artistic out of interest and passion, and being a creative professional. Being creative on your own is fun and rewarding. Professionals apply talents to projects we have ZERO interest in because we want to get paid, and that income comes with responsibility.
Thank you so much for this video and all your great content, Rhett. You are a thoughful, insightful, creative, and decent person who does a great job in all this, including your willingness to share where you are, how it's going, and you don't gloss over the tough parts and rough spots. I wish you all the success on YOUR terms, your way.
I used to be friend with a painter, very talented, traveling the world working basically for free. I asked her why don't you take commissions and make money out of your amazing skills? She said she wanted to be free to paint whatever she likes and don't attach her creativity to money. Few years and nervous breakdowns later, today I totally understand her.
Yes, after a good few years through that wash cycle, I think I realised something I kind of knew earlier but forgot. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. When I looked back some of the most settled but also creative periods were when I had a not intolerable job, that treated me ok and paid enough to cover the essentials ... but only working part-time. Then the rest of the time was my own to only create what I wanted without being much bothered about the eeking a living. So, now, after almost ten years, I'm back at that situation again. I have about enough money to get buy, but also about enough time and energy to create. But I have to be careful of both, and so I value both more; a living and a creative life.
Another true fact is , RUclips algorithm is haunting creators to dig in more by always feeding the algorithm to please it. The RUclips guys at the office too keep tightening the algorithm and hence making the fun of RUclips become like a quarter final qualifications into the tournament. An example, when RUclips shorts came, people got onto the band wagon. RUclips relaxed the algorithm in a way that channels were gathering views and subs, especially the views side. Now that people have gotten hook unto the Shorts, all of a sudden, views are dropping and won't even move after a certain view rate. So some RUclipsrs might also feel frustrated in a way and hence ADD into all these burn outs and then thrown in the towel. I nearly did same though. But I love what I do and what am into. So I keep grinding.
Excellent video! Great message. Thank you for your thoughts, your honesty and your continued creativity.
I agree with you that education is the primary reason most come here. I know I do. I love learning. ❤️ My little channel? I am making videos about I want to share. I love creating things. Not doing this to start a full time job at this stage in my life. Younger folks: Try to avoid living above your means to avoid burn out.
I appreciate your thoughts on this and I have been following you as a content creator for a while. I play guitar and I have created some RUclips content (mostly Excel checkbook related), and man, it's SOOOOO time consuming to even produce a 5 minute video. It can be exhausting at times.
Every RUclipsr right now: *_thank God, something to make content about!_* 😂
Here's what works for me... No matter what I'm doing creatively, whether it's the video production I do for my day job, playing music at home that I do for myself but occasionally post online, or writing that I do for social media and rare disease advocacy (long story, but there are like 50,000 people in the world who have what I have)... I always keep something for myself that feeds my creative soul that's separate from what I share with the world. It's the equivalent of having a private journal. So, I consume content that inspires me but has nothing to do with the content I create. I listen to and play music completely different than what I share publicly. I read and write ideas that push me personally and creatively but don't intend to share them. To me, it's self-care for a creator/maker/whatever word you use. It's kept me going for over 20 years as a creative professional, and some of these lessons I learned the hard way with a few bumps along the road when I burned out. Hope this helps someone. Keep up the great work, Rhett. I've followed you since 2019, I think. And have thoroughly enjoyed watching your channel grow.
'Common everyone wants to retire of anything at some point. It's not just creativity. Any job you need to dedicate yourself to for years before you get good at wears you down.
Good job honey! I can put this information to use in my new gig as well! You are amazing…never forget that.
Loved this video! Thank you for sharing! And for continuing to do this.
Rhett- At around 8:33 in you suggest for people to find like-minded individuals who do what we are doing. That message can be directed at many things I am interested in BUT, I believe you mean for it to be where creativity is at the core. There just is not enough time for that (see below). I've been playing since the late '80s, college and professional in the corporate world. I love music.
"RUclipsrs" keep me in the game.....they inspire me to pick up the guitar. Living in the NYC area where to own an affordable home AND get to work every day, one must understand that the work is 10 hours out of the day and then a round trip commute of 3+ hours....pretty much the standard is wake up at 6am, get ready, rush to the train and get home at 8pm or later. The brain is a muscle like any other, and sometimes it just gets too tired to tap into that creative outlet.....it just needs rest! Therefore, networking with other musicians is not an option......spouse, food shopping, staying healthy/gym time, etc.... are influencing variables.
This is where you need to know how important "RUclipsrs" can be to the lives of many. You keep people like me "in the game" creatively. Yes, my love of music does that but you, and other youtubers, are the very important spark as many time the activity of the day just sapped me and other working stiffs from any "real" energy.
So I get it....I understand the growing importance of people like you to give lessons for stability of income. Smart move.....and the reason why I never got into sales. Salespeople go thru that same feeling of income fluctuation to varying degrees. However I, like most corporate employees, are non-union workers. Anybody can get canned at any time...."at will" employment and in this day of cancel culture and hirings done less on experience and more on "racial/gender" equity, I have to understand that I am competing most of the time with people that have fractions of my experience but have the better odds of progressing becuase of social standings.....I am a caucasion male but may lose what I have competitively because I now find myself competing with other for the sole purpose they are binary, or Asian, or go ahead and think of a tone of other reasons besides what is of value to the profession........ Social inclusion via disclusion. My American dream has turned into the American nightmare. RUclipsrs keep many from just "giving up".
It's all about the conent - it always was. Most people aren't watching because you're Beato or Shull, in the context of music - we are watching because we are actively involved in it and attempting to learn more. I was learning about tube amps and I found you - and the video was great, so I kept watching. And that can be residual, because even though I've moved on past that obsession, there will always be someone in that same space that I was - searching. And your videos will still be there. But - I think the catch is that eventually you sort of run out of things to say. There seems to be this idea that the creativity is limitless, but honestly, at this point, many of you are talking about each other, and talking about the video's themselves... I sometimes wonder if these types of videos are neccesary - it would seem they can actually hurt the platform overall? I don't know - just rambling. But, your videos have been a huge inspiration and a lot of fun - and I'm grateful for the work that you'e done
I don’t really believe anyone who says they’re quitting RUclips, it just makes no sense to give up thousands of dollars per month or whatever you get with hundreds of thousands of subscribers.
i always thought that quitting videos were just a click baity way to get views, because most of the time said person is not actually quitting
I know you're a guitar/music channel, but i would love to see a watch collection video and learn why you got all your unique peices
Love all your videos and presentation style you’re a cool dude 🤙🏽 keep up the good fight
Great video Rhett! Very relatable and much needed for us working in the music business.
Everyone needs to mark these kind of videos as “not interested “. RUclipsrs who quit and people like this who make videos about them are all click baiting us
Rhett your channel has always been interesting informative and entertaining. I think besides the facts that you are a great player and a very good storyteller you aren’t afraid to let us in on your actual story . That keeps it fresh, entertaining and interesting for both us as viewers and you as a creator. Thanks for what you do!!
I'm in a different but similar field - visual effects for film. After a few years as an artist, I started my own company and you indeed get a lot of different responsibilities that move you away from the core. My recipe has been - enjoy teaching people and delegating to your team, outsource tasks that are not essential to your core offering, and keep one important frontier field that you still spend time to push the state of the art on your own, and share it with the team and community.
Rhett you are one of the strong influences in my guitar journey development
When you're a high school teacher and you ask a student what they want to do and they say "I'll probably have a youtube channel", it makes you worried.
Life and family happens things come up and planning gets messed up.
I am song-writer and I can NEVER sit down and write a song. The ideas come randomly and unpredictably and in dribs and drabs. I cannot imagine that I will ever change or the stress that goes with tying an income to it. I almost think its futile, although I know some others can do what I can't do.
As a NON musician, I really enjoyed this episode. If you’re wondering why a non-musician watches musical related channels it’s because even though I’m not a player I come from a family of players and singers so I appreciate gear and conversations about it in much the same way someone can appreciate classic cars and yet not own a 1969 dodge charger or Camaro.
It’s amazing how so many things that applies to the current conversation in music can be applied broadly to many areas. The dying ‘middle class’ of musicians and music industry workers. The difficulty excellent artist have to even be discovered, (how many times have you stumbled on a music video that’s 10 years old and you scratch your head and say how did I not hear of these guys? How did they not become the next Aerosmith?). The nearly impossible chance for what I call ‘pro-sumer’ level musicians to even get started, while at the same time a parade of barely competent repetitive ‘clap track’, corporate driven nonsense is everywhere and leaves us scratching our heads. Having a bizarre personal life or appearance now outweighs any musical talent or abilities.
All this can be related to so many different areas. The same conversations, the same questions, the same bewilderment about this happening to music related areas can be applied to steel workers, miners, factory workers, repair shop owners etc.
Many will say well it’s just technology or AI, or some other thing we have been conditioned into accepting but I see a lack of music education for our kids and the failure to appreciate personal excellence also having great impact and I think it has also resulted in a loss of appreciating excellence in things like music and craftsmanship.
I think the answer is channels like this and Ricks staying the course if they can, and to lobby instrument makers and retiring artist to head to the elementary and middle schools and re-introduced music education and appreciation and perhaps a future crop of players will emerge that appreciates the skill and effort that brings real music and maybe supporting artist and players in the process will be a byproduct.
This entire episode has been very helpful and motivational in continuing the side gig I’m trying to do since retiring. Knowing other people in other areas have the same issues and some of the same advice, applies across many different genres is almost comforting.
This entire episode could’ve been about a Carpenter, trying to start his own business, or an auto mechanic, trying to establish themselves as much as it is about indie music.
Well done, a very timely and spot on discussion!
Thanks Rhett like your work