talking about "quitting youtube"

catch me live on twitch: / julien
julien's amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/jsolo
my instagram: / juliensolomita
video edited by fluck

[@Probabalyalexx]

for anyone who missed the stream and is seeing this and is scared, Julien is not quitting, he just addressed how he will probably be taking more breaks of greater lengths because he is having some mental health issues and just feels tired in general!

[@user-br3ty9rt1m]

@@joketsu100 Burnout is real no matter the job. He recognized his privilege in the video if you listened, so the sarcasm in this comment is unnecessary. But go off I guess.

[@reb5433]

@@joketsu100delete this. It’s embarrassing for you. Be a fucking human and have empathy for others.

[@nomoretwitterhandles]

@@joketsu100 bro has a bajillion videos about their weed plant and has the nerve to talk about struggle 😂

[@joketsu100]

@nomoretwitterhandles clones are $20 at the dispensary and I get about a pound a plant. Im saving money. So what's your point? I took the videos on my $80 android phone. Again, what's your point?

[@notamberp]

@@joketsu100why so ignorant? no matter what someone does, or how much money they have, they are still human. Their brain struggles just like everyone else’s sometimes. Don’t invalidate someone’s feelings or issues just because you feel like you have it worse, all it does is make you look like an ugly person.

[@purpleamber1]

Follow your joy Julien. Leave entirely, take a break, a hiatus, do what is best. Go rest with the doggos and Jenna and know that you are loved on the internet and will always be a part of its history. Forget everyone and do what you want, what brings you peace.

[@melanieswan9714]

and their income????

[@KeleyKinesis]

More to life than money. @@melanieswan9714

[@Morganc14]

@@melanieswan9714 they would be fine for a while I'm sure lol but they both could easily find something else to do for a living, if Jenna hasn't already!

[@m00nAlways0nMe]

I don't think (hope) they'll have to worry about that. People still watch Jenna's videos, she's still (I REALLY HOPE) getting money from those. They're good. =) and they deserve that. @@melanieswan9714

[@KerrieBerrie]

@@melanieswan9714 A lot of these big name KZbinrs are able to retire early. :)

[@kris1346]

I hope that seeing the audience’s reaction to Jenna leaving the internet has shown Julien that his audience will support him 100% if/when he decides to leave ❤

[@m00nAlways0nMe]

I still support Jenna's leaving even to this day. Sure it was sad, but she gets to make that decision for herself.

[@TalenynWren]

I’ve felt Jenna’s leaving like a friend moving away. Like I’m sad I can’t see her everyday but I’m always hoping each day out there is treating her right. I wouldn’t say no to an annual dog Halloween outfits video but happy they made and are making the choices that are right for them.

[@evalynn1863]

I think it's pretty amazing that if you go through Jenna's videos there are so many comments that are mostly some variation of "I miss her so much but I'm happy she was able to do what was necessary for her health. I hope she's doing well." The vast majority just wants what's best for her, and for Julen as well.

[@presleylawlor6519]

I really hope Julien knows that we feel the same about him. I don’t watch every new update/ stream / video. But Julien content pops up for me so of course I watch when it does. Especially Aries kitchen, being celiac. And like someone said above if Julien wants to leave and never post again, or post an annual or even sporadic video, we would all support it 🫶🏻

[@rsnide1891]

Feeling burnt out is a like exhaustion of the soul. Sleep doesn’t fix it. I took a big pay cut to switch jobs, and have no regrets. Do what you need to do. If that means you change your content, if that means leaving, if that means cutting back. Self-examine and take care of yourself. You matter. Your soul matters. This life is too short to be miserable.

[@Faeriecoma]

Aka burn out

[@fartmagus]

❤

[@hanaeyoshida5163]

This comment is so inspiring to me, thank you so much

[@krisdepp890]

I did the exact same and sure I'm kind of facing the financial consequences a bit, especially with a baby to take care of, but I am so much happier and present.

[@littlemizredhead]

I can't afford to... I'm barely making my $1800/month rents and all the bills...and my medical bills because chronic issues...it sucks

[@ermjaewuuuuu]

I cant imagine the stress of feeling a bunch of people saying they "depend" on you and the toll it must take on your mental health. I dont blame streamers/KZbinrs ect just wanting to be done. To be day in and day out viewed under a microscope must be exhausting. Its your life, do what is best for you, and you dont owe anyone anything. You and Jenna are loved and appreciated for everything youve done.

[@nomoretwitterhandles]

I feel that. Sometimes I get really annoyed with people who say "omg ur channel keeps me alive!" or "you keep me from having a mental breakdown!". On one hand, I totally get it; when I was living through a really dark period of my life, I relied so much on KZbinrs. We kind of all do. But when people start adding this direct pressure on content creators, it just comes off as manipulative trauma dumping. It's like, who asked, you know? As Amy Poehler said in her memoir, "Good for you, not for me." Those are words I live by, and more people should too.

[@m00nAlways0nMe]

Right? This man has people saying they are literally only alive because of him which puts bad pressure on someone. I see it SO much in these comments. Like how is a person online keeping you alive? That's not fair to them.

[@Leighann_]

I hate to say it but I'm happy to hear some people feel the same way about this ^. I hear these types of messages come through when he's in the middle of something that makes him genuinely happy and I see the shift and tone of his face. It affects him and honestly me too. I've had to stop watching the stream so much, because it seems to have become a place where people trauma dump and share very personal stuff. It sounds terrible to say but it can be a lot, for anyone to hear all of the time.

[@m00nAlways0nMe]

Trauma dumping without consent in a safe space is so wrong on so many levels. @@Leighann_

[@ermjaewuuuuu]

@Leighann_ exactly. I see that with other streamers too where they'll be in the middle of having a great time and someone will trauma dump or ask when they're going to be doing a different game or play with other specific gamers... like let them enjoy their lives. I don't think people understand how much that can just drain someone and then to have to repeat it over and over again... I'd have zero patience. The people who are willing to put their lives out there for others entertainment are remarkable. I certainly couldn't do it and I feel burnt out for them.

[@Futu06]

I really felt what Mat Pat said when he quit. The big problem with being a content creator is that your whole life becomes potential content. Your hobbies become your work. That honestly sounds exhausting. I've never liked the saying "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life". When you do what you love, you actually end up working really hard all the time with no boundaries between work and time off, and take every setback related to your job extremely personally. I can only imagine h what that does to a person over time.

[@LuthienNightwolf]

As a fulltime artist I feel this 100%. I am grateful that my lifelong hobby has been able to be my source of income but its also pretty draining sometimes because now you do it out of obligation, instead of just doing it when you feel inspired. You end up with very little (almost none) time for your own projects which just burns you out faster. And its not just making art, its a whole slew of other jobs that go with it that you alone are in charge of. I don't blame anyone in this position for being exhausted.

[@MoMountainMutts]

So true, I don’t like when people tell me my job isn’t work bc it’s hard work. It’s super fun and better than other jobs. Everyone comments they want my job when they retire, yea sure, you prob want to do 1/10 if my job-the part you see online and think that’s all my job encloses. It rained sideways all day yesterday with winds that knocked trees down. Had to change my clothes 4 times throughout the work day. From being cold and wet for the day I was sooooo tired when I got home, yea you want that when you retire? To be cold and wet all the time? 😂

[@purpleamber1]

Jenna was the tide going out before the tsunami hit. She was just the beginning, a warning, and she did it perfectly, at the right time. Julien, if it's your time, it's time.

[@OhhShootTiffiney]

Damn that was so profound 🥹 and so, so true

[@nomoretwitterhandles]

It... feels a little insulting to boil Jenna down to "a warning". That makes it sound like she is a cautionary tale of what not to do. She's more of an alert. She got people's attention with her absence, and now the crowd is on their toes, waiting for the next alert. An alert is neither good nor bad, but warnings signify danger. I don't think it's dangerous or bad for other content creators to follow in Jenna's footsteps. She simply snapped her fingers, said "Hey, I'm doing this because this is what's good for me at this moment in my life", and she brought this idea of retirement to other content creators--she got their attention with her alert. I only just recently got into Julien's content indirectly (from Chris Melberger's streams), and as such I've really started to feel for Jenna. I never watched her content, but I always respected her. When I'd heard she was retiring from social media, I was first sad and angry (because I felt like I had just missed getting into her stuff), but then I realized this would be the best thing she could ever do for her mental health. She wasn't a warning, she was an alert. An alert to tell us it's okay to step back. It's not what we wanted, but what we needed; and it's what she needed too.

[@jyoung6366]

@@nomoretwitterhandleswarning and alert are synonyms bucko

[@purpleamber1]

​@@jyoung6366Thank you bc we're all saying the same thing, just different semantics.

[@neu_dae]

@@nomoretwitterhandles warning and alert mean the same thing my friend.

[@Carly-pk3xk]

When someone quits in my office job I don’t feel like I’m owed a reason why or if they’re ever coming back. I had to apply this to when Jenna left KZbin. I felt like I needed to know when she was coming back (if she was coming back) and it was very selfish and unnatural. But it’s the way we’ve been conditioned in this new realm of entertainment. I’m glad there’s been a shift and I think Jenna paved the way and is owed a lot of gratitude for that ❤

[@purpleamber1]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 This. We cannot hold this parasocial attachment/entitlement with KZbinrs, or someone just doing their job. Jenna leaving was a huge lesson for me in that regard.

[@maryj8611]

beautifully said and thank you for saying it

[@kmaree17]

I totally understand the reasons, respect Jenna’s decision and I just hope she knows how much we love her after all this time ♥️ Julien if you do decide to hang it up just know we love you and always will, live your lives! True people will miss you but will understand xxx

[@PersephoneSelene]

You’re 100% right but I think if you love someone and they leave a job you can still arrange to see them. They don’t disappear forever and that’s what Jenna’s fans have struggled with. I wish her the best and wouldn’t want her to do anything that messes with her mental health but it’s so heart breaking to go from seeing everything to not knowing anything about her at all.

[@Alison_Pauley]

I can't imagine having to "preform" for a huge platform. You're always so easy to follow because you don't sugarcoat needing time away from the platforms you make content for. We love you Papa ❤

[@accordingtokayla]

Hearing Jenna is like done done, is so hard to hear, but I am SO happy for her. She deserves all the peace being offline. Same to you Julien! We love you both, and while we will miss you if you hang it up, we will always always support you! ❤

[@PersephoneSelene]

When he said she hung up 😢 I was like wait she said she didn’t know if she was coming back 😩 this one hurt.

[@Void_Mother]

"They have been slowly chipping away at their soul, to provide the fuel for this machine." Very well said. Even though it's sad to see a lot of big content creators step back from the platform, it's also very important to remember that they are people too, with needs and wants and emotions, and being a "cog" in the Content Creation machine can be exhausting

[@sundella14]

I want him to have a break so he can feels better but damn it's gonna hurt if he leaves.

[@ohthereyouarepeter1435]

I miss Jenna with all my heart but it's seriously the best thing she could have done for herself ❤ she started KZbin to fill a void. The void went away.. she's a whole Jenna now and that's all she wanted all along. She's helping animals like she wanted, she's no longer sad Jenna.. she got her happily ever after and I'm so proud of her.. I'm proud of you both. You helped her in ways none of us could ever begin to fathom. Thank you for that ❤❤❤ love you guys 🫂

[@DanielleVlog365]

Oh gosh, this brought me back 💙 What a sweet sentiment

[@mariashaself1496]

So beautifully said, and I couldn’t agree more 💜💜

[@eitacffuc]

I've watched you and Jenna growing up in my early 20's and now being 30, I can't say how proud of you I am for the both of you. You both have shared so much of your lives, good and bad, and the Dink Fam loves you both more than you'll ever know. Take a break and however long you need. We appreciate you so much and we understand. 💜

[@RainInTheSunshine]

as a kid everyone used to tell me to be an artist bc I could draw, it took me years to find the language to express that when you make your passion or your hobby into your job, the spontaneity and freedom becomes removed to an extent, bc its a job now and jobs are burdens.. its not something driven purely by fun anymore. I feel like you touched on that perspective a bit in different words. as an audience the job of content creator might seem like a fun dream, but its hard work that invades your head space constantly, its turning something that used to be just fun into something structured and demanding, plus its the sacrifice of being a person in the public eye. conclusion - please always take time off or pull back if thats what you feel led to do for yourself bc we will have unlimited understanding without any explanation needed!

[@sakikomi]

100% to this day, whenever someone says I should do something I enjoy as my job or make money off it somehow, or compete, etc. it becomes infinitely less fun for me. It becomes stressful because I'm not just doing it for my own enjoyment anymore. I hope Julien takes the time he needs whether that means he posts once a month, once a year, or never again for the public.

[@evalynn1863]

I had this happen with photography. It was a huge passion of mine and I was damn good at it. I started working when I was 12 and saved up for years for a nice DSLR and everyone told me that I could finally do real jobs. And I did, I was hired to shoot senior pictures and family portraits and even a few weddings, but it made me start to resent it. The pressure to be perfect and get the right shots, the fear of disappointing people, it took all of the joy out of it. It actually made me step away from photography altogether for a few years. All I ever wanted was to capture the world in a way that made people stop and think.

[@julezthealien2467]

This is what happened to me with music. I realized that all the joy and fun of it got sucked out when I tried to make it my career and my life. I want to keep it special, for me.

[@somethingelse4204]

I hope Julien does whatever he needs to do to feel better.

[@estherdavis851]

Thanks for all you and Jenna have shared and given us. Jenna helped my daughter make it through a terrible time in High school. She was contemplating suicide. Watching you and Jenna helped her out a lot. I am very grateful for all the fun and beautiful things you shared. Have a blessed and beautiful life together ❤️ You will be missed if you end up leaving KZbin 😢😊❤

[@nomoretwitterhandles]

So sorry to hear you and your daughter especially had gone through that. I'm glad Jenna and Julien were there for you guys during a dark period. I hope your daughter is much better now ♥

[@estherdavis851]

@@nomoretwitterhandles yes she has been happy and healthy for years now . Thanks for your comment 😊

[@dzr4421]

This it what it means that some KZbinrs and streamers or other artists of any kind really, REALLY have an impact on somebody's life. I wish you and your daughter ALL the best and I'm so glad this wonderful pair of humans (Julien & Jenna) helped her through a tough time. Everything will get better.

[@ambrosemoonchild1985]

I know everyone gets anxious when their favorite creators start having these conversations, but they always make me introspective about how I engage with and share my hobbies with other people. I think it's important to be intentional about the things important to us that bring joy. Thank you for being vulnerable online. I hope the things you love bring you joy again

[@maryj8611]

beautifully said

[@BobaTeaBeech]

He has seemed off for awhile especially after the stalker incident, but I didn’t realize it was this bad. When he said you look inside yourself and don’t see anyone that broke my heart. I hope he does what he needs to do to be happy. idk what’s going on in his personal life but mental health stuff is so hard especially with ADHD, I struggle badly with depression and I think streaming would be such a hard job. If he left permanently I would be very sad, but I would understand. ❤❤

[@nerdireads]

Do whatever you gotta do julen 🖤

[@caitlin3896]

julien, for all the fam who don't use twitch (and so see your face a little less often

[@KayGirl216]

Having a job is hard. Takes energy even when we don’t have it to give. Sometimes we fake the funk or don’t and it shows so ppl can tell. That’s life.

[@OhhShootTiffiney]

Totally agree with this. That is life. But I think it’s different for youtubers/streamers/influencers, whatever you want to call them, who are putting their authentic selves out there for a responsive audience. Few jobs have that same parallel. Also, if you have the (financial) ability to quit any job that’s draining you/causing burn out….I think anyone would.

[@jyoung6366]

@@OhhShootTiffineyas a public servant, nah, lots of jobs require you to put yourself out there. He has every right to cash out and dip, but it sucksssss to hear that he is burnt out playing games for a living

[@liza2444]

@@jyoung6366I’m a waitress and I was having basically this conversation with a coworker today. he’s not saying ‘poor me I hate my job’ he’s talking about his lived experience and mentally what he goes through to make content. I think saying that he’s whinging about playing games for living is reductive. he’s talking about something we all feel and go through, the burnout when you’ve grown and changed as a person but your situation and your work doesn’t feed your soul in the way it used to. I think these kinds of conversations are important to have because they usually precipitate a positive change.

[@sunner108]

@@liza2444 The difference is that he could step away any day and would probably not have to worry about making ends meet. I think that's why people are finding it a bit tough to relate, because he's talking about the stresses of a job that he could quit at any time without losing financial stability or his multi-million dollar home. It doesn't make his feelings any less valid, and I understand that there are unique stress-factors to being in the public eye, but there are also tons of stress-factors that he's not having to deal with because he's a multimillionaire.

[@elenuvien]

@@liza2444 most people's ability to change is very limited, though. i can't just quit my job when i feel burnt out because i need to pay bills and i don't have passive income to settle me for life even if i don't do anything else ever. i think that's the difference here. Julien's feelings and needs are very real but his situation isn't fully relatable to a lot of us because he can just step back or quit and most of us can't, we have to grind. he absolutely should do what's best for him and not apologise to anyone for that but he's in that small, very privileged group to do that.

[@emilyduvall514]

I got rid of or stop posting on my socials for the most part and I just had private ones for friends and family. It just felt performative and I felt like the people I actually hang out with and talk to are in the loop and I don't owe the people I went to college with or my parents' friends a show of what I'm up to. I hated thinking "oh I have to get a good picture of this" when I was out enjoying something in my life because it became about performing it for other people instead of being present. I can't imagine doing it at Jenna or Julien's scale. Julien, if you go offline I think most fans will fully understand and we are grateful for the fun and community you provided during your internet career. Your health and happiness matter most.

[@michaylaclemens8513]

I’ve been watching Jenna since 2010 when I started my first year at college. I’m now 31 and have a husband and a cat and an adult life but I still watch juliens videos to stay connected to her. I found a love for Julien separate to Jenna and my husband started following him too. But I agree with julien. The internet is huge progress and the price we pay is with our souls. Even those not “influencing” every time to put a piece of yourself out there I truly feel it takes a toll on the soul. YTers made a deal with the devil when they started their careers but after a while as julien says you sacrifice yourself more and more and more until there’s nothing left. I don’t want to see that happen to you Julien so please listen to the signs. We would rather have you happy than have you on our screens. We will settle for the hope that one day we get more glimpses of you and Jenna in the future. But that’s a privilege for us, not a right. ❤ As someone whose struggles with mental health most of my life - listen to the voice sometimes that tells you to quit. Because it’s likely your soul and your brain asking for a break and you deserve to feel like “a person” 24/7

[@nightsgrow6575]

What a lovely comment. I agree wholeheartedly

[@Juliamh2222]

I feel like you could probably take an extended period of time off, like a month or more and see how you feel. We want you to be happy, even if that means you stepping away from the internet. Go enjoy being married ots offline and enjoy yourself outside the scope of feeling the need to please others. You deserve it. Please go take time. You haven’t had the opportunity to experience much of your adult life without feeling like you need to explain yourself to viewers and that must be super difficult. Peace and love💕

[@shannon7882]

Burnt out. Please please please go and sooth your soul. Go take care of yourself and be with your family.

[@MissFelice]

We are so incredibly grateful for how much you’ve shared and given us. Maybe an indefinite break where it’s up to you if you want to come back or just go back to KZbin videos when you feel inspired would help? Genuinely, we are so lucky that you’ve stayed this long after Jenna left. The joy and comfort you’ve given us is immeasurable, truly. We can all feel how much you’ve given. You’re such a rare breed of creator that’s honest, genuine, creative, and with a clear beautiful moral center. You are so loved and you so dearly deserve to take back the energy you need for yourself and your family. Dammit, Julen, you are just such a good man.

[@wildwesley9328]

If I hadn’t been in the chat during this discussion, this video title would have given me major anxiety. The vibe in stream was super wholesome and I will reiterate what was said there. If Julien decides to leave the internet, take an extended break/hiatus, or keep trucking, the dink fam will support him no matter what. What’s important is that he, Jenna and the dogs are happy and healthy. Will I be sad if/when he does quit, yeah. But I’ll always have the memories and the videos to go back to, same as what I do for Jenna.

[@BeatlesMusicRock]

I feel you julen. I am making a major life change because I can’t keep doing what I’m doing, my life is “fine” but my tank wasn’t getting full. You can only run on empty for so long. At this point I’d rather crash and burn than keep this up! Do whatever you need to do and we’ll support you in that ❤️

[@katqt32]

The change will be good for you, friend. Much love and peace your way. You’ll find your groove!

[@claudiakulaymakesvideos]

Burnout is a wild thing 💖 please take care of yourself and do what you know is best for you!

[@fayewebsterstan]

Being an online presence carries a lot of pressure and expectations from others, but I hope if it comes down to it, you’ll choose to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing Julien ❤️

[@ShannaAnime]

I’ve been watching your comfy minecraft streams from a year ago, to fall sleep to for the last month. I love your content, and was always so excited for all of Jenna’s beauty tutorial videos, the hilarious snake oil pod casts back in the day, and Arie’s kitchen shenanigans. Do what’s best for your soul, but know we’ll always support you.😊

[@simply_symira]

i appreciate how open you are about these kinds of things, and i'm so proud of you for taking breaks more often! whether it's a week, a month, or forever, we'll always support you the same way we do with jenna, and you should never feel guilty for putting your mental health first. thank you for everything you do for us julen, you are beyond loved

[@sydneypappas6457]

This clip of the stream is what I needed to hear. I work with teenagers and have for nearly 10 years. I announced to my director that I’ve accepted a different job. I’m telling the kids tonight at our youth group. I don’t want them to feel like it’s their fault I’m leaving, and it’s not! I’ve just grown and need to move on to the next thing life has for me. It comes with so much guilt.

[@c3ljean]

I feel you with this, this january. life is however just relentless. self care is very important and understanding your limits equally so. I appreciate you and your content! do what's best for you! ❤️💛

[@jmsimon1490]

julie deserves the world, i hope hes taking care of himself. With whatever choice he decides to make, i hope he knows that we are all rooting for him. 💜

[@lesbomom6659]

Do what you need to do! We’ll miss you as much as we miss Jenna but whatever you feel you need we’ll support you!

[@courtneyscriven8934]

I always say theres nothing in the world that you want to do for 8+ hours everyday for your whole life. We all get burnt out even doing things we enjoy.

[@alleykat1674]

I am currently going through the same thing with my job / day-to-day / just life in general. Everything you said was 10000% relatable... Ive been trying to listen to my gut / body more than my mind lately, but it's hard. The guilt of feeling like your being "selfish" just for taking a break / vacation / not being "productive" is unreal..

[@delilahkreitz822]

Honestly I hated how Jenna went- but I had to realize it’s what she needed to do. Now she’s happy. Now honestly I think if Julien has to go… then do it. It’ll be ok. Also seen all the dink hearts made my heart melt.

[@stellarae8257]

you and jenna have added so much joy to all of our lives. i hope youre able to find the balance that works for you, even if that means you no longer being on the internet. just take care of yourself the best you can! sending lots of love to you and your family

[@sasuke017]

I have been rewatching your vlogs lately. Over the years your videos and Jenna’s videos have made my day so many times. I remember getting so excited for a new upload that I’m happy to have been following along with your journey in life. If you need a break or if it’s time to hang it up, do whatever makes you happy Julien. ❤

[@Abby-qy3zk]

i love being a non-internet person. i love being able to grow and to explore what it means to be a person and build a life so intimately, creating meaning with the select few i choose to invest my time and heart into. being on the internet, throwing that vulnerability into the void and being known and perceived by so many people is a huge sacrifice. take so much care of yourself, build whatever life you want that includes whatever you want and nothing that you don’t, and we’re thankful for all the years you’ve been around with us!! i’m starting therapy this week so i feel like it’s a year of growth for all of us

[@cassiesdesign]

Burn out sucks so much. Even when it’s something you love to do. Sending a lot of love and good energy. I’ve been feeling similarly for a while about my work. And i’ve taken time away from it to heal.

[@madelynricket]

As someone who’s loved both you and Jenna for years and years now, as much as we will miss you, we will be okay. Thank you for everything. And if it’s time to go then it’s time. If not, I hope you come back feeling better than ever. I’ll always have your back and want your best interest, whatever that may be. Much love to you, Jenna and the doggies.

[@MidnightLazarus420]

this makes me so sad. I just want Julen to be happy & enjoy life, content be damned my guy. much love for you, the dogs & Jenna ❤

[@melissadropdead4619]

I could tell he didn't seem too happy in this video. Almost to the point of stuttering on his words. I hope he doesn't feel like he's letting us down by leaving. He saw how it was with Jenna. He doesn't want to disappoint anyone. In the meantime, he's unhappy. 😢 I will miss him just as much, but I understand completely!

[@mv5485]

My heart broke for him, just want him to do what makes him fulfilled and happy ❤ just want peace and love for him, Jenna, and the pups ❤

[@potatopouf]

ive been struggling a lot with mental health as well as worrying about my jobs, school, my pets, and also trying to just be a person and do all the other things and chores and shit. its a lot

[@demidion1527]

I just want you to be happy Julen. Seriously. You and Jenna have done do much good for me in my life. So all I want is for both of you to be happy. So if that means you retire, that is completely fine with me. I love you both so much ❤

[@autisticcozygamer]

I have been feeling similar in some aspects a while ago and my therapist said to give myself permission to have a week off and evaluate at the end of tat week if I feel like I need another week of. This helped with anxiety. It’s difficult, the burnout, and it might take few years to get out of it. What helped me a lot was gardening, planting keeping things alive and my two cats. I’m still goin through it. You can’t pour from an empty glass, or what mytherapist said,in the plane you put oxygen mask on yourself first.

[@TysonASMR]

I’ve tried multiple times to get into streaming as I’m a big gamer and it sounded like such an easy thing to do. I’m shocked by how drained I am every time I stream. I usually end stream earlier than I plan to because I feel exhausted and overwhelmed. I thought maybe if I get more viewers that will help. I’ve been raided a few times and that only makes my anxiety worse. I’ve realized that streaming takes the fun out of gaming for me. It sucks especially after investing all this money into streaming equipment. but it’s important to do what makes you happy in the end and sometimes you realize the things you thought you wanted aren’t meant for you.

[@mishvanzant]

Thank you for that little bit at the end

[@hannahcrouch22]

Something about the way you talk honestly to chat pulls me down to earth no matter where I am in life, even if I haven’t seen stream in months. you are very good at communicating

[@chloesdeadinside8982]

If you need to take some time off to take care of yourself you should do it!! We all care about your mental/physical health and if you need some time you should definitely take some time for yourself.

[@erinfay3725]

I watched this live and now I’m listening to it again for the second time on here. I feel what you said so deeply in my soul about my own life. And it’s scary because it’s hard to figure out what to do. Thank you for saying the words. I didn’t have the words. And it makes me cry, because I know the words are fraction of the feelings. You and Jenna are and have been such lights in my life, as well as being real ones. I hope you fill your cup and I hope I can fill mine.

[@bbygreen]

I’m so sorry that you are going through this Julen but I’m so glad you voiced this and shared. The mental turmoil that twitch streamers and KZbinrs is unimaginable to anyone unless they are in that spot. To always “be on” really isn’t a job requirement to the same extent anywhere else. It really is a selfless job in the sense that creators sacrifice the human and real component that other people have, which is being able to just turn off. Please take time for yourself always and remember you have a community that will always support you whether you are on or off. Much love papa.

[@TheMirandalorian]

I resonate with everything he said... there is 100% a cost to being public content creator. We give so much away that people dont realize, and you do lose a little bit of yourself in the process. It take such an emotional, physical, and mental toll.

[@TheMirandalorian]

After being able to do something creative that people would consider a dream job, i thought i would finally be happy because why wouldnt you be right? Well it eventually went the way of every job that i ever had. It became draining, there was severe burnout to the point of walking away from it... it made me really sit down and reflect on "work" and "jobs". I reelly dont believe in a career anymore. Nothing lasts forever, and it shouldn't. Working for money or survival is eventually toxic to our psyche. The grind will eventually chip away at our soul so much that you will need so much time to rest, recover, and heal. I know money makes the world go round, but the ultimate cost is your soul.

[@zoeapsel5018]

idk if you’ll read this julien but watching your streams got me through college and especially recently applying to grad school and i just got accepted into a phd program so thank you so much for your help with everything i’ve accomplished❤ life can be so grinding and exhausting in the way that stress and burnout builds up and scars a person- and i hope if being online doesn’t fill up your cup anymore you can find something that does

[@FlyboyJonathanLover]

When it comes to the work you love, you have to decide what pain is worth it for the means of progress toward success and joy in your endeavors. Sometimes, what used to feel easy will end up being painful later as well, and that’s when you have to figure out if it’s worth it anymore or if you need to move on to something else. I hope you find the answers you need, Julien. So much love to you and Jenna 💜

[@symptomoftheuniverse4149]

The last game I played was the original Doom. When I see videos that are 5 plus hours, I cannot even comprehend, that amount of time.

[@thekbay2700]

I’ve felt your burnout/anxiety for a while now, I’ve seen the shift especially on days I know you’re struggling. I obviously don’t know your experience but I can feel the vibes at times. I hope you take care of yourself and your community loves you so much and wants what’s best for you. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us even on your hard days. You’re a light Julian, Jenna is a light too. You both deserve to shine your brightest. You both have brought me so much joy over the years and I cannot thank you enough ❤

[@ninjastellar]

so well worded. "progress isn't free" 👌 i love that u understand the importance of breaks. soo important for shutting off that autopilot. its scary how it can creep up. but if u wanna stream still, maybe try story based games in the meantime? the ones in which only u dictate the tempo yk, I use them sometimes to chill. journey, witcher series, beyond two souls, assassin's creed, cyberpunk, or indie ones like what remains of edith finch etc..

[@TheDeliberateLiving]

I think about everything he's gone through this year, that we know of at least (the break-in, the dogs' health, the holidays), that on top of everything going on in the world and his job -- I appreciate him sharing how hard it is right now. If a break is what he needs, then I hope he takes it. It seems everyone is really struggling right now and I really only want the best for each of us.

[@mirapuff2072]

Julie thank you for this candid chat - We love you endlessly and we want you to thrive. IAs others have said, we really want you to be well, and if that meansd taking a break, going on hiatus or """"quitting""" (can we call it retiring? lol) then you should

[@MyWayofEverything]

This was really well said. “Progress isn’t free” is definitely something I’ll be thinking over and coming back to. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@victoriavvc]

Love you Julen, thank you for talking about this, it's an important conversation. And it speaks to how much people put themselves into their work as well. The more of yourself you put into something, the less time it's going to take to burn you out and cause the need for breaks/hiatuses/quitting.

[@ToxxicDesignStudios]

I felt this to the core. Ive been thinking about this kinda stuff a lot lately. I am a creative that works online and I have a fan base in the community that I work in and its a lot. I felt that when you said you have to be "on" all the time and thats the drag of it all really. To always have to come with the "put together" version of you all the time is hard. I suck at it really lol. I just wanted to say that you have given us all so much of your life and I can only speak for me, but I appreciate it. I respect Jenna and her decision to leave but I am so grateful we still have you and we can still see a glimpse in her life through you. Idk Ima hardcore Jenna fan from day one and you were the added bonus in my eyes. Yall are both so great and amazing to watch but I understand what you are saying here all to well and I am small time creator in comparison, but yes, to all this. I would love therapy but I personally just cant afford it, so I seek self healing through talks like these. Thank you for stepping up and chatting about it. I think its easy to just think we are machines with no feelings or emotions, to our fans at least. But its solid to hear it come from someone in your position. It reminds us that we are human. I wish you the best Julien. Whatever you decide is supported be me and prolly a whole lot of the people in these comments. Thank you for sharing yourself with us all these years! You have helped me get through a lot ♥♥

[@jennifermaes445]

This is growth and its amazing to see. Truly. Do what's best for you Pappa. We love you always in an audience's way. ❤❤

[@sarahsayanything9776]

I’m sorry you had a rough holiday season. It was rough for me as well. I truly hope you feel empowered to take the time that you need. Part of the “dream job” is being the boss and being able to take as much time away as you need. Dinks will always be there. Jenna has been gone for years and we still love her and hope the best life for her! And dinks will always want that for you too! And I loved you closing note about going to therapy bc I had the same revelation earlier today 😂

[@serenadre335]

Always being creative is hard, I have been through it, creating a beauty makeup account, having fun but than it becoming draining which than caused me to fall out of love with makeup and beauty industry, taking a break from it all, that was about 4-5 years ago and only now slowly getting back into it. Taking time is huge, always do it at your own pace

[@mandapiee1763]

God my heart goes out tovyou julien. Hearing you talk like that really shows me youre struggling. I hope you take the time to heal and find your comfort zone. If its weeks or months or for3ver. Youll always be loved with the dink fam

[@momokostrong9976]

This is relatable and is a very important point. I used to do creative work in and around animal rescue communities. It was rewarding and emotionally exhausting at the same time. Even if you are compensated, spending your life trying to help or entertain others can definitely wear your soul out over time. I've "taken a break" from it and come to feel proud of the work I had left behind. Thank you for your honesty and planting seeds of wisdom in all of us.

[@bookishogre]

I, no joke, get to research and write about memes for a living (I also teach college kids about memes and folklore). I feel this soul tiredness. I am lucky to have a job that works with my quirky anxious/ adhd brain. I keep bumping up against the narrative that because my research is "fun" and my schedule is flexible that I should be productive ALL THE TIME. When your work is creative and so integrated into your life it is hard to switch off, but also hard to switch off the "I need to be productive/ how can I monetize this new hobby etc." and that is draining to fight everyday. One of my favorite writers, William Morris, wrote about the difference between Useful Work, and Useless Toil. Humans do best when our work is useful (beautiful, adding to our community, satisfying) but so much of our society is geared toward valorizing toil, of working to work or to exhaustion, beyond the point of personal or communal need. I think about this a lot and notice that if I try to focus on working usefully, (i.e. when I am in a good space, have security, am cozy, and feel good about what I am trying to put into the world) I work better, faster, and while good work is tiring, I am not exhausted existentially. Writing when I am depressed or angry at how the academy functions is never as productive and has a big cost. All institutional systems that I work within demand constant toiling productivity. I am almost 30, I have a cool job, and I am so, so, so tired of trying to forge some sustainability.

[@cynn_thor]

I missed this part of stream...and I cried watching it now.

[@Gracewodag]

I feel the same way. I’m a creative as well…as an interior architect i get drained so fast. It’s unique because his job has thousands of people watching instead of my couple bosses that’s oversee me. I hope he takes a few weeks or more to reset and be selfish. I took a 3 week break last fall when I was at my breaking point and it definitely helped. I think follow the internal monologue during a hard moment…if someone asks how much time you need be honest with that answer and do it. Even if it’s 3 months or a year. Life is more important

[@evalynn1863]

There is a selfish part of me that hopes we never lose full contact with you and Jenna and your dogs just because you've all been such a huge part of my life for the past 15 years, but I know logically that this career won't be forever, and realistically might not even be for that much longer. Seeing the toll, I can't imagine it's sustainable for a lifetime for anyone and I would never want you to do something that doesn't bring you joy anymore. But I also want you to know, you could leave for like 2 years and come back and probably still have between 80-100% of your community rally on your return. Look at how long it's been for Jenna and all of us still send her our best vibes and hope for her well-being and happiness above all else. Y'all have built the most immaculate community and that loyalty lasts. Do whatever you need to do for yourself and your family, and we'll be here to support you in any way that feels right for you.

[@wildrattygirl7829]

This was really well articulated. ♥️ Wishing everyone well!

[@kathleenl4128]

We support you !! Do what’s best for you and your mental health 😊

[@hellovallis]

This platform has been evolving throughout the decades.This is new, but not all bad. We're at a turning point in the lives of creators who have evolved alongside us and KZbin. Creators as ndividuals are deciding their retirement age for such a fluid job. It must be so difficult because there's not exactly a boss waiting to boot them. It's actually the opposite, there's active support. I recognize the emotional toll that must come with this decision. I know he's not announcing officially that he's quitting here. It's an important conversation and knowing his thoughts is nice in a slightly melancholic way.

[@kristicolors]

Love that you’re talking about this openly, it’s very hard to stay ON. Even during a break you know you have to go back to it, and even if you’re happy you’re already partially drained when you start again. Hard to recover, and that’s before you factor in other parts of life. I hope you get the rest you need, however it comes, and find a balance for this - or something new when the time comes - that feels better.

[@NarcolepticNobody]

Thank you for being so honest about mental health stuff ❤️

[@cloeygillan2804]

I’ve been a fan for years, I’ve watched Jenna since I was a child and still remember when she posted the first video with you. You have been one of the biggest constants in my life and in the least parasocial way possible I feel a lot of love for you because of that. I thank you for being a friend when I had no one, and making me smile when there was not much to smile about. I, along with most all your fans wish you only the best and hope you do whatever you need to do to feel the best you can right now. Much love Julen💖

[@laboogie]

I haven’t watched his streams now for a while because it’s very much felt like a chore for him now more than anything. I started watching his streams when I felt youtube wasn’t doing it for him anymore and gaming was his happy place. I wish he would just step away for a good while and find his spark again, wherever that may be. Stepping away is better than a drawn out fizzle.

[@thvreal]

take care julien! love u 💗

[@KatieBeeTV]

It takes SO much energy to record and stream. So much more than when you just play by yourself on the couch. It's really wild how different it feels. I can play 5+ hours on my own without getting tired but have to go take a nap after filming for an hour or two.

[@Flyingbananal]

Do what you need to do!

[@x.Aura.x]

Love you both and the dogs so much 💓

[@googliebear]

This hits home and makes me reconsider what im doing with my career.

[@sherrythomas3028]

I love Aries kitchen, personally. I'd love to see you do one live. I think it would be cool to have people try the food.❤

[@emilybrazzel6097]

I hope you find the peace and balance you're seeking! Thank you for the goodness you shared!

[@maeveandart18]

love u sm julen. do what makes you most happy

[@kennaelpis]

I have some mental diagnosis and some unwarranted advice is a saying my therapist told me which is "happy crappy syndrome" which is when people are at rest and feeling good they start to punish themselves. I've been struggling with it for years but something I do to cope is when I'm catching myself getting agitated I give myself a pep talk and walk through a doorway in the house or put on my shoes and go outside. I find it really helps me to shift my energy especially if I've been ADHD focused on something too long.

[@scooby_dumbb]

thank you for being so open and honest about this, and please know that we care about you & jenna’s happiness and wellness above any content. regardless of you being online or off, I know I’ll always be carrying the joy and comfort you’ve both so generously shared over the years.

[@courtneybultman]

Happy to have you online when you can be and happy to see you taking time when you need it. Honestly just glad to see you when you're here and proud of you for making it on the days you do.

[@michelleashleigh]

I miss you guys always, but also, support you in everything. Seeing the ones i grew up with go is hard. I always loved yalls insights on the podcast, they helped me grow. You've always been transparent and down to earth. But, we're older. We have given lots of ourselves to our work. Like you said, we all feel it. Take care of you and yours.

[@epiclexi1234]

I missed this stream. everything you said is SO ON POINT. sending love and good vibes ❤ do what's good for you Julien! I understand taking breaks and coming back being anxiety inducing. I really understand everything you said tbh. do what's good for you. if and when you stop being on the internet, whether you come back or not, I understand and I hope everyone else does too. you'd be missed but not detested. thanks you for always being real! and yes, everybody: go to therapy👏🏻😂

[@SarahSmith-df7ny]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this! Especially when saying this is a dream job but also saying it is a job. That’s how I feel with nursing. I’ve been doing it for years and it is my dream job and I love it and I’m so grateful but it’s work and some days you’re just burnt out. It’s just life, I think it’s normal.

[@chronicinokla]

I began watching you with my 8 yr old. Who is now 21 this year. My beautiful soul young man. Hiatus is healing but also know that there are to be times in live where we out grow our circumstance. If reorganization of creating is something ykuncan and want to achieve, i know u can do it. But your people, supporters will also understand if you can't. You have given so much i want to thank you❤

[@sophiaeslade]

i feel this so hard. i'm an author with a modestly large platform - a fraction of yours but even that is sooo draining. i had ONE video go viral recently and even though it was a completely innocent thing it still attracted vitriol and was such an intense spotlight. it's exhausting. if you need to step back on a bigger level, we support you.

[@jessicapalazzolo2556]

As a teacher I can relate to this sentiment about your job. You love what you do but you give up a piece of yourself to do it. When I feel drained and I feel I’m not leaving enough of myself to myself, I remember that they deserve me at my best, so I need to do what I need to I order to make sure I’m at my best.