How Creators Can ESCAPE the 9-5 Trap

[@YCImaging]

Happy Saturday!

[@thereelnathaniel]

Talk that discipline YC💯🤝🏾💪🏾

[@cliffsaitotti254]

You always provide words of wisdom that will awaken some of us. You're doing a great job, keep it up. Thank you.

[@REALLYINFINITE]

Always appreciate you fam! Big motivation!

[@MrPfifeDawg]

Chris, what’s the music title that is playing under this video pls? Nice vibe to it. Thanks!🙏🏾

[@bungleezy]

[@benyantovisuals]

I just turned 50 and been working a corporate job most of my adult life. These last few years since the pandemic have been absolutely miserable. I've finally quit my 9 to 5 to pursue photography and content creation full time. I'm the happiest I've ever been. I guess better late than never.

[@wslaise]

51 here , congratulations.

[@eminaya75]

That's awesome, I feel the same way right now.

[@jmontythomas8298]

Congrats! I have been working a corporate job my entire life and it is absolutely miserable sitting in a cubicle staring at 4 walls. I just want to feel happy and enjoy life just a little. I always say that working a 9-5 you will smile on Friday because it is the end of a miserable week but cry on Sunday because you gotta start it all over again.

[@2ndgenentertainment]

@@jmontythomas8298me at work now. These last few weeks on FMLA have helped.

[@shonparker683]

Same here brotha! I’ll be 49 on the 22nd of August. I was terrified, but I was miserable working my 9-5. It was the highest paying job I ever had on top of that. Wishing you best of luck! I’m trusting God with the process.

[@areeltrip]

People don't realize you need real discipline to work for yourself.

[@PushingOurPotential]

That’s the biggest fact. Especially when you have a family. Trying to balance that and create a schedule for yourself as well may be the hardest part

[@tjsn-4vision]

Preach!

[@cliffsaitotti254]

⁠@@PushingOurPotential I have been a victim of circumstances, I didn't have that discipline at all, and it took me the longest to learn that. I just started doing that recently, and God is good. If I can do it, I believe anyone out there can do it too.

[@1Scital1]

BRO, its the hardest job you'll ever have and won't understand this until you start one. With that, weirdly, the easiest money you can make is working a 9-5 lmao.

[@cliffsaitotti254]

@@1Scital1 😅 That's absolutely accurate, I can attest to that.

[@PuraVetus]

Being your own boss means putting in more hours than working for a boss. I have heard people talking that they want to start their own business because then they can sleep in, have a nap in the afternoon and they think they can work when they feel like it. Not realistic, your own business means hard work.

[@MoreArtThanHuman]

That is a fact for you but for others it’s false. Hard work is a myth. Use the laws of the universe and work mentally as the all we see is mental.

[@thaddeusgreen-kg7ww]

Doing What tho 😂

[@TayeDreaming]

I just quit last Friday due to the job not accommodating me caring for my son who is on the spectrum. I just opened up commissions and have customers. Very grateful and motivated to be disciplined ❤️‍🔥

[@tjsn-4vision]

As an actor I went through this at the beginning. 17 years later, I’m proud I stuck it out. Not great all the time but it’s working out.

[@aliveandwell3958]

I’ve became fully self employed after losing my job earlier this year (February). It’s sooo rewarding, but very challenging. So I ended up moving back home in May. Felt ashamed initially, but now I’m so glad I did it. I’m able to fully invest into my business now, without worrying about rent, etc. I’m giving myself until next spring to get back on my feet. I have 5 months to hustle so I’m glad I found this video! Blessings and much success to those of you reading this!!! ✨✨✨

[@melaniegriesemer]

So true that pursuing content creation full time can turn something you loved into something you don’t love as much anymore. I used to think doing KZbin full time was my dream, but I realized keeping it as my hobby is so much better for my mental health & happiness, not constantly checking numbers but instead, focusing on creating videos for clients knowing I get paid for my work & it’s not based on performance in an algorithm or a thumbnail or watch time etc but simply for the work in itself.

[@angieinthecity]

My main issue is overthinking to the point of being overwhelmed. Than i look at my older content like, "Girl you should've kept going". Slowly working through it and getting over self-sabotage 😅 Thanks for the video. It was a nice reminder

[@Imaginelotus]

I unfortunately probably will be going back to a 9-5 for reasons you brought up. I have two kids and I can’t have them thug it out even though I’m willing. I will continue to build my production company on the side while getting that full time income. Appreciate the content fam

[@YCImaging]

I appreciate you checking the video out!

[@areeltrip]

@imaginelotus Yo I'm in Orange county if you ever want to collab. Let's go get this bread.

[@coolyoutuber20]

I wish you future success, ask God to guide your foot steps

[@LXGO.]

This comment is scaring me coz i got a second born on the way

[@YNGTrauma]

I have 3. My third had me give up music. I still have it out there but never dropped anything else after that

[@KemoVision]

You hit the nail on the head. Put in that work even after your 9-5. Lock in on your craft and focus.

[@Alexander_Goodrun]

preach brother. One thing to add. Don't let somebody suck the joy out of your hobby. Sometimes you need to stand strong and do things alone. Let the non believers stand there and watch how fast they turn around and say " must be nice" . Just because they don't want to and talk negative about your hobby doesn't mean you can't reach your goals.

[@SupaDuperJosh]

Bro can’t thank you enough for this one. I currently work at Amazon and I’m beyond miserable there. I do photography as well but some days I have those excuses like I’m too tired and I’m busy with my son and I’m like man I shouldn’t make those excuses. I love photography and I’m at my happiest when doing it so I should do it regardless of my 9-5. Eventually I can and will break away and do my photography full time but in the meantime I can’t make any excuses like I’m too tired. Definitely gave me the motivation to do more and stop the excuses

[@KingaGorski]

Unsolicited advice, but I feel called to share here meditation helps in so many ways, especially when you feel exhausted. Even a 20-30 session really helps to refresh your eyes and your brain, boost creativity, etc... keep it in the front pocket. 💭

[@runsdeepmusic]

Changing your creative passion into your primary source of income is insanely stressful. I went part time at my job (16 hrs/wk) + full time videographer as a test and it made me realize that I am not ready to quit my day job yet. Doing things like building a bigger audience and having better biz systems in place first are what’s needed to actually succeed working for yourself.

[@KingaGorski]

Systems + ops are key though definitely take time to build. Nothing wrong with keeping a job or 2 as a regular source of income while you learn the ropes of working for yourself. It's rewarding, and it's a lot.

[@MykokosDiary]

The shots at the self storage are 👌🏾👌🏾🔥🔥🔥 2:54

[@oceandrivetron]

I was thinking the same thing

[@stevenkralovec]

Same

[@Doublepulse]

The process of content creation is something I believe you need to learn to love because if you hate your 9-5 job because of the tedious mundane work, You will soon realize content creation can be in that same boat. I do my personal KZbin as a hobby, but focus lot of my content creation on other people’s businesses or channels.

[@EuchariaIbrahim]

Sometimes it’s hard no subscriber or view even if you are posting quality and educational videos ❤

[@ShyShyTv]

Wow I’m walking through the rain rn listening to this. Been struggling as a full time photographer. Thank you for this.

[@bleww__]

The fact that you’re just out here dropping back to back gems for us smaller creators is awesome bro. Thank you! Keep going!

[@fearlesslionmedia4232]

You said jump out the window and I laughed at myself. I'm trying to be careful not to do that during my journey now. When I was back at my parents, not married, no kids, I took the chance to "jump out the window" and quit my dishwasher job for my film business. Like you, I have a wife and child now, and that was the biggest difference in how I approached my timing in this new journey.

[@thefitgamerdad]

Man I’m literally holding back tears from the beginning statement. This is exactly where I’m at rn 😭 I appreciate this video so much. Thanks bro

[@shayrobinson4886]

This is the most genuine and honest video about becoming a full time content creator I have ever seen. A lot of people, including myself, have this idea that it’s going to be easier just to quit and do you KZbin without building the discipline and dedication first. Thank you for the inspiration and wisdom fam!!!

[@nickroush]

Dude, love the content in this video but had to say something about the cuts. The way you cut angles then turn into the angle. So sick. Keeping dialogue, angles, and turns all organized in your head. Kudos.

[@NBA_AZ0Z0]

the cinematography on this video. love the window lighting, all the outdoor scenes are highly interesting. fucking perfect

[@QuarterLifeJam]

Really appreciate you not dogging people who may not be able to or just discover they don't want to do their passion full-time. This is a great video! Other creators on this subject can tend to make people feel like failures, but you acknowledge there are circumstances in everyone's life. Love this!!! I have a kid and a husband and had to put content creation on hold.

[@HTJ030]

Bro I haven't watched your videos in a LONG time. I'm a Videographer & I dabble in graphic design but with the way my life is financially I have not been investing time into my creativeness & EVERYTHING that you're saying in this video are the difficulties I'm struggling with to persuse Videography full time. Hearing you talk about this really hit home for me & inspired me to really set up a game plan to execute my aspirations.

[@WhenInDoubt_Pink]

This was really great. I remember there was a time during the pandemic that I was just going hard as heck on KZbin and that is what got my channel monetized - things are different now and I am back working and I feel like I just don't have the stamina to go as hard as I used to, but it's definitely held me back. Gotta figure out how to get back to wanting to grind

[@YCImaging]

I feel that, it’s definitely a lot!

[@itsjadawest]

Mmm I feel you on this one! What type of topics did you cover in your content before you stepped away? Did you have a way to monetize it in addition to Adsense?

[@TheGuitarlos]

I wish I went harder during the quarantine era with filmmaking! It’s hard to figure out a balance between my 9-5, filming content, resting, and spending time with loved ones

[@iloveyourvisuals878]

@@YCImagingnah fr I can relate to this comment I honestly don’t understand how you continue to push through and drop content I am trying to work my self back into it my self but more so being as open as you are and just drop common knowledge

[@KingaGorski]

Just a thought... maybe that is the source of resistance itself? Does anyone really *want* to grind? (Coming from a reformed "grinder" herself). Developing a method of a peaceful, meaningful, and consistent way of working has helped me be even more productive now than those hustling years... and I got a fair amount done back then too but, like you, it just wasn't sustainable. Hope that reflection helps you out, in some capacity 🙏

[@ceciliomonzon3279]

This has to be the most real, down to earth insight on what "following your passion" is about 🔥 not a single lie was told and only good advice. 🙌

[@anywherenearzero]

ive been full time sorting out the processes. all the infrastructure, the studio itself, the sets etc etc. weve spent a small fortune and not made one single penny yet. in the next few weeks we are going all in full time. we have saved hard and got a years worth to live from to ensue the channel will not drown

[@bydennisheck]

Finally, someone who says it like it is. When you're alone, you can take any risk. But when you have a family and kids to feed, everything changes in life, and that's something a lot of people out there just don't understand. I really appreciate how realistically you address everything here. I've wanted to start KZbin for years and I'm finally getting started with my first videos. Man, they're bad, but you just have to start somewhere. With two kids, I find it incredibly hard to find enough time to create and be relaxed and creative when every day feels like you're just trying to survive. But hey, I have a lot to say, so I'm going to do it. Thanks for your great work and inspiration.✌🏻

[@calebiscookin]

jumped out the window right out of school, made no money but got good experience. got remote job after pandemic, made money but got no new experience. back to freelance now trying to learn how to make money while still learning and growing experiences. it’s a never ending cycle of trying, failing, learning, adapting, and repeating. thank you for the encouragement, and always being real about the struggles. your videos keep getting better and better. keep it going !

[@KingaGorski]

That's it right there. People wonder "how can you work a full day at a regular job and then work on your projects til 5am?" Literally because we love it so much that we can't *not* do it. I've never worked a 9-5 in my life but I've always had creative + entrepreneurial hustles on the go. I'm now self-employed because I put in the work to learn. Lots of unglamorous moments over the years of building, learning, and growing... but the tree is now bearing the fruit and the best is still yet to come.

[@MingoBoys]

Thank you. I was a creator from 2016 to 2023 while working full time and I was never able to get to the point of quitting my job and listening to your real talk opened my eyes. This video alone earned my sub.

[@Tluv24]

This video is right on timmmeee for me! I doubt myself everyday but I’m going to be a full time creator. That is when I am my happiness

[@BejaeIngate]

Commenting for the algorithm for you, but also loved everything you said! 100% agree that keeping hobbies as hobbies is a totally valid thing to do. When your passion becomes your job you end up doing a less projects that you're really invested in. It's still awesome but it really does become a job sometimes

[@WhoisKD]

Man this was a great video. I know I have moments when I fall off from things. I need to get better with that discipline for sure. When you feel like you have all the time you keep saying “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

[@TyroneTo]

Never doing a 9-5 ever again

[@Jalfred845]

Can’t wait when I can say this

[@miahmooooo]

It’s hard man a lot of ups and downs with doing this but ima keep going and learn to get better it’s all about the journey

[@tuh9287]

Dropping nuggets man! Much love ❤

[@lukovnikov]

Blown away from the first second! The colors, the composition - everything is perfect. You can tell it's the work of a true pro! Okay, now let's check this out ! 😁

[@DistinguishedMotion]

Good message for sure, I do need to start studying instead of consuming content

[@TheJohnAnderson]

You have to keep focused on the desired outcome over any current life stresses. “Consistency is what transforms average into excellence.”

[@JuliusConway]

Transparent moment for myself this was and is me. In 2021 I walked away from my 9-5 to go full time. Didn’t have a huge client base but a very valuable client base. First two years was great but 2023 was bad so I had to go back to my 9-5 but this time around I’m definitely gonna take a different approach looking back at my experience

[@mkpetros]

Education and action are key - glad this video popped up on my home page! 🙌🏾

[@rajusejwani9628]

I’m a medical student with 2 years left but I just can’t see this career as my forever job. Listening to this video shows me that I have the time now to build what I need to build rather than waste time as I pull closer to graduating

[@Alyx.A]

Brother this advice is not only inspiring but practical! Thank you for that!

[@aagabriele]

Thanks for the video! I recently was left go from my tech job and have money saved up so thought about scaling my photography business into a video business to replace my 9-5 income. This was extremely helpful!

[@chicityballa09]

This video is helping me to find clarity in making a plan to create content while keeping a day job. I'm currently about to start a new job soon that's basically a "get my life back on track" job & I just needed somewhere to set up shop so I can learn more about what I am getting into.

[@Dfcvgg]

Keep going man. Long time supporter. Very consistent content creator

[@brianvantighem]

Great advice. I've been full time in photography for over a decade, starting in my early twenties. I feel like, especially in my twenties, nobody in my life had any idea how much work being a full time creator is. You've got to really want it cause there will absolutely be trade offs in other areas like your social life or other pursuits.

[@imagemakerssociety]

I haven't watched your videos in a while and watching this one reminded me how much I love your content, creativity, POV etc. Thank you for sharing with us. God bless.

[@susyjcobwebs]

I am very proud of how much I have accomplished so far with my you tube channel and novels. Right now, I know that this is a hobby. I need to make sure I have the financial stability before I would even think about quoting my 9-5z

[@KingaGorski]

That's incredible you're going for it!! Wish you the best along your YT journey! 👏

[@jalynkearra]

Great video! Very inspirational and loved the aesthetic with the scene

[@KingaGorski]

I appreciated that as well 🙌

[@mattlau]

Aside from your great advice, I really love the different locations you choose. The background colors and framing is really nice and makes the viewers stay engaged.

[@KamboSuave]

I just started my youtube channel.. hoping i can eventually quit my 9 to 5 job and do something that I love to do. A lot of the things you say are true.. gotta put in the time and effort into something you love to do on the side. The grass isn't greener on the other side but definitely greener where you water it. Nurture the things you love until they grow into something beautiful. To anybody that is reading this.. dont give up your dreams. Keep grinding and keep improving!

[@tanithinkorea]

Love the lighting in the opening scene :) Thanks for a great video.

[@HigherVoltageTv]

I Needed This Reminder to Keep Going I started my KZbin channel last year October Its slow process but I'm locked inn I'm motivated more than ever Consistency is the Key !!!

[@Jaystickzs]

Dude is preaching masterclass for free! Thanks for this this gave me an insight on how to tackle my 9-5 and my passion projects

[@Kodeations]

Much love man! Been enjoying your content for years now and I am always willing to learn even being a creator myself for 4 years! Thanks for the awesome advice and content once more!

[@j.conley237]

I kept my creativity a hobby, because not only I could not afford the risks, the opportunities and the wins & losses with its lifestyle but I could not go in the deep end for creativity that I will end up hating it. That is the biggest heartbreak when experiencing a burnout is what you use to love is now what you hate. And i realize that it’s not just discipline and routine, but people support/mentorship, resources and consistent honorable clients and certain mindset and skills that has to be there first. THERE ARE LAYERS TO THIS BEFORE YOU START! I learned valuable lesson about pursue a passion that became a career, it’s a slow death for me. Keep things a hobby and if you can get paid for it that’s a win win. 9-5 is for vital support and survival until you get a decent 9-5 you can tolerate and be flexible with to pursue your hobbies for fun.

[@jeandenishaas]

Thanks for that video! Also love all the colors in your backgrounds!

[@1Scital1]

Bro kept it rly real, especially about your current position being so important realistically.

[@darkelectronicmusic]

Agree with finding the niche early, can save lots of time for sure.

[@macguyo]

Great video and advice especially about one's mentality, watched it first and later came to read the comments, and watched it on mute to study how you shoot everything. Again great work

[@Blessherbeauty]

Full time creator here. Thinking about going back to work but this just motivated me thank you ❤

[@61vibefilms]

Dope video. I am 36 years old and starting over on my dreams. I am starting from the foundation up to make this happen.I'm in that sweet spot, no kids, no significant other and cheap living situation for the moment. Im trying to find all the resources i can to make this happen. Thank you for the advice and the realistic encouragement.

[@OneTimeAtJakes]

As someone who's working towards leaving a comfortable tech job to pursue filmmaking this is incredibly helpful

[@KingaGorski]

So exciting! Good luck following the call of the heart!! 🎥

[@MindRestoration]

Another insightful video! Keep teaching; I'm learning so much!

[@ericrohr9068]

Bro, just wanna say you were the inspiration to get my own channel started, keep killin the game !!!!!

[@KristinaEmilyOfficial]

This video is everything I needed to hear...THANK YOU!

[@sergseen]

I know views sometimes aren't as high, or maybe engagement either but let me tell you man... YOUR VIDEOS ARE ESSENTIAL. Keeping doing your thing YC. I've been watching you for years. Your videos serve a greater purpose bro. God bless!

[@wait4weight]

Nicely said! But the truth is, that even when you master your craft, it's very hard to quit your day job. Insecurity holds you back and it's really hard to take the jump! I'm 42 with a day job i hate ( correctional officer) and for the last 3 years i also work as a wedding videographer. I don't know if i have what it takes to quit.

[@wait4weight]

@YCImaging_YT what did i win! I'm still in prison😅

[@gabriellebullock5344]

Chill vibes, informative, I'll be watching you

[@GHC_II]

Lemme tell you….these mini movies are an inspiration. Your life experiences tied in to the simplistic elegance of your vids are amazing. Continue to serve your purpose. My only complaint….I didnt subscribe sooner 💯✊🏾

[@ange2384]

Sir…you just answered a question I had at the back of my mind. Thank you for sharing this knowledge, I already plan on applying this to my own situation 🥰

[@martydenson_mfm]

Good message. I put in that work with a 9to5 for several years and saved those coins. I quit my job Jan 1. of this year and have been full-time with video production & photography. The KZbin channel will be next now that I have things rolling along. Props to you for making those sacrifices to get where you are.

[@KingaGorski]

That's a solid way to do it, lucky you! (Though I know it wasn't luck). Props to you as well for making the leap! 👏

[@martydenson_mfm]

@@KingaGorski I'm glad you mentioned that you "know it wasn't luck". Lol It took a lot of years grinding and saving. All of my friends got tired of me preaching the "save your money" talk over the years. Now they are like - "oh, shit - you were serious". I have 5 yrs of salary saved up. It only took 6 months before the business started to take off.

[@KingaGorski]

@@martydenson_mfm Of course I gotchu! Oh man, gotta love the "oh shit you were serious" response lol. Like, duh? 😂 Awesome that your biz took off so soon too 🚀

[@rizzo-films]

I really appreciate how you emphasized the steps for building confidence early in your video. People normally say some variation on: "If you don't have X, you'll never be able to do Y," and leave it at that, as if success hinges on us being genetically predestined or something. But that's not how it is. We can recreate ourselves, we can nurture our strengths and build new perspectives. I burned out hard earlier this year doing my 9-5 video job (which was more like 90 hours a week than 9-5 lol) and it crushed me. I went from (on the side) writing 3 screenplays, prepping for my album release, writing essays on science and art, studying art history to deepen my craft, and was in pre-production on a couple of client video projects -- to nothing, no confidence, no ideas, no thoughts, just go to work / go home / eat / sleep / rinse repeat. I have been spending the summer months building my confidence and my mind back. I just hope that others in my situation (the ones that your video speaks to directly) know it's possible to build yourself back up. That your dreams aren't over and it's never too late to get back to it after dealing with life struggles or whatever is in your way. There's no scientific law that says it's all over, even if you hit a certain age. Getting your groove back just takes work, mental, physical, spiritual -- all of the above.

[@kroptix_llc]

I love this so much! You put out great, insightful, work. Thank you!

[@jsequal]

true wisdom spoken. much appreciated. my biggest issue with "going full-time" is finding a niche. there are some areas I refuse to give my time and talent for (social media reels is a gray area) but I understand how the wave moves and what's hot now.

[@stephenfphotography]

Hit the nail on head here man! Trying to escape my 9-5 atm, but have so much passion to work on my photography/channel the moment im home!

[@johnnyguy9442]

Only facts being spoken here

[@diyangeluk]

Such a lovely genuine video you WISE WELL SPOKEN MAN!!!👏👏👏

[@markshallenberger6195]

Coming from your Instagram broadcast channel. Really appreciate the real talk there and here!

[@cap2redstudio]

I’ve been shooting for about 5 years. Finally took the plunge into full time. Definitely wasn’t the right time for several reasons but who knows when things will get better. I don’t regret it. Everyday is tough and new challenges happen every day. It definitely takes a special person to do it full time and be successful. I hope to be there one day.

[@cvice30]

Appreciate this video my man. Been rocking w you for a long time now- started from full-time freelance, chugging it out tryna figure everything out. That led me to a full-time 9-5 job within video production but now I'm at a point where I want to take that leap back out on my own again.

[@kingovhartz1148]

Keep learning🤔💭 & keep trying✊. You can keep making time⏱ for the "creator passion🎨" and participate in a field that you're employed in.✨ Never stop and never give up🙏. Take care and god bless👋💖. That water part was interesting lol.

[@lilmissinger]

Great video! I just found your channel and right now I’m binging.

[@mindofTyrie]

no cap. this is a great reset video. I needed to hear this today. Thank you!

[@dirk4growth]

I really enjoy your style of filming. Visually captivating.

[@developingtank]

I would categorize your videos as "practical inspiration". They're a relief to watch over the plethora of overdramatic "burnout" videos and the complete opposite kinds of content that tell people they can do anything they want without considering the hard times that doing that might involve.

[@jayvalleo5552]

Beautiful video my friend, I love these positive comments too 🤘

[@blackreact9486]

Na I felt this cause I’m going through it right now… NEEDED TO HEAR THIS!!!! Good shit

[@MotionMU]

You became one of my favorite KZbinrs in 3 videos. Thank you. I want to be like you one day.

[@kakongewyclef]

You guy God bless you for your positivity

[@samcvisuals]

Absolutely right about the preparation before going full time, is a process very complicated and difficult but the t has to be done, I’m working on it, I’m a photographer I’m New York and is hard asf but I’m in love of photography and I know I’m going to make it happen, but also I know I can’t leave my 9-5 until I build a name and a clientele for my business.

[@thealivelife]

Let's lock in! Can't wait to listen to this fully.

[@QueTheChaotic]

These last 2 drops (This video and the 20k a month one) have really motivated me. Lemme get this work in.

[@helentsokana]

Knowledge is power, thank you for this video

[@jatmstudios]

value game and composition game on top shelf!

[@everydaylifepod]

Thank you for this, needed this right now. It's a hard choice to make with my daughters future on the line but I feel like in the long run, it will benefit them also. Just a scary first step to make.