I'm on my own again.

[@mattdavella]

2024 is going to be different.

[@mfz0967]

Hopefully Mate, Much Love to You ❤

[@Christinamychas]

🫶🎉

[@_20072_]

Support with whatever you do will always be there from us :). Keep doing you Matt!

[@niveinratnayake668]

matt, u literally gave me a heart attack, i thought u and natalie got divorced.

[@funnyman929]

People just Don tlearn do they. Just because a number changed doesn't mean you have too.

[@JansenNg]

You choose your child, your family, and your health. You choose rightly

[@JasmineJoseph-x6c]

Amen to that! Becoming a parent and having a family is such a huge shift and transition. Yourself, health, and family always come 1st 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@severtone263]

When I clicked this, I thought I was about to hear some divorce/separation sob story slash gossip, instead, I got life advice on the pursuit of happiness. More power to you Matt! We loved you way before you scaled to a larger team. We are still here. Notable (and honorable) nods to the very worthy guests for those invaluable nuggets, Jason and Ali. Thank you.

[@JonasAnandaKristiansson]

Pursuit of happiness eh... Happiness Is Your Nature. Here, Now. Beyond and throughout the experience of the body and the mind. There is nothing to pursue, but appears to be so.

[@carminaandra3964]

omg yes! I thought so too!

[@soundscape26]

Even if that were to happen I very much doubt Matt would put out a video detailing the process. That's not him.

[@cupofoats]

He's definitely aware that he's baiting people when they see the title.

[@soundscape26]

@@cupofoats Oh he knows alright.

[@aliabdaal]

Incredible video, such an honour to be featured in it too ❤ Good luck with this new chapter 😊

[@khuzemasaifee4087]

All the best to your book launch!

[@abclevxyz]

​@1x0x I doubt it. Ali is a genuine guy and I know as a fact he really appreciates Matts work!

[@charliedays]

@1x0xDoes it matter?😑

[@coachingwithwill]

you two are my biggest inspirations. Thank you for being you, Ali.

[@maxibartel]

People must tell you this all the time but you sound nearly exactly like Chris Williamson. 😌

[@alex5am]

This video is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about growth and numbers. It's about finding joy and fulfillment in what we do. It takes courage to step back and reevaluate our paths. Thanks for sharing your journey and inspiring us to focus on what truly matters in our creative endeavors. Who else feels motivated to embrace simplicity and authenticity in their work after watching this?

[@thedeshbhakt]

matt - this is a story that would resonate with so many of us. thanks for having the courage and the guts to say it - as it is.

[@kingbaby8399]

​@@prakhartries1187u dont need to show ur manners over here under 18 kiddo..

[@apoorvjha6760]

Okay, Ummmmm I didn't expect you to be here. Well, That's a surprise.

[@talibahmed]

OMG, you watch him too! Haha love that! ❤❤❤

[@GauravYadav-9166]

Aap yaha

[@jessievdsouza]

Didn't expect Apna Akash ji here. ♥

[@zeu850]

.

[@mattdavella]

lol

[@johnpatrickmacasasa8434]

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH!

[@Reetqa]

🤣🤣

[@JonathanBradysouth-africa]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@starrio713]

Lmfao😂

[@wendywanderluxe6965]

This reminds me of a quote I read a few years back that said, “Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell”. It resonated with me in my struggle with corporate life. I’m happy for you and really proud of you for having the courage to make a change.

[@ThisDesignLife]

That's powerful

[@JessicaPradoHanson]

That is a good one, It also applies to super apex predators…. They don’t know how to stop and chill

[@ErikStenbakken]

Wow. THAT puts a fine point on it. Powerful.

[@mattdavella]

Wow great quote

[@NJStew22]

Damn, thank you for sharing that, that one cuts right through

[@JevenDovey]

I think there is a strange obsession with "hustle culture" and glorification of running a big youtube business when the reality is that it just brings more stress and more potential for failure. So many big creators have told me to hire editors and managers, but now those creators are struggling month to month because their overhead is so high. Personally I've never wanted to scale my creator business and build a team. I enjoy doing everything solo and working a little bit slower. The great thing about KZbin is that you can approach it any way that you want to.

[@SaraFinance]

I 100% agree!

[@vapor4]

Hard agree. This comment should be higher so more people understand

[@WillEdmond]

This comment needs to be pin. This is the truth Jevon.

[@JackieDElia]

Jeven is one of my favorite creators on YT. Well said!

[@musashi4856]

Aren't KZbin algorithms nudging content creators to progressively run faster on the hamster wheel; i.e. overproduce content❓

[@Player-vk1gl]

This year, I took a step back also. I used to study while working for 10 years and I also had a part time job. I quit my part time job and stoped the studies and suddenly my life got away more enjoyable. Im traveling more, spending much more time with my beloved ones and Im working out pretty much every day. Maybe, sometimes, we dont need more money and business development, but the right things to give us a better life.

[@JamplayJeff]

Thank you for the VERY heartful video. I have a similar story, though not identical. I built an online music education company, and while I did have employees, we were a very small team, and everyone knew what to do and we had VERY few meetings and management related tasks. Cut to me selling the company to investors so I could "scale the company." Suddenly, all day, every day, was wasted on pointless meetings, product development took a back seat to quarterly figures, and all of the joy went out of the business. I applaud you for taking control back over your life and doing things in a way that makes sense to you.

[@daniyal._]

I’ve had a stagnant year, riddled with self-doubt, insecurities and constant stress and anxiety. Here’s to hoping for a better year, to Matt and everyone who struggled.

[@jhc3studios]

Hope you have a great 2024!

[@samriddhijaiswal8974]

@daniyal._ What are you going to change in 2024?

[@daniyal._]

I guess I want to do more things. Look after my mental health better. Make better choices on a daily basis. @@samriddhijaiswal8974

[@Test-id6ns]

We all go there (especially in 2023) don’t know why. Here’s to new beginnings.

[@GMTK]

Thanks Matt. This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I've considered hiring people and outsourcing things simply because "that's what you do as a KZbinr". In fact, I've often felt like I'm doing things /wrong/ because I don't have a huge team like Ali or Marques. But I'm starting to believe that it's perfectly okay to stay solo and to grow extremely slowly - and this video has helped cement that belief.

[@Linoosethemooss]

The crossover no one expected.

[@highonkola6142]

Ground up show reboot with gmtk would be sooo fascinating

[@spacetimergames]

Even Ali is kinda going solo (while the team mainly handles the course work & editing)

[@MusselPump1]

I didn’t know you liked Matt, Good taste in KZbinrs

[@daejonmoody3304]

Whoah the KZbin world is getting smaller

[@Iliketomakestuff]

It's incredible how similar my last 10 years and specifically the last year has been to yours. I made the same moves and I'm healthier and happier because of it. I think you're doing the smart thing and I wish you the best 👍🏼

[@JustVoss]

This is good insight, I’ve been struggling with similar motivations and this is a cautionary tail that hiring more help might not be the fix.

[@PrinceEa]

Powerful, Honest, Vulnerable. Thank you for sharing this!

[@huubdrums]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@stevecassingham]

Dude the tightness in the chest is so real. Often, when we embark on the journey that we really love and care about, we don't see the effect of the effort or the stress as it grows until it is too late. I also stepped back and it was one of the most meaningful moves I could have made.

[@Deepskap-v9z]

I am coming back to your channel after years. I could not connect with your content for the past 2 years or so ,and this video takes me back to the beginning. This was the style that drew me in and I am so glad you're back to the home base.

[@hrishikeshavan8125]

I second that.

[@alonsonic]

Same

[@chasingsimpledreams]

Third that!

[@flightmodepodcast]

4th - the same here

[@UnseenSamy]

AGREED FOR REAL

[@SidneyDiongzon]

Man, I feel this so much. I missed having fun on KZbin because it became "work." So I'm bringing it back to basics in 2024! Thanks for this great video Matt.

[@mattdavella]

Good luck man!

[@thechrishau]

Nothing has resonated more. Super proud of this decision for you. Stoked to see your voice being presented fully by YOU again :)

[@mattdavella]

Thanks Chris!

[@MeganBatoon]

I know this all too well. Loved it and happy for you making the changes for your happiness xM

[@TheMinimalists]

This resonates deeply. Bravo, Matt! We, too, deliberately shrunk our team in 2023. Peace cannot be acquired-it can only be uncovered.

[@iHeartIndieGames]

I just wanted to give you confirmation that when you help yourself and share it with us, you’re helping everyone…. It’s extremely meaningful.

[@hanspeter9943]

Thanks for sharing Matt! Reminds me of a quote from Derek Sivers: “Even if what you're doing is slowing the growth of your business-if it makes you happy, that's OK. It's your choice to remain small. Whatever you make, it's your creation, so make it your personal dream come true“. Wish you you'll find the path that makes you happy!

[@askvinh]

Oh mate, I totally feel ya. I was in a similar place at the end of 2019 ❤ loved this video.

[@mikeslittlemind]

Hey Vinh. Happy New Year to you and your family. So much love from Brisbane. ❤❤❤

[@Ebee-83]

I think a lot of us are out here trying to reconcile the want for sustainable happiness (including, but not limited to, that which is found through our work) with the old programming of growth, hustle, and consistency. Started watching your videos for the minimalism, stayed for the personal growth, and am excited to see what comes next. Thanks for all you do and share!

[@BobbyKDesigns]

Thank you Matt. This confirms exactly what I’m working towards. The process at the speed I choose. Everyone has a different path. I like yours and I’m excited to see your videos this year. Great video!

[@GeekEntertainmentConsumer]

Here I am thinking you got divorced.

[@Ewori]

You're not alone

[@world-traveler880]

Matt is an expert on click bait titles

[@afshaalam4238]

Agahagahahahahaha mee too

[@itsTADI]

🤣🤣🤣 he got us ngl

[@weirdcan]

It’s called clickbait.

[@asliindependent]

thanks Matt, you're perhaps the only relatable creator on KZbin, and the timing of this video was serendipitous!❤

[@hoppenbrauer17]

Thank you for this very honest video. I guess the hardest part is admitting to oneself that, 'this is not what I thought it would be and I'm not enjoying this.' Really not easy. I wish you so much good as you develop a calm path that is fulfilling.

[@emijes1]

De-scaling in the creative business is not moving backwards, it is still moving forward, just with something different. I can’t wait to support you in your next endeavor. ❤

[@esparda07]

Phoenix rising baby!

[@classicaltrombone]

I couldn't agree more with your perspective. The editing is part of the creative process that I love! Scalability is not the end. There's no end.

[@melslatt]

I can't lie, I haven't been as excited to watch new Matt D'Avella videos recently. I think I could feel that they didn't have the same "je ne sais quoi" as they used to. So I'm really excited for this transition back to simpler times! I think you're an awesome story teller and fantastic video editor and I'm excited to feel your excitement come alive in your videos again!

[@Creative_Voices]

I feel you. I'm excited to see what he creates next!!!

[@ancir777]

Same!

[@lucymoon]

This is such a refreshing take. Also feeling validated about wanting to hold onto editing even though it’s a time drain! I love the creative process

[@apryl_dy]

I totally agree with you. Slowing down and simplifying things in order to keep off pressure from our chest are the nicest decision I made in my life.

[@BamBam-gs7eb]

This message applies to personal career goals as well. All my life I've chased a better version of me, better job, life. I'm more successful now but never been so unhappy, stressed and burned out. It's not a good path. Wish I had taken more time to do what I wanted to do rather than focus on what others thought of me. Pleased to hear you are on a good path to pull it back 👍

[@CosminMariean]

When you started years ago, I could see the passion and thought and most importantly, humour, you added to your shots. You were a person like every other, relatable, familiar that worked on something and decided to share that with us. Minimalism and how that worked for you, budget and how you got rid of debt, fitness and everyday habits to get better. Relatable stories that inspire us to strive for better. But while you told your stories, over these years you still had growth and learned more. And how we watch TV shows to see the characters grow with us, maybe you'll find the fire again in sharing your wisdom and stories, as you grow and your family grows. I'm glad you're making difficult decisions and learning from them. Thank you.

[@hariharm]

Sometimes the fun lies when we have control over everything, be it video production or editing.

[@EndlessTravels]

I've always found knowing what to out source is important. I've meet many busines professionals that have this idea of outsourcing everything so they can do nothign and get paid the same or more. Like Matt says his love was editing, and he even went as far as out sourcing even that, this is were i see he flawed and in return had to reset everything. I do wonder, if he hired a few but kept the editing to him self would have put him in a different direction

[@sarasoueidan]

First time commenting on your videos because this one hit a nerve. I am in the exact same place now in my career where I feel like I am doing what I am doing because I have to, even though i've already reached the "top of the mountain" and am no longer motivated by what i have been doing over the past few years. This video has been very helpful. When your friend said that you needed something NEW and that you needed to identify the story you want to tell, that really resonated with me and I felt a spark in my heart hearing it. It was kind of like a "duh" moment. I was like "Of course!". It's so simple and yet somehow I hadn't been able to consciously REALIZE it before hearing it from your friend. Thank you for sharing your feelings and experience with us. I hope 2024 will be a wonderful year for you and your family.

[@sunriseskies3883]

Love this thinking reflection ❤ I hope you are true to yourself and find what makes you happy in your next chapter of life!! ❤

[@Creative_Voices]

Totally felt the same way and understand that needing for something NEW. Thats what i feel i'm doing now with life and work! Cheers

[@moto-minimalist8196]

Matt, your journey has inspired me repeatedly over the years. As someone who started a business that grew to 14 employees, I can only say that quickly I learned that chasing the dream was synonymous with chasing my tail. In 2008 I lost my business, my home, my savings, and everything I had built my career around. Then something funny happened. After losing everything, I focused on what I had left. My family, my hobbies, my friends. I was never happier in my life than the years following the loss of everything. Life is a journey and stripped down to it's core is the realization that you only have so much time to spend. Making Quality over Quantity the true scale of measurement for success. I cannot wait to see what follows for you. In true Matt D'Avella fashion, I know it will be inspiring.

[@isaiahdelsol]

This is probably my favorite video you’ve made in a long time. Felt like OG Matt. Welcome back 🙏🏽

[@noreenn6976]

Hope it continues

[@SavinelliMike]

I’m so glad you touched on striving for enough. Frankly I’m pretty fed up of this obsession with ‘the grind’. In a time in our civilisation where people are afraid of losing out to machines, we’re becoming more and more like machines ourselves with these ridiculous hyper optimisation and productivity. If that lifestyle makes someone happy then good for them, but that’s not for me. Over the past few years I’m feeling driven to do less by making what I do count.

[@mentallygreat]

I respect that so much brother. Went through exactly the same journey this year. Building a creative comapny. Scaling. Realizing that's what I really wanted. Got to a point where it felt dreadful and unfulfilling. Stopped it. Simplified. And now: Pursuing my passion alone.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Congrats on this decision! Definitely will be for the best. Can’t wait to see what you make this year player!

[@GiftLee]

I'm grateful for the impeccable timing of this video and how much it resonates. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter!

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

KZbin and Instagram, that’s been my bread and butter for a decade, and I never hired any employees (apart from having an agent who takes a cut of brand deals which I’m fine with because they negotiate my fees to be as high as possible, they do all the back and forth, they approach companies I love for me, and they have a legal team, a finance professional etc!)…anyway, I’m SO glad I’ve remained a one man band. I’ve been on six figures a year for a decade, I get to just work in and around my kids and be a stay at home mother without money worries while I earn for hobbies. I’m SO content and I have minimal work stress 💚

[@carokelso]

Honestly haven’t felt this pumped for a Matt D’Avella video in a long time! (And NOT just because that smart bald man I’m married to made an appearance. 😅) Your willingness to share the unflinching truth about your own personal journey as a creator and entrepreneur is what I’ve loved most about your videos over the years. So excited to watch the next chapter unfold. There are lots of us here eager to support you at every new twist in the story! Grateful to call you a friend. 👍

[@mattdavella]

😢

[@sameenaarr9595]

I feel like this is the perfect video to emphasise - grass isn’t greener on the other side and you have to do what’s right for you. For some of us having our own business and employees is a dream whereas for others they’d rather do everything alone and are happy that way. It’s so easy to look at other people’s journey and compare but it will never be enough until you’re truly happy within yourself. Wishing you all the best for 2024 - can’t wait to see where this new route takes you ☺️

[@Creative_Voices]

Love the perspective. Knowing yourself and what makes you happy, running something where you manage people or being a solo operator, either way knowing what makes you happy is the best!

[@Besotted85]

If it´s not broken, don´t fix it! I´ll follow along no matter what! Love your content, what ever makes your boat float, makes it float! Cheers dude!

[@BlackBearForge]

Boy do I need to here this type of message more often. I am constantly struggling with the balance between what I wish my channel was and what the KZbin gurus say you should be doing. I need to quit worrying about the money so much and focus on the passion that got me started. Thanks

[@edwardleefilms]

This is so raw and one of the best mindsets to start the new year. Pumped to see what you decide to do this year Matt!

[@aarush_tiwari27]

I was wondering why your content had reduced. All that matters to me is that you and your family are okay and Matt, you will figure stuff out as you go along, just as you have in the past. Stay hopeful and have faith in yourself ❤

[@ScottAdamLancaster]

Expecting my first little boy in a few months and I'm in the middle of going through simplifying y life and business. I can genuinely feel that 'tightness in my chest' you spoke about. And everyday I simplify things a little more, it gets a little easier to deal with. Congrats on the shift, Matt.

[@skyhappy]

Keep in mind the world is on a path to a pretty much guaranteed climate crisis and adopting a child is more environmentally and morally correct.

[@ScottAdamLancaster]

@@skyhappy there are some sad situations in the world for sure. All we can do is stay positive and do our best.

[@skyhappy]

@@ScottAdamLancaster woops my original comment had some typos due to voice to text. Also your comment was quite generic. Especially in regards to the climate crisis part. We can help fix these problems, such as trying to adopt before having children is my point. Staying positive won't fix the world.

[@ScottAdamLancaster]

@@skyhappy I can appreciate your view, but no one has the right to dictate whether a family should adopt a child or have a baby with the person they love.

[@skyhappy]

@@ScottAdamLancaster I'm not rhe government I can't enforce anything. I'm arguing for what is the environmentally and morally right thing to do. You brought no counterpoints to the actual point. Makes no sense how you are satisfied with such a generic response. As as if you don't want to think.

[@AndrewWallacelive]

I know EXACTLY how you feel. Not just the lack of excitement to tackle the day, but also the paralysis that results from the obligations and responsibilities that build up as we mature and age. Sometimes I have to remind myself that taking any action, any movement, however imperfect, is better than spending one more day doing the same thing that made me miserable in the first place.

[@ErikStenbakken]

This rings so true. As a creative, I never took home as little as the year I grossed the most. Ironic. Scaled back my team and found my pace. We all needed to hear this message that “scale, Scale, SCALE!” Is not always the right answer.

[@AlissonRochinski]

It's amazing how you inspire all of us in those different situations that you've been in. You're an amazing man. Your transparency is something that more creators should learn from. Thank you, Matt. I'm excited for the next chapter! :)

[@kathypaige9217]

The most honest and most personally profounding video I've seen in a long time. Timing couldn't be better as I am facing similar success yet challenges and diminishing passion while in a different career. I've followed you for a long time as your content always helps my life if only in minute ways. You contributed to my life in many positive ways. This video was over the top. Been battling with the same thoughts. I feel more inspired now to reevaluate what i am chasing and why. I commend you! Stay on the path you feel is right for you and your family!

[@EveryDayVenture]

For a long time I wanted to be a CEO, run a successful small business, scale it, and hit all the bells and whistles. I had grown up inundated with that vision from KZbin, and "success" stories I'd seen around me. I chased it for several years, and nearly fulfilled my vision, and realized I hated it. It didn't look at all from the inside as it did from the outside. At a fundamental level, I didn't care about the metrics and meetings and milestones that were always increasing, quarter after quarter. So I turned my path and am doing something else. It will never be a success story on the news, but it feels like success to me and that's all that I care about (now).

[@carolinemikolajczyk4151]

So much love and respect for you Matt ❤ I believe we all need to simplify our lives and you have the courage to do it ! Whatever you do, I'll always support your work as it brought me tremendous insight and inspiration. Thank you.

[@SoulNavigation]

This is my EXACT situation..... I appreciate this story so soooooooo much! It's hard to hold up all that I have created and I don't want to let people down. I am still inspired, but I do remember loving the SIMPLER days. THANK YOU!

[@sadowskaphoto]

Matt, I can’t even describe how close to home this hits. The difference is I’ve always been on my own because of budget restrictions and would love nothing more but to pass a lot of the responsibility to someone else. Working in Social media is amazing in so many ways but no one talks about the pressures of constantly having to reinvent yourself and put out the new and exciting stuff. I find that especially the older I get the more I start to question my future in this career, it’s like you constantly play the game of catch up in a way. Either way, once again thank you for this! Best of luck on this new adventure

[@ritty300]

Wow Matt - really felt this one. I did something similar in my job and, while it means less income, the benefits have been priceless. Super grateful for your videos and cheers to the new year!

[@da47934]

It took me most of the way through this video to realize it is about minimalism. I admire your willingness to follow through on your life principles.

[@jenniferparisi]

Matt I am so freaking happy that the tightness in your chest has gone away. Thank you for being honest about what you've gone through, no doubt that had to be tough to articulate as you trusted your audience enough to be real about it. My husband and I are entrepreneurs as well and are very familiar with this tight chest panic feeling from all the pressure. We're on the same journey to slowness, and this video was so encouraging to know that someone else is excited about the pursuit of "enough", when so many others really just don't get it, or question if we're going to be okay with a simple business that makes... just enough. Thank you for all that you do. It's been a joy to be invited in, and I'm really excited about whats next.

[@Creative_Voices]

My husband and I also are entrepreneurs and totally understand the tightness. Sometimes it takes time to heal from moral injuries you dont mean to have happen!

[@TeppoHaapoja]

Love the transparency Matt, its so easy for people to glorify hustling and scaling without understanding the cost

[@DaysWeSpend]

Matt, it was such an honor being one of your early employees. I learned so much about how to be a kind and thoughtful creator - and a great boss! Working for you helped my wife and I launch our own KZbin channel, and I'm pretty sure she's sick of hearing "...well, Matt always used to say..." Thanks so much for the continued honesty, clarity, and quality that you bring to KZbin. I wish you and your family the best. Thanks so much for all you do (and don't do!).

[@FilmwColleen]

Usually people do serious announcements as just a simple talk-to-camera. i like that you told the whole story and invited others with diff perspectives to speak!

[@jaimefrenchofficial]

this is the most relatable video I’ve seen in so long. My life got 10x more stressful after hiring employees and for 2.5 years I have assumed it was my fault for just not being good at managing things. I appreciate hearing all of this so much.

[@iamlashawnda]

I'm glad you decided to step back before it was too late. Thank you for being so transparent about your journey and being willing to take us along with you. Coming from someone who is inspired by successful KZbinrs and strives to become one as well, it's something that I now keep in mind because I have seen so many either straight up quit due to burnout or decide to go on a long-term sabbatical. I don't want to run into that situation so that lets me know to continue to grow at my current pace and not rush to success thinking it will feel much better on the other side.

[@SiddharthaJoshiFilms]

Watching the video helped me de-stress - especially when I’m at a stage where I want to build a team to grow further. All the best for 2024 🙌

[@digitalfrenzyy]

Your videos always show up at the right moment in time for me Matt. A year ago I was trying to scale up myself, becoming a better person, and a habit tracking video showed up when I opened youtube, same thing happened 4 months ago when I gave it another shot, this time it was the mood tracker video and now once more! Thanks for the engaging content and good luck!

[@AnitaBokepalli]

What an honest video Matt, and hats off to you for your thought process and for implementing what you’ve realised will make life better for yourself and your family ❤ I’m going through something similar and this video made me think, thank you ❤

[@PandorasExecutioner]

I hope you see this comment. This change makes perfect sense to me as someone who has followed you a long time as just a fan. By de-scaling, you did minimalism/essentialism towards your time and creativity! This is truly inspiring to me! You had the tough conversation with yourself and others to scale back and let go of time clutter. I'm excited that you're now doing less so that you can take more time to explore your next chapter. I'm here for it!

[@jesse.medina]

Must be something in the air because I know you're not the only person who's craving radical change in their life. Cheers and best of luck! Here to support whatever is next.

[@MatthewEncina]

Team of one-autonomy, flexibility, and the ability to change anything (and everything) at any time I want. Ever since I left my management job to go on my own, I've resisted scaling at all costs to preserve this for myself. So I can minimize my obligation to others, and reserve the time and space to explore my creative curiosities. You made the right choice. Good luck to you in 2024 Matt. Wishing you fulfillment in this new year!

[@jbivphotography]

Amazing video, and such a great reminder to all of us Tubers who hit that 100k+ area. The feeling of "needing" the scale is a real one. I'll keep in mind to try and just focus on what makes me and my family happy.

[@jane_rowan]

It takes such courage to put this out there, being so honest and transparent about the whole situation. It makes me feel very proud of you and it's also very inspiring to others. Keep going, you definitely are on the right track! :)

[@Noochbaby]

Proud of you Matt! Sounds like this was a really hard decision for you but ultimately this is what your channel is about - minimalism. Simplifying your business to make more space for the things you truly value is minimalism at its core and it’s authentic to you. I’m happy for you and grateful that you shared this with us. Best of luck to you. Truly wishing you the best!

[@LeahandLevi]

Frankie has had a huge impact on my priorities and as a dad with a couple employees it’s pretty overwhelming. I’m not sure what I’m going to do as he gets older but it’s good to see that you CAN change and you will survive. Thanks for another honest video Matt.

[@yourmetalsister2958]

Well done Matt for having the courage to admit, to yourself and to the world, that what you were doing wasn't working for you. I wish you and your family all the best for whatever you decide to do in the future.

[@JayKaizen]

Massive congratulations with the baby on the way matt. What a blessing ❤️

[@KathleenHawk]

Thanks for sharing your experience and insights! I love the idea of growing sustainably and slowly like you mention 💚 I'd love to hear more about working solo once you're at the size you're at.

[@Hunter_Kay]

I’m so happy for you Matt. You have have found “success” but never lost awareness of what success truly means to you. Keep up the great work.

[@rachelsenglish]

So interesting Matt. I have had my YT channel for 15 years and it's been a slow build. I'm actually putting together a talk on growth and hiring for a conference in May and this his helping shift how I want to address all the aspects of that.

[@ChangeIsHere777]

It’s not just about surviving, it’s about learning to thrive through every challenge. You’re showing us how.

[@321ozzy]

Thank you for opening up and sharing the downside of having a major youtube channel, a team working with you and all the additional issues that come along. As I "accomplished" my dream, I enjoy the spot right now, though start feeling uneasy as no real new goal has been set. The 2020/2023 event has to do with no setting new goals a lot. That said, time to rethink 🙂

[@clem]

A lot of KZbinrs and other online creators have made / are making the same mistake that so many tech start-ups made over the last few years: blindly focusing on "scaling," only to realize that this scaling is accomplishing the exact opposite of what it was supposed to accomplish: more responsibilities, less free time, more stress, less profit. I think you're making the right move, Matt. Best of luck!

[@piloctor15]

I’ve been watching you since 2018 and I’m not sure if I’ve ever left a comment but I had to this time, When you asked “what do I do Jason?” Damn, it hit home, when I first started getting interested in streaming I wanted to get heavily into twitch and bought a whole bunch of gear and equipment and it was your videos that I looked to as a blue print to organize my life a bit, and when it didn’t come to fruition I felt so defeated, I appreciated you sharing this, raw and unfiltered experience to show the dark sides of creating for the fun/doing it for a job! No matter how much we would like to think of ourselves being so far ahead sometimes we get stuck, and this video helped me to realize that it’s okay to take a step back and it’s okay not to know the answer to everything! With that being said I’m in the middle of a dark period where I’m feeling very unfulfilled for the current job I’m in and I feel so stuck,the kicker is I don’t even know what I want to even do🙈, this does lend me some comfort to push through. Matt thank you, I really needed and appreciate this!

[@stephanieareias4876]

I run a completely different kind of solo business, and this video was still so spot on for me. My business really took off in its first year, which I’m so grateful for, but it also leads you to all the “to scale or not to scale” questions, and ultimately I don’t think hiring & scaling up will hit the mark for me. I want a relaxed, fun life, and the less responsibility & management of others, the better 😂

[@Creative_Voices]

Bless you!!! I'm so glad there are others that want heartfelt business and know how to have peace in life.

[@amirxodom]

I really needed to hear this as my channel is growing. Thank you so much!

[@bachvutuyetvoi3789]

Dear Matt, Some years ago I started watching your videos and they made me a better person. For the last - maybe - 2 or 3 years, I have to say, I don’t watch your videos anymore (sorry). Kind of something lost. Not in your content (maybe in your content but I don’t realize, but mostly in my perspective. Now I’m in kind of a not-really-good situation because of my laziness. So I think of you as my online mentor who inspired me to do good things. I watch this video, and you didn’t let me down. Always grateful for you, Matt. Please keep doing your things, and be happy ❤

[@MrCaptnKaracho]

One of the greater, if not the greatest problem, in western society is deeply ingrained in the capitalism we all live in and love: the absence of the limit of "just enough". We always "want" more and tend to be crushed by our own ambitions in the process. When I started my first side-business it was more of a hobby. When i added the next one, i reached a monthly income double of my salary in middle Management. I could have stopped there, but fell for "more". Years later I had more than 25000 employees, more money I could ever spend and a loaded revolver by the bed, because every morning I wanted to end my life. Too much responsibility, too little sense behind it. Last year I sold most of my businesses. I gave my soul the room and the permission to breath. And it is remarkable how much energy was bound in the business.

[@husan_ismoilov]

I imagine this could be so frustrating to you. But the secret is to love what you do whatever it is. Love! Alright! You are the best KZbinr I've ever ever seen. I don't wanna lose you. You helped me a lot in different ways. I'm literally crying right now. Keep what you're doing up plz for us

[@daniellelindblom7753]

"Enough. Calm businesses." YES. I have burned out on 2 businesses from pushing so hard. I've been watching this channel since before the "boom" and noticed the change for you.

[@MikeLocke]

Nice to see that you're human. I went through the same difficulties but with a much smaller channel and course. In short, I left KZbin. I stopped creating videos and starting focusing on other things. You may just need to take some time off, I guarantee, you will find your love again and come back even stronger.

[@BillyYang]

Needed to hear this Matt. Creators can all relate to some/all degrees with this message. Hoping you find your voice + story again in 2024! Blessings brother.

[@thisisthelukas]

I think it's a personality thing, but I can't really understand how people could "hate" editing. It's a zen for me, and sometimes it's the only way I can calm down and focus on something. And you get your complete creative freedom when you edit, like you and Jason alluded to. I'm glad you are taking a step back for yourself, Matt!

[@YannickReid]

Glad you had the confidence to do it, I don’t imagine it to be easy at all, especially all the people depending on you. It’s a lot of pressure

[@3row4wy23]

As a current jobseeker myself, hope the full-time employees who were let go are able get back on their feet soonest. 🤞

[@rajkaran4500]

Matt, I feel that I have found a genuine person and friend in you. I want to give you a warm hug.

[@adamdittrichone]

Incredible insight, Matt. What helped me transform myself and what I hear when I consult with creators: - Give yourself time to find your true calling (again). - Spend time offline. - Start writing, reflect. - Eliminate, Automate, and Delegate. - Never feel the pressure to do X, Y, Z what society, community tells you. - Opportunities will present themselves. Good luck with the new chapter ✌🏻