What have I done? I hope I made the right decision!
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- In this video I wanted to share a huge life changing decision I made this year, my rationale on why I did it and my thoughts of my future.
-- Links
My VCF Atlanta Talk:
• VCF SE 10.0 -- How Ret...
Adrian's Digital Basement Merch store:
my-store-c82bd...
Adrian's Digital Basement ][ (Second Channel)
/ @adriansdigitalbasement2
Support the channel on Patreon:
/ adriansdigitalbasement
-- Tools
Deoxit D5:
amzn.to/2VvOKy1
store.caig.com/...
O-Ring Pick Set: (I use these to lift chips off boards)
amzn.to/3a9x54J
Elenco Electronics LP-560 Logic Probe:
amzn.to/2VrT5lW
Hakko FR301 Desoldering Iron:
amzn.to/2ye6xC0
Rigol DS1054Z Four Channel Oscilloscope:
www.rigolna.co...
Head Worn Magnifying Goggles / Dual Lens Flip-In Head Magnifier:
amzn.to/3adRbuy
TL866II Plus Chip Tester and EPROM programmer: (The MiniPro)
amzn.to/2wG4tlP
www.aliexpress...
TS100 Soldering Iron:
amzn.to/2K36dJ5
www.ebay.com/i...
EEVBlog 121GW Multimeter:
www.eevblog.co...
DSLogic Basic Logic Analyzer:
amzn.to/2RDSDQw
www.ebay.com/i...
Magnetic Screw Holder:
amzn.to/3b8LOhG
www.harborfrei...
Universal ZIP sockets: (clones, used on my ZIF-64 test machine)
www.ebay.com/i...
RetroTink 2X Upconverter: (to hook up something like a C64 to HDMI)
www.retrotink.com/
Plato (Clone) Side Cutters: (order five)
www.ebay.com/i...
Heat Sinks:
www.aliexpress...
Little squeezy bottles: (available elsewhere too)
amzn.to/3b8LOOI
--- Links
My GitHub repository:
github.com/mis...
Commodore Computer Club / Vancouver, WA - Portland, OR - PDX Commodore Users Group
www.commodorec...
--- Instructional videos
My video on damage-free chip removal:
• How to remove chips wi...
--- Music
Intro music and other tracks by:
Nathan Divino
@itsnathandivino
I’ve been self employed for about eight years now. Don’t look back. There will be ups and downs, but it’s completely worth it. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been, and I know you will be as well. Good luck sir! I’ve learned so much from your content.
So much this. When pandemic hit I was with general motors and just decided I don't want to slave away anymore. Never looking back. God speed and thanks for the entertainment. Your videos let me look into a part of tech that I am just old enough to remember but too young to have used regularly. Having a good time with what you do is super important.
Yeah and working most of the time for the government, is also great😞
Becouse is your self employed, your taxes goes WAY up, and have to work harder for the government, because they want more, that they steal, yeah 20+ years ago it was fun to be employed, but not anymore.
I mean 20+ years ago it was great to be self employed.
Congratulations on taking this massive step! Healthcare was honestly my main concern, but Patreon really helped me bridge the gap when I did have some health problems last year.
It's really the community that makes channels like yours what they are, and I'm glad you're fostering it!
As someone who lives in Europe it's kind of insane to hear healthcare and Patreon in the same sentence! Hope you are ok now dude.
@@Daz555Daz I'm in Australia, seems insane here too. The US's healthcare system needs improvement.
@@Daz555Daz Hearing healthcare and 'gofundme' in the same sentence is even worse.
As someone who made this exact same life change to full time Youtubing 12 years ago, you made the right choice. Enjoy.
The Legend!
Damn Adrian, this video actually hit me quite hard. Im in my early 40s now. I've had a good job at a top 100 company for a good number of years, until they decided to ditch IT and outsource it all. With a colleague I started my own company in IT, and that's going on for 12 years now. So quite a while and it brings in a nice bit of money. But not the joy anymore I had of it before. IT is moving to the cloud, and I hate working with cloud services from the big tech companies. They're extremely impressive environments, but I like to do hardware as well, to be able to actually have a feeling or connection towards the machines that run your business. But that's going to be a thing of the past, and pretty much all will be cloud based, which is fine for what it is but not my cup of tea.
I've been into computers since I was 5, and the last couple of years I've build a rather nice collection of retro computers as THAT'S what I like. I also fix them, or fix whatever electronic around the house or for other people, I just like fixing things. I've been thinkering so much the last year how to make more joy out of my working life. I've been thinking of starting an oldschool arcade here in my area as there's nothing around anywhere close. But it such a risky shot. Also we (read: my wife) bought a handcraft store, a dream she's had for ages and that made her so happy. But gone is most of the money I saved. So unfortunately my plans are even more scary now.
I enjoy your videos and enthousiam so much, and hope you never have to work for a boss again 😁 I'm a bit jaelous of you actually 😂
Wow. A lot of the same experiences here.
Cloud stuff is just on someone else's computer... ilike shaping my own environment
This is so close to my story lol. Remember its darkest right before the dawn. Best of luck to you brother.
Totally feel your pain re: the cloud... we went through a little experiment with "thin clients" in the 2000s, and I figured it is normal to vacillate a bit from mainframe to client-server, with a thick client being preferable to me... But I think maybe this is where we are going to stick! Yet at work, we implement 365 and other cloud things - and then management wonders why changes weren't "vetted", etc. It is very frustrating! Making me wonder what my 2nd career might look like.
Hang in there! Maybe try tossing an arcade machine or couple pinball machines in the business you are running now? Just to see if there is interest... ;)
Yeah well it's not like I'm depressed or anything. I am and have always been very happy and content with what I have, and don't care much about what I don't have. And in work I'm considered lucky I think. Being your own boss, getting a nice payment and the freedom to work where and when you want is certainly great! So I'm not feeling really down about that, but yet as said I'm losing the love for it. I just don't like the cloud movement. As a technician, I like to build nice things. And fix them if they break (it happens). Nowadays you're waiting for someone else to fix it while customers still call me. I don't like not to be in control of things that's actuality my expertise I guess.
So who votes for the arcade? 😁
I'm a year older than you, and I have just left IT behind and have started a new vocational qualification in mechanical engineering and fabrication. I'm retraining to become a welder and machinist by the time I'm 50. You're never too old to completely change career paths. Good luck to you!
I'm in a similar position as you. I haven't left IT yet but I REALLY feel the need to get out. I'm also thinking of something in metal fabrication. I loved welding and machining in high school.
Same. 35 years in IT, age 56, can’t be bothered to be ‘agile’ or understand what DevOps means. Biding my time until hopefully they write me a big cheque and tell me to go home…
I got out of IT a few years ago I was happy to leave it behind. Now I’m studying to become a data analyst
I've been doing IT since I was 16. Still doing it. I question why everyday. I'm skilled in so many more things. I like what I do just wish it paid a little better and a bit more free time.
am sure there still computer in there somewhere, you have only got to look CNC, 3d printer this and 3D printer that, and machine basically robots, and all robots need a friendly IT guy, to keep them going?
As I'm sure 1,000 and more people have already said, there's no one that deserves this more! I'm genuinely happy for you! Congratulations!
It's incredible how similar our point of views are :) I repair stuff, doesn't matter if I have time to make videos or not. I also don't like sponsorship and so far refused most of them, except one device test, which I wanted to buy anyway. I also would be glad to make YT full time, but currently this is unfortunately not possible. I wish you a lot of success and of course fun! Great channel, I absolutely love it and you work so hard, that I'm absolutely confident, that everything will be good.
Get back to making your videos, great content.
Love your stuff man. It's been a while since I saw a new video but it has always been great. I hope you'll be able to get to that point as well.
tbh, I prefer yours because Adrian rambles a bit. Even in this video. And the kerfuffle about candy. It's not the candy Adrian, it's getting off-topic about all sorts of things!
Thank you for the candor and vulnerability it took to make this video. I know you say small channel, but your content ranks right up there w/ the others. Your positivity and the way you run your channel is inspiring and the knowledge you share has ignited a passion for many such as myself to pick up the hobby. A very vintage portion of my gameroom only exsists because of you. 😊
Congratulations and Best of Luck!
😊 You follow your passion and not the money. Genuineness and authenticity comes across loud and clear. A RUclipsr with strong morals - a rare breed indeed.
morals wont put food on the table when you're starving
@@ionopelagic RUclipsrs who have sponsorship deals from large multinationals are likely way beyond the point of worrying about putting food on the table.
@@ionopelagicI’m pretty sure before he gets to the point where he’s starving he can just get an IT job again in a heartbeat.
Congratulations! I always assumed you was a big RUclipsr so was surprised you had a full time job too! Your video production is high, and always informative - breaking down each diagnosis step so we (the viewers) can follow along. Thank you for making your videos, and I hope this next chapter of your life works out! Us (the viewers) should also benefit too!!
Your channel is probably the single biggest influence for me and many other small creators. You'll not remember but you helped me with a Mac classic repair a few years ago and I will be forever grateful.
Going full time is a big step but I'm genuinely excited for you for the future. I can sense an amount of emotion from you as you talk, but we here, your viewers, will always be here right behind you.
Keep up the good work and keep living the dream.
CRG wouldn’t it be great to Adrian over for the Athlone Amiga weekend
Adrian, a LOT of what you have said mirrors me. Back in June '23 the best thing I ever did was quit the oil industry and "retire" to my workshop. Highly recommended! I'm 58, Type 2 diabletic here and with other health issues......it certainly rams it home there is more to life than "working for the man". All the best.
Back in '23 -
Bro considering this is October 2023, I imagine you're on about 1923?
@@untitled_person1941naw June 2023......just a few months ago.
Take care of yourself Ian, your stuff is greatly appreciated
Just ridding yourself of the stress of working for a company should in itself be good for your health. Mid 50s heart patient here, it's helped me immensely. After 33 years at the "Death star", my health was declining to the point where those around me were getting concerned. I'm in a much better place now, and enjoying life more.
@@boballmendinger3799 My wife tells me I am a different person since I 'retired'. Absolutely stress is an important factor with hidden consequences.
Congratulations, Adrian! As someone who also changed jobs this year to pursue passion over micromanagement, I understand well the hesitation and fear making such a sudden leap.
I’ve just become a Patron for you to hopefully offset some of that income loss, and I hope many more subscribers here do as well!
I've worked like a dog (in IT) and got nowhere special, getting ever more disillusioned with the direction things have gone in the industry. Questioned myself during the malware where my passion lay and couldn't come up with anything other than "tinkering." Even took steps to start a youtube channel doing that (inspired, in part, by you), but didn't feel good enough. So I'm both happy for you and little jealous. Keep doing what you do!
Ditto. Even to the extent of the RUclips thing. Might still happen, who knows.
I think in order to do that job (IT, especially helpdesk) you've always needed to have a certain degree of "passion" for helping people, not just an interest in tech. --- What exactly are change(s) in 'direction' that bothered you?
Same. Especially when in IT, being underpaid considering what you do, being shit on all the time gets you down and makes you want to quit IT. What annoys me more is I'd like to get a remote only one but appears difficult to find.
Wish I'd been paid enough in IT to be close to retirement but sadly its not to be.
At least because you've been in IT security for so long it would be easy for you to do remote only contract work for extra money.
@@jnharton You can have a passion for helping people and see it count for virtually nothing. I sympathise with the sentiments here about the industry. There's a lot of technological churn introduced by various corporations to supposedly further their own objectives. There's the constant redoing of stuff over and over again, often making it progressively worse.
Then, a bunch of people have seen their jobs offshored, which apparently were being done by North Koreans of all people, if recent reports from the US are to be believed, all so that costs could be cut and dividends maximised in the great race to the bottom. When politicians talk about boosting the "knowledge economy", just take a look at what has been done to the information technology sector over the last two decades, and then you'll see how shallow their promises and visions are.
congratulations Adrian, I wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life. kudos to you
Have been a happy lurker of your channel for years. Terrific content.
Just beware of the trend for those who switch to take the “full time leap” into content creation. Try not to put up videos for the sake of needing to put up videos (financial need), rather keep it based on the content itself.
Remember, it was the mindset of putting up quality videos for the sake of the videos themselves that got you this far… that will ensure you keep true to what you are as a creator.
My $0.02 …
Agreed. Don't burn yourself out.
You should give 2 bits instead.
@@charlesandrews2419 touché
@@RichardT2112
I started out with Atari and C= on a 6502. In those days, even now, two bits can be important. Thanks all!
@@charlesandrews2419 He ain't exactly a twitch user though. Most definitely the two cents.
Hi Adrian! Longtime viewer here, myself typ 1 diabetic since 15 years. And we are in the same age range.
Been running my channel full time now for a while even so not retro. My channel is much smaller though but we do come by. But the freedom it gives you no comparison to normal work life.
Would never go back! Much success on your self employed journey!
Hey Adrian, you seem very happy to make this announcement so I think you've made the right decision. Best of luck to you man!
Doing this makes you an inspiration to lots of us small RUclips Channels. I do retro console and computer videos, repairs, history, pickups, etc. It's tough to balance doing videos, working a full time job and being a family man. But it's something I enjoy doing and sharing with the folks that are into the same retro goodness I am. Also the folks that I have met either here on RUclips, Expos, or other social media platforms is amazing. Like yourself, I am in my late 40's and would love to retire from my full time job to just do this, but I am probably years away from that, if I ever get there. But this video really inspires to not give up on that dream. Kudos to you my friend, and I hope you have all the success in the world doing this. 👍👍👍👍
Dude, I'm so happy for you. I have 0 finances to back you that way, but I've been spamming your videos to friends and likeminded people since I found you all those years ago and hope this counts towards your final tally. Thank you for all the things you've taught me and being an inspiration to an ever distracted and procrastinating person as myself. :)
Mr Bubz :D
Congratulations on making the leap! I've gone through a similar transition myself recently; in May I left an IT job I'd worked at for 10 years to work for a long-time friend at his brand new startup. The new job is a lot more interesting, and pays a LOT more, but it's risky because it's a startup. So far though it's doing well, and I'm happy I made the change. I hope things work out well for you as well!
Congratulations Adrian.
I actually didn’t notice a change in your content, which I think really speaks to your dedication and work ethic prior to going full time.
At the rate you were producing videos prior to July 1st I could’ve thought you already were full time.
Your videos are a regular weekly staple of mine so keep on keeping on.
I really enjoy watching your repair videos, I’ve learned so much, even though I don’t have any of those retro computers, but just good repair and troubleshooting knowledge in general and it’s always exciting when “we” find the issue.
Congratulations yet again. Here’s to many more years of repairing videos!
so happy for you adrian!!! it must be terrifying but also super liberating to finally be able to do this full time, we all appreciate your hard work and effort!
Congratulations Adrian! Very happy for you, and looking forward to your next chapter in life. Was really glad to briefly say hi and get a handshake at VCF MW. Keep up the awesome work!
Congratulations Adrian, fair play.
Wishing you all the best in the RUclips future.
Through the years, I have contributed via Patreon to several channels for a while, but this is the only channel I have supported continuously. I am amazed by your dedication and quality of content. Keep enjoying what you do, that is the main thing, and it's what keeps us coming back!
Zdrówka Adrianku! Bardzo Szanuję! From Poland with Love ❤
Congratulations. Please just keep working on what inspires you and sharing it with us. And we (patrons) will happily cover the bills. It’s a great deal for us. You inspire so many; and have made a big impact on my life. Thank you!
"What brought me the most Joy?"
It's funny that I am in a similar situation, I feel I am relating to many things you said. But the question above is paramount. Not many people ask themselves that question.
My feel is that you've made the right decision. You can always go back to work if you want to I guess. But as you pointed out "life is short" so well done for choosing what brings you joy.
I know the fear, those regular thoughts coming up questioning your decision but try to ignore them.
I'm glad you like the freedom you've got now. And also glad you've decided not to increase the number of releases.
I hope this brings you lots of joy, I look forward to your future videos!
Good luck Adrian. You have nothing to regret about. Keep up the good work!
Good luck Adrian! Just be careful basing your income on something as unreliable as RUclips. There's no guarantee that they won't randomly decide to block your channel for no reason. Be sure to have a backup plan. I hope it goes well.
@jamesrowden303 Patreon has not always been reliable. Research for yourself and you will see.
I have recently become a new subscriber and I happily and gratefully like every video I watch. I wish you good luck.
I’m a big fan of you and your content. Keep up the great content:) hope you are doing well:) have a great weekend and a great week
This is amazing news! Congratulations! Your channel took me through a pretty dark time and I'm very happy that you're successful doing this, know that your passion and joy transmits to others!
Go for it, Adrian! In my case, it was like life was trying to tell me something for, in 2005, I got made redundant for the 4th time in my life. So, I ended up going self-employed, initially only building websites, which is what I had been doing for other companies for several years anyway. Working for myself at home, I could set rates cheaper than larger companies could match and produce competitive sites and bring in an income larger than I had achieved when employed. Since then I have also had time to spread out into writing fiction and now have several books published and have started publishing other authors as well. So, you never know what you can manage to achieve unless you take that first step. Good luck and best wishes, David Viner.
All power to you Adrian. well done Pal.
Godspeed, Adrian. Your story is inspiring and I should work towards a a similar direction myself.
It's a good decision. I quit my job back in 2018 to build a museum about computers. It was hard at times, even briefly thinking of stopping when things were looking bad. But I went on, becoming what we are today with over 20,000 items in stock and around 2,000 computers, including very rare ones. My point is, sometimes you have to follow your heart and find something you truly believe in and pursue this feeling. You have a passion for repairing old computers and you love to talk. By making videos, you are helping a lot of people, including our volunteers. And because of your videos, we can preserve the history of computers in the museum for current and future generations. So our volunteers and me (founder) are truly happy with your videos and we wish you all the best! And we would be very honored if you ever visit us.
I wanna thank you for all the great content you make. I found your channel two years ago, during a really bad time of my life. Your content was exactly what I needed. Thanks to your videos, you inspired me to start repairing and restoring my old computers, which finally got me out of my depression. Many thanks Adrian, and I look forward to MANY more years of fun videos :)
So great to hear 👍
Good luck on your journey, Adrian. I wish you the very best and stay on your channel for watching all the nice videos 😊
It's natural to have worries after you make a big move like this, wishing you all the best in this next chapter. Glad to be a Patreon supporter of yours!
Congrats Adrian! And welcome to having evenings back again! 😆 I found it quite weird moving to doing retro stuff full time and having the spare time in the evening, which would usually be taken up doing hobby things. And I completely hear the only being the one person doing everything thing. It’s both extremely rewarding and stressful in equal measures! Love your content, so keep up the good work and enjoy both your new work and your new found evenings! 😄
Yup, letting go of that safety railing is really scary. I wish you well, and I think you’ll do ok. I really love your channels, and I assure you I’ll keep watching.
Same here…
About five years ago, I quit my day job to do freelance/contract illustration and animation full time. It's been hard, but oh so fulfilling, and I've never once regretted taking the chance on myself, knowing I was getting older and wouldn't have the means to change careers if I waited much longer. Since then, I've been able to work on super cool projects, meet a ton of amazing people, and spend my days doing work that's important and meaningful to me. It's clear as day how much you love working with retro tech, making videos, sharing your knowledge, and being part of this community you've helped foster; I wish you nothing but the absolute best, Adrian. Much love from California.
Dude, Both my Mrs and I are huge fans of yours. Glad you made.the change, and hope for the best for you - we'll be watching .
You're also quite regularly referenced in our local Retro group, and your videos have given many good tips for repairs on old machines.
Thanks
Great, Adrian 👍👍😊 I'm the guy that made a drum video of your "8-bit dance party" 🙃
I applaude you for this decision - you have such a great vibe and such a nice way of explaining things - and I will be a dedicated follower for years and years to come. I'm sure many others here feel the same 👍
Good luck 😊
Congratulations for your new life Adrian! I hope you will find all the enjoyment of working full time on retro stuff you were looking for for all those years. You are one of the nicest "content creators" who always delivers highly entertaining and educational videos. Good luck with your new adventure!
Congratulations on the life change! I did the same in my early 40's to be able to spend more time with my family and while it's tough managing finances at times I've never regretted it. I now love what I do again and I am able to find time to volunteer to help out at local schools, which is something I could never do in a 9-5 job.
Love the channel and your obvious passion for retro stuff and looking forward to seeing it grow and change into whatever you decide it should be.
Wow, a very brave step. I've been self employed here in the UK now for nearly 10 years with an electronics workshop doing mainly pro audio repairs. And it was the best decision i ever made to go self employed. Can I wish you every success Adrian in the future with your YT channel - outstanding content. So thank you for all the videos, you deserve great returns, in one way or another!.. cheers!
This really resonated with me. I was in a job (project management) I hated for many years. It got to the point where I couldn’t stand it. I quit, got certified in web development, now I develop databases and a web site. It was scary changing careers at 50. But I did it and I’ve never looked back. It’s heartwarming to hear that your experience has been so positive. Best wishes to you. P.S. it was nice to meet you in Atlanta a few months ago at the vintage computer fair. What cities have the best fairs? Atlanta’s was very small.
To be sincere with the quantity, frequency and quality of videos you did I always assumed you were an RUclipsr full time. I can't imagine now that you will have more time. Good luck Adrian.
Hi Adrian, just popping in to say how much I enjoy your videos. My little boy (2) and I often watch them over lunch each day and it's always a joy. I was at the local library a few weeks ago and someone brought up your channel totally unprompted as a recommendation to me.
Don't overwork yourself and thanks for all the hard work.
I *specifically* upped my Patreon pledge for Adrian because I believe people should be able to pursue their passion. Though its a bit of a cliche, "YOLO" is the TRUTH! Live your best life NOW! I think we all look forward to supporting your success! 👍🙂
This is really wholesome, everytime there is someone I watch and they go RUclips or Twitch full-time, it's an amazing feeling.
Of course, it comes wit the responsibilities of taking care of yourself, I have seen someone go almost broke/in debt over not paying his health insurance, but these cases are rare.
Usually, it just... it doesn't even mean more free time, but it does mean freedom. If you have the opportunity, it's great that you are at least trying to make it work full time.
You can be proud of yourself, you have made it far, I think the community is happy for you!
I'm honestly surprised, I thought you'd been doing this full time for much longer. Your videos have always been such high quality, and you've had such joy and passion, that I had no idea you'd been keeping up with a second job on top of this!
I hope it continues to work well for you. ^_^
Holding down a full time job and putting out the content you do is AMAZING. Congratulations on the move, you're one of the nicest people in this sector and I have no doubt you'll continue to be extremely successful. Enjoy the extra free time, you deserve it.
Be yourself, do what you like.
I went self employed in 1990 selling and repairing computers. Lots of ups and downs, but all along the way I've had a blast, got married, watched my kids grow up. All the things that matter in life
Gr8! Peace ☮ I hope others can achieve, prosper, and help spread knowledge.
Glad to hear you're getting to fully embrace your retro passion :) Cheers, to many more years of enjoyment !!
Congratulations on going full time with this! You deserve it, and I'm glad you've been able to do it without product placement or compromising your content. Keep up the great content, it's been a joy to watch and learn about all of this old tech.
I’m sure you’ll have success on this new path - your enthusiasm always shines through your channels. As someone who spent the pandemic working from home, I think your channels and a few other RUclips channels helped me stay sane and not alone. Hopefully the change will give you a work-life balance where both can be fully enjoyed…
We love the way you work through the process of repairing stuff and just your general pleasant disposition. I’m happy that it is blossoming for you and your happiness and joy is inspiring. Congratulations
Congratulations to my favourite RUclips channel! What an amazing achievement to have made it to. Looking forward to the amazing content to come.
They say if you love what you do in life you'll never work a day in your life. 🎉
Congragulations! I made a lot of major changes as I moved into my 40's as well. I was also a bit aprehensive about it, It's natural and logical. However, I say don't be! The best part about being older is we have the time spent and experience gained to be able to just pivot however, and whenever we want or need. Can't stop won't stop!
Congrats for having the courage and ability to get this done. As someone who is just a nobody that wants to achieve a similar goal, my hats off to you here. I hope I can accomplish the same.
Congrats, it can be incredibly freeing, I have been self employed in various fields for the past 29 years, a fair bit over more than ½ my life. I was basically forced into it though through a work accident wrecking my back, which has got worse as the years progress and the calcium sticks that support me start to creak and groan more with each day. Now that I'm stuck to desk jobs until I retire, I get to play with computers and tech stuff all the time and loving it, from my artwork to my 3D stuff. Stumbling across your channel has been a joy and has lifted my spirits considerably, keep up the good work.
Congrats Adrian! Happy for you, I'm not big into retro computers or fixing them but always enjoy watching your repairs. Enjoy being your own boss!
All the best for the future, you really deserve it. Good health and good luck.
I'm 62, and while not "Retiring" per se, I am working casual/part time This gives me the emotional security I found I needed before stopping work completely. Perhaps part-time work would work for you, too.
I think a lot of people make videos saying "I am going full RUclips" and they always ask for assistance from others, almost like "begging" and you aren't doing that, it's amazing! You're just explaining a different career decision. I don't want to be parasocial but "Adrian" we got you! I have watched your videos and learned a great deal from you. I have fallen asleep to your videos, because you have a pleasant voice, especially during my hard times from being bipolar. I just found an Atari XEGS that I am working to restore as a result of you and the "8 Bit Guy". You both have taught me amazing things. Also, don't be afraid to take a sponsorship, especially if it's something you agree with and they give you freedom; there is nothing wrong w/ that! I freely choose to be a Patreon. Enjoy this new life!
Much Love,
Random Comment From a Fan :)
Wow!! Congratulations! A huge step forward out of a life time career into a true passion. I have noticed just how much more work has gone into your videos. And like yourself, I work in IT full time and was wondering how you found the time recently to do those longer videos haha. Exciting stuff and your content will reflect the more freedom you have!
Im SO happy for you... You are a hero to all of us, you have a great thing going and dont look back... I so much appreciate what you do...
I love old-tech it's so cool to be honest I wish I was born in that year I was born in the year 2008 so I never got to experience all these old stuff so ever since I started watching your channel I'd been able to see the older side of the tech industry.
Right on there Adrian !...sounds fantastic you made a great decision, don't look at it as something scary think of it as an adventure, I had to make the same decision myself but my situation was a bit more personal and when I made it I left my future in God's hands and been thankful ever since ,and you make a an awesome point on why some of us should shake things up a bit now and then ,blessed voyage good sir may God smile upon you and your family and everyone hear in chat and your patrons, always stay blessed with stay safe out there everyone 💪😇💪🔥💪💛!
Best of luck Adrian. Probably the hardest part of working for yourself is keeping up your motivation levels. I had a crack a few years ago of running my business (which sadly failed) and I would take another crack at it again if the opportunity arose.
Adrian, this is the way to go: follow your heart and do what you like most. I lectured at university (a very protected job in the Netherlands) but switched to industry where I design ASIC components instead of teaching students how to do that. Best switch of my life - extremely satisfying to know that the stuff our team designs is integrated by all known big brands of chip manufacturers. I survived a brain tumor, which definitely helps re-prioritize things in your life. 'Carpe diem' - live life one day at a time 😊
You've quickly become my favorite retro tech channel aside from Techmoan (and others). Keep at it! I hope for the best that you continue to be able to do this full time.
I love RUclips. It is a treasure-house of information that didn't exist earlier in my life. It's people like you, Adrian, content creators, sharing your knowledge and experience that allows people like me to expand my world in ways that make life so interesting and fulfilling. You got me interested in pursuing a hobby in electronics and restoring old Macintosh computers. Congratulations and good luck on your full time RUclips endeavor.
Hey Adrian, this is fantastic news! I really hope this works out for you. Your videos have always been a highlight to look out for in my subscription box (and I've been a viewer since 2018!). Regarding your fears, I think I'd try to look at this in a different way: You've been learning how to become a decent board level repair person all those years. So in fact, even if it shouldn't work out with RUclips, you might be able to switch fields into a more enjoyable one after it all. Thank you for all that you've done for the community (diag roms, profiles for the RGB2HDMI and others) as well as all the work that goes into your videos.
You changed my life in ways you cannot imagine. I love fixing old things. Electronics was my life...... I will help you every month.... Thank you
Aww, thank you very much and I'm glad to have been able to make a difference. I make videos to try to help others fixing their own beloved things, and it's just amazing to hear that it works, even for one person.
I've made a very similar decision myself recently to follow a retro passion, so this video resonates a lot. My 46 year old friend, 2 weeks before he died gave me the final push I needed.
You are fantastic Adrian and you will be successful if you even put an ounce of the effort you have been, moving forward. As a patreon I'll be standing alongside you, as you inspire and entertain me.
You shocked me at first with the title of your video. I thought I had to pack another box of Milchbären Haribos again urgently and send it to the other end of the world to get you back on track. Luckily that's obviously not required. From my heart, I wish you all the very best with this decision! It totally sounds like the absolute right one and I'm so much looking forward to all that's coming!
I hope this doesn't bite you in the arse, because youtube may not be here forever and you'll regret giving up a sure thing. Good luck.
Hi Adrian. You are on the right track. We are about the same age and go through the same thoughts and worries. In order not to get into a spiral, we must remember that there are those who see what we are worrying about as just a picnic for them. There are those who are now worried about when the roof of their house will fall on them as a result of the aerial b**bardment, or when they will receive a call informing them that their wife and children have died under the rubble and cannot even be recovered.
Been watching your channel for a few years now, I had my own part time computer business in Australia quite a few years ago which taught me a lot but there was so much to learn; I only worked at it part time and always did wonder how I would have faired working at it full time. So I congratulate you Adrian for your bold move and I'm sure you will make a living out of it; obviously you would have been scared in making that decision; it's a risk but; if there isn't any risk then there is no drive to succeed and if you enjoy what your doing then you love doing it. I really think it's the right decision, go for it my man, you will succeed!!
That's amazing Adrian, the videos you've been uploading since I started following you a few years ago are so well crafted, interesting, and detailed that I genuinely believed you left your main job long ago! I'm super excited for you, and I think it's a great idea that you intend to leave things exactly as they are now. We all love you the way you explain things, the way your find your way through an old computer, a crt or their schematics to fix them, the way you go into so much effort to edit your videos (especially the longer ones, which I personally love). We love you just the way you are, really. You're the only reason I managed to go from zero knowledge in electronics to fixing my one and only C64. I'll be forever grateful to you for this. Congrats and good luck Adrian, this channel has a very bright future ahead :D
I did my resign on 2015 as IT also and now I am a self employee, Its sometimes its scary but take it as a new adventure and trust me sometimes there is ups and downs that we need in our life just to make it balance again. And now I have more control, much more happier and I do now allot of traveling,hiking and watching tv then before.. So I will say welcome to the new journey adrian there are new challenges ahead.. I wish you good luck...
I've been a viewer since the Adrian Black days. I must have been one of first. I would swear your channel was around before 2016.
I think you've made the right choice. I foresee a time when we will have to make our own jobs because employees, it seems, have become a liability. You are well positioned in the retro-computing sector, but if it should dry up you can go back into industry. That would be unfortunate but you'll never be at risk of living under a bridge.
While you downplay it, you've become very proficient at retro repairs and restoration. Ten years ago most people were throwing this equipment in the trash, but now we see it has become valuable for various reasons. I have many great memories of these machines from the '80s, and I look forward to many more years of you getting them back into working order. You are really an inspiration. Thanks so much Adrian.
Life changes are very stressful and at the same time can be very exhilarating.
Self questioning is all part of the process, cutting the strings of being employed to being self employed is a monumental step.
I changed country, changed job, changed wife in yr 2000, it was a totally different venture after being employed with my last company for 28yrs.
Sometimes it could feel like skydiving without a parachute but plugging away at it eventually pays off.
23yrs further on and retired, life is good!
I enjoy your channel and can remember using some of your retro equipment many years ago, the one word I always used was ….FORWARD!
kudos Adrian...keep doing an amazing job and follow your dreams...life is too short. Regards from Chile
Congratulations Dude! I've been a self employed IT consultant in NJ for over 20 years. I've always loved it and recently work has slowed down and I've considered myself semi retired for a few years now. I still manage to get by just fine financially. Although I have to make some sacrifices with spending, it is well worth it and I have no desire to change my situation. No matter what situation comes up, you will adapt and everything will be fine.
I have tremendous admiration for folks who make this kind of leap. It's something I don't think I could ever do. I love your content and wish you all the luck in the world. Looking forward to viewing your videos for many years to come.
Bonjour Adrian from Québec ! I've been following you since March 2020 and I saw this coming. It's a great move and I support you 100% ! I started my first company back when I was 21 and I'm now 55 and I never looked back. With age and wisdom, things and means do change but the "entrepreneurial" spirit remains, which you are now discovering. You ask all the rights questions and you watch for all the right pitfalls so that's why I'm sure this will be a successful move. I'm going through the same process as you, thinking of starting my own technology channel to help spread the vast amount of experiences and knowledge I've acquired in my near 40 years in I.T. and other technologies/geek/nerd stuff. Bon succès mon ami et au plaisir de te suivre encore très longtemps sur RUclips! - Eric
All my encouragement (from France) Adrian.
Congratulations Adrian... You have given me hours of entertainment, educating, ideas, motivation for this stuff.. Ever since I was a little kid I have always been fascinated by how things work, and love fixing things.. I also have made a career out of IT. Your videos sucked me in with the repairs of my most beloved childhood computer the Amiga!!! Wish you the best of luck with this somewhat new endeavor.. Love the channel(s), huge fan!
I think you're doing the right thing Mr Black, I'm about the same age, when I was 45 I broke my back & subsequently discovered I have brittle bone disease. I suddenly went from being fit and active, to not being able to look after myself & I'm unable to work now. I can only safely carry about 5kg now, and I have to be careful at that. I barely go out of the house, so I'm grateful for channels like yours, now that I can't do these things anymore I have become just a voyeur. Money isn't everything, no amount of money can compensate me for the condition I am in now. My condition may have been caused by the work that I have done, spent many years processing metals which is linked with Osteoporosis. My only hope now is to not live too long, it sounds bad but when you can't do anything I really don't want to spend 30 years like this. So get on with the things that make you happy, you never know what's around the corner!
So happy for you to finally be able to follow your passion full time, good luck and take care!
Big step! Really hope it works out for you. I feel switching part-time is the "safer" option but good on you for making the jump!
Adrian, I'm a big fan of your YT channel! Your story hit me hard because of our similar backgrounds and situations. I'm a 51-year-old IT and Cybersecurity Professional, and I am also into retro consoles and computers. As it turns out, I also left my stable job of 19 years last year to do IT and cybersecurity as a freelance consultant. It was so scary and exciting at the same time. Hope to meet and talk to you one day. More power to you!!
It's awesome to see you truly living the dream of being able to make a living from what you love. Love your videos and really enjoy what you do with them. Glad you've made the move to be able to retire before you're 50 and live life the way you want to and not be governed by others. As someone who has recently retired, I do enjoy the extra freedom I get from being able to be in control of my life. Keep enjoying life.