Vtubing as a Career vs Job vs Hobby -[ a conversation about aspirations with a teacher ]-

[@squiiji3D]

Apologies about the little bit of flickers and stutters in the video, my recording dropped a ton of frames and I didn't know until exporting RIP I promise the quality will be back in the next one! 🧡

[@IDTen_T]

You're all good! OBS settings are a fun beast to tackle.

[@JVWanderer]

I thought you were droping codes or hidden messages.

[@yellingatmeVT]

Thank you so much for this video! It makes me feel validated in some aspects as I initially tried vtubing as a hobby and then monetization came along (on a different platform) and I felt like I was struggling to keep up as an indie especially with the health complications I keep having. This video means a lot to me

[@cybee-xg3ls]

hello, im a teenager (boy) and im searching for an artist to make a vtuber 2d model for me and i was wondering if you could do so ,and I also wanted to know the price maybe? (i am still not sure about becoming a vtuber and have no money but still want a unique model)

[@hantomeii]

As someone who is disabled and can't work a normal career, Vtubing has given me reasons to live beyond just the day to day survival my life was before. I don't think I'll ever stop, partially because I can't do anything else, and partially because I don't want to do anything else.

[@cocowolfmi]

You are an inspiration! Big respect to you.

[@Reiiven]

I hope your vtubing career goes amazing for you!!

[@plantbased_y]

When i was little, i always felt that my life was "boring" and "ill just fade into nothing when i grow up". Thats when i got into youtube and watching content creators. It just filled up my little body with so much joy and made me feel like maybe my life wasnt so boring after all. Ever since then, ive always wanted to bring that feeling to other people. People who are at their lowest. If i can just bring a smile to their face, ill feel proud

[@LeSaii]

I get a feeling that this video not only is a source of good advice to vtubers or content creators on the internet, but also to people who are in or considering any creative pursuits in life

[@NapinTerracotta]

As someone who streams as a hobby (disabled) i do feel like an imposter amongst the indies who "take it seriously", this explanation really helped put things in perspective and quell my thoughts, ty!

[@knightlyvirtues]

I'd love love LOVE to see more vtubing model critiques! I like when you offer subtle changes to the model that really enhance the design as a whole. Whether it be color palette, silhouette, or emphasizing the motif. Your last video on the topic was really interesting to watch. It helped a lot with my character design process.

[@squiiji3D]

I'm planning to do more design critiques very soon! I'm glad you found them so helpful (:

[@semi_enigma]

Solid Video! I think people being less judgmental when it comes to vtubing will make the space healthier. For me, it 's kind of a hobby but also helps me in my true passion that is art. I experiment with my own model all the time so it scratches ALOT of itches. It also makes me a little bit of money with commissions and I've found I love to entertain! I do hope to one day support myself with all my creative outlets but until then, my day job will have to do. My day job isn't exciting, but it's easy and pays the bills.

[@irystocrattakodachithatmooms]

Hearing the amount of time needed is demoralizing on my end. It makes it feel like starting at 35 is too late. Everyone who becomes any decent size seems to be at least around a decade younger than me. I also have several mental blocks stopping me from getting a normal job to support such things.

[@squiiji3D]

I don't think it's ever too late, I love the saying that "the best day to plant a tree was yesterday, the second best is today." We're always planting seeds for our futures, and that ten years difference you're talking about is ten extra years of experience you have. Even if it isn't in what you truly want to do, it'll still help you in getting there. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, because it never truly is, but baby steps still add up to a lot of distance over time (: You got this!

[@Konpeito-san]

There's an audience for everyone. Finding them is the hard part, but you can only do that when you broadcast yourself out into the void. It's fun for me even if there's just one person watching. With my anxiety, under double digits is perfect 😂 It never hurts to give it a smol try just to see if you like it before giving up on it

[@jacked-up-jack7752]

It's never too late to start trying! many famous authors and artists didn't start creating until their 40s and 50s! "The only true failure is not doing anything. If you're trying something and it's not working out: you're learning, which means you're succeeding." (@PirateSoftware. Motivational game dev and ex blizzard employee)

[@irystocrattakodachithatmooms]

@@squiiji3D Ten years experience as a NEET of course. You have a good point there, something I've never really though about. First things first of course, make sure my computer will be able to handle making a video which shouldn't be a problem. But I have to wonder how much space they take up on average.

[@irystocrattakodachithatmooms]

@@Konpeito-san Funny thing, I get anxious but only in public. Online I have no problems with larger groups and also am a professional yapper. Get me talking and I might not shut up unless I'm told to.

[@Bokatisha1234]

I remember watching Chibi Doki absolutely blow up. She made her vtuber twitter the WEEK I made mine but had a much larger drive than me. Really proud of her!

[@4L1V3toTHR1V3]

Decent life advice. Thank you for helping bring it to people in this niche who might not have truly realized it.

[@super-stitches]

I just ran into this today. As always, thank you for sharing your insights, Squiiji. Hearing your perspective about things that directly apply with my own life is one of the greatest reasons that drew me towards hearing more from you. And it may be an arguably "small" detail because not everybody bothers to read video descriptions, but I appreciate the amount of detail you put in: you make sure to credit everyone that you use and you even go so far as to suggest additional related content for us to go seek out, even if there is no clear monetary incentive for doing so since its' somebody else's content that you are suggesting.

[@JustAGrayGoat]

This isn't just about vtubing. It is a precious idea to take for life. I spent too much time in my life worried about findind my vocation / career once I realized what I dreamed as a kid wasn't for me, which made me not pursue hobbies, which in turn made me unsure about what I actually loved, which made harder to find my vocation / career, which all in turn made the pursue of a job also harder. I wish I had heard that having a job to just sustain oneself and their hobbies, and that if then, and only when, if, you found a career or vocation, then you could follow it, was a thing. In my teen/young adult head, either you are pursuing a passion, or you aren't living. I was very wrong, and slowly realized the things explained in this video. However, it is the first time I am seeing it properly explained by someone else, I watched many videos about dividing areas of your life but none ever seemed to click, until this one. Thank you a lot for making this.

[@KaeruKoboldOfficial]

BABE WAKE UP NEW SQUIJI VID DROPPED 💚

[@KaeruKoboldOfficial]

Serious comment, my dream is to make a living off my art full time, VTubing is a vehicle towards that and Subs helps, but that's not the only thing I want to be doing, more commissions and such. VTubing is good for networking and creating separate revenue streams besides commissions. I like my full-time job but the second I'm safely making enough to provide for myself, my partner and our pets, I'm taking the plunge!

[@luismedina5792]

I still don't understand this comment

[@squiiji3D]

Hell yea, you got this! Good luck!

[@NevaehEvol]

i related to the "Missing Media"/"Media Offline" bit so fuckin much; youre a trooper for taking out what you did

[@senflyer-]

I'm happy you talked about this! I've been struggling with the difference between hobby and job and vocation. I realized that something that started as a hobby eventually became my vocation, and is something I'd like to turn into a semi-job/career some day. But I'm also aware of some of the risks and is why I'm trying to have a day job on the side. At first I felt tremendously guilty about the whole thing. "All these other people are doing full time, what is my excuse? Why am I struggling so hard to launch after all these years?". But I think that I am enjoying it being part time. It feels like a lot less pressure to do something once or twice a week than 4+ hours every day 7 days a week. (Plus a lot of agency creators eventually slow down their pace once they get past the initial hype push) I also realized that if I do montize those things some day, I will need to find new hobbies. I think I want to return to traditional art. I've always loved doing it the most, but over the years have done it less and less in favor of the more marketable digital art.

[@savruenvod]

i ve seen a comic about this recently. The person that wrote it said that no matter how much he tried he just couldnt succed as an artist and in the end he took another job. But he said that just because he is working their doesnt mean his paths are closed because life continues. Well if we will say it shortly, thank u for an amazing video

[@KasuriRinen]

Darling you have no idea how validating this is, specially the part of working go survive and to support our passions makes me feel better for spending some of my spendable income onto it!

[@jinxsin]

i've definitely found my vocation to be entertainment. and vtubing has been helping me slowly figure it out while also having a job that i can at least support myself somewhat. this is an amazing video and i definitely went too long without hearing this!

[@IDTen_T]

I'm glad that I finally had a chance to watch through all of this! You did a great job getting your points across. This way of thinking about VTubing, like any artistic space, is super helpful. I realized a while back that I may not be cut out for being a VTuber as a career (streaming, at least), but I do know that I want to solve problems for other people. Instead: I've kind of turned that into a career as a result of the kind of vocation I'm naturally drawn to (helping people overcome problems)! The results of that on other peoples' streams makes it all worth it, and that inspires me to do better, too. The friction that happens when people attempt to do content creation full-time without it truly being their calling (yet) really hurts to see. It's also difficult to see friends that can absolutely turn this into their sole full-time effort writing that off as a "job". Artists (especially the starving ones) seem to have a common anxiety that permeates their lives, mostly involving being worried if they're "good enough" at what they do. I might be spitballing a little too much here, but I personally think that comes down to attempting to shove themselves into a box doing what they love as a job without fully realizing that they've hurt their own passion, or attempting to chase a dream as part of a vocation that's actually slightly mis-matched from what they thought they were doing. I saw that a lot in art school, but that angst has persisted as a problem well after I graduated for most of my friends. Many of my old classmates have fallen out of love with their passions as a result. VTubing as a career can be complicated, tech-heavy, and requires a ton of support from other creators for most people to keep it up full-time. It feels like subversion of the classic Marshall Mcluhan "the medium is the message" mode of media production and consumption (It's not "hot" media, it's spicy!), but that creates some really heavy expectations for the creators that stay in this space, whether self-imposed or created by their communities. TLDR: I'm glad to see another creator thinking more about "why" people give VTubing a shot. I hope that more people see this video and take the time to really listen about it! Good looks, providing the source for your inspiration. I might dive into that mode of thinking a bit more, myself. Thank you so much for making another awesome video!

[@StonedHunter]

Honestly thank you for this. I always felt so bad that I had to keep vtubing as a hobby cuz my main job pays too well for me to give up, but also didn't have the time or energy to go as hard into marketing myself and streaming constantly to actually make a job or career out of. I've actually had to (at least temporarily, hopefully) give up on streaming entirely because my job has been stressing me out, I was getting tired of always falling back into the headspace that I HAD to grow, and in general seeing the low view count always got my depression going real bad and it was getting unhealthy... It still sometimes feels like I 'failed' and it can be hard to remind myself that it was a hobby and that's ok.

[@GuuchanCh]

11:00 The "Media Offline" jumpscare got me good. On a serious note, this video is really helping me with rethinking how I manage by hobbies. Thanks Squiiji!

[@squiiji3D]

Ah sorry about that hahaha my recording dropped frames and I didn't realize it until it was too late 😭 I'm happy I could at least still be of help though!

[@BEN_DROWNED423]

My teacher wanted me to make a presentation about what my dream job is, this is going to come in handy Thank you SOO MUCH‼️

[@Sansnessundertale]

The person your watching seems like a teacher

[@ShiGuyRadon]

This is so great to see while applying to graduate school. Completely unrelated to V Tubing. This is just a good video about pursuing creative paths in general

[@otbaht]

12:24 that frame of media offline... why did I notice that? Why did I mention it? Eh whatever.

[@thesleepyquagsire]

Just saw this in my recommended. This is very informative and it has made me think about what I want. For a few years I have been bouncing back and forth on the idea of being a VTuber. As for what I want to do it as, I'm just thinking about having it as a hobby.

[@ctc46]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! I found this video by chance as a highschooler, and honestly? This helped a lot more than what my counselors in school told me about jobs and all of that. This really helped a lot as an insight for hobbies, jobs, careers, and vocations in general, so thank you

[@Kawaori]

Oh wow, I got way more out of this video than I expected. I thought that this was going to be about Vtubing, but it went so much deeper into talking about different paths to pursue in life. Thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@lumisnowtide]

I’m so happy to see a lot of other disabled people are doing this too. I have chronic pain and can’t work a regular job. Thank you for this video!

[@Wickedawesomeatm]

I've needed to hear something like this. I appreciate the message in this video, realistic but not cynical. With a dash of optimism.

[@EhRandomGuy]

I feel like there's this grey zone where the possibility of having a side-gig become a tax advantage/tax advantageous is neat - minor write-offs, but they're one-offs from time to time

[@Saincisco]

This is such a professional way to introduce the current field to people who may not know about. I hope they can get pass the Vtuber speaking, and listen instead of judge by what is on the screen.

[@gragh762]

YAY SQUIIJI POSTED edit: just finished the video! i really needed to hear this. a lot of things are stressing me out rn, and finding something to support myself is one of them 😭. i feel a lot better after watching this, thank you!

[@Beez_Stuff]

At this point I'm just gonna have to have squiiji be my teacher recommendation for college. Your videos are so helpful, I hope you make more like this cause dam I needed it today

[@JoeyZero]

This was a really well put-together talk! Any chance we can get a follow-up video that builds on this one about networking in the context of those different content creation goals? Like it's really disheartening when hobbyist friends fail to acknowledge my goals toward professionalism and I'm not trying to write off the relationships on account of that misalignment, but like (and maybe this is just me) I've definitely got no idea how to find others with a similar mindset. It's definitely not a social norm to jump out at another content creator with "SO WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS". There's definitely a delicate balance to be struck, I think. But if you're ever looking for ideas for a sequel, I'd love to get your take!

[@celeritydust]

I'm really thankful for this video. When I don't have the language to say something I become so meek and I *have* been meek about what Vtubing is for me to just about anyone I've spoken to about it. Now I know what it is, or rather what I want it to be. Wonderful talk. 🙏

[@LynneRouge]

Loved the video! I think it's perfectly fine to try bouncing between the roles to see where vtubing fits in your own life. It's great if a hobby that could end up supporting you in some way, but never end up being either a 'career' or 'job'. I think the world would be a kinder place if we didn't have people comparing others for 'not trying hard enough' on a hobby or job, because everyone's situation is different

[@cocowolfmi]

I am amazed by you and this video! As someone who has a day job of editing videos for other people this is so inspirational for me as I am having problems being a vtuber myself and make content of my own. My dream is someday to have a model made by you if I can afford it. I am blown away on how detailed the mouth tracking is in your vtube model. I am now a fan of yours.

[@galatunia]

Another fantastic video! Especially the breakdown of the actual meaning behind the starving artist trope.

[@shoujitenken]

This video is well-thought out, and inspires thought in return! Thank you for this insight!

[@arielineve]

So happy to see a new upload! Literally two days ago I thought, "Hmm haven't seen Squiiji in a bit. Hope a new video comes out soon, I'm sure they're busy." Really like this topic too, feel like it's an important aspect everyone needs to dig into to figure out what's best for them career/job/hobby/vocation wise.

[@_lei_c_8138]

These videos are always so informative, my squirrel brain manages to focus through all of them without getting distracted. Thank you for the great videos Iji! ❤✨🍄

[@ghoulishruru]

I loved this video!! I always feel so bad about wanting to make my vocations and hobbies my career, but this completely changed that :))

[@squiiji3D]

Ah I'm so thrilled I could reassure you in it! Go for it!

[@quickfate]

Holy shit, that model is adorable.

[@infernaloz6486]

Your advice is relevant for so many avenues. really helped me put things into perspective. Very happy your vid popped into my recommendations.

[@ixomylrnvt]

VTubing is a stepping stone, sure. But it's something I think I'll do forever. Maybe not as Ixo, but I like performing and making people laugh n smile. My primary goal is a production studio, all my skills, training, and education really should have me in Hollywood behind the camera, but becoming responsible for dying family members' last *years* several times in a row really put the kibosh on that. But for now, am simple slime goblin. Scribbling my stories and acting my voice. Once most recent health crisis cools off, my VT channel will actually launch (building up smol back catalogue so I have time to produce).

[@billyshmorp]

✨in my fueling my vocation era ✨ but seriously another great video!

[@indiana47]

I need and like money and a job gives me that. It's okay to just have one that geets you that. A job to me is a means to an end to fund what I actually enjoy doing. My goal for one is to make enough money in one that I can work less and have more time for my life.

[@AuroraRosalia]

Thank you for the video! Really helped put my mind in perspective.

[@aquirena]

I actually said something recently about how I just stream for fun and how not everything you do has to have a grandiose reason to be done. I can be one but doesn't have to be one. Nod. Nod.

[@aque9608]

ah, so good to see your videos return! missed watching you :)

[@Sidewayz-pp9mg]

aside from the anti-capitalistic views, i can agree with this. From what I can tell, most Vtubers do it as a hobby, and decide from there whether to take it more seriously and turn it into something profitable. Even if isnt enough to live of of, if it pays the electric bill, or allows you to get that medical checkup youve been delaying, I think that it can be just enough of a balance in terms of hobby vs. job. It's kinda what I've been wanting to do. Start as a hobby with a reasonable money investment, something I don't mind losing. Then, see if I like it and pursue it further if I end up liking it. Especially considering I see a clear market gap in the community, and I want to be the one to help fill that in.

[@Ravenstudios-q3f]

Thank you!! Im an artist, I'm getting Into amination!! Yeahh!! Thank youu!!

[@shiinasleepy]

I am starting to get back into drawing and create OC’s so I would love another OC critique vid. Perhaps you can address the smollola model copying shylily drama, but instead of the drama you can use it teach us how to take inspiration. Also thanks for the vid I needed to hear that!

[@ninalima4150]

squiiji u inspire me ;-; ur kind words are such a comfort

[@squiiji3D]

🥹🥹🥹🥹🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@wednes3day]

5:00 yep, that's where I'm aiming 😄☺️ (with vtubing or content creation in general being the hobby/side-job)

[@theejackalope]

I remember you saying you where working on this video when i said stuff about it in the comments of a previous one. It's very helpful thank you.

[@squiiji3D]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Oh man how long ago did I say that in the comments hahaha

[@theejackalope]

​@@squiiji3DI just went back and checked. It was 3 months ago lol

[@DINGOS30]

This was such a great topic.

[@CloverbunVT]

I’m graduating high school in a year and I’ve been worried about my future because I’m not really sure what I want to do and that’s part of why I want/wanted to make money off of it as soon as possible (ofc i also enjoy the streaming and video making process as well), but this video helped me ease some anxiousness!! I mean I still have senior year to build my channel and hopefully figure something out lol

[@KoalaOwlPaws]

I'm 17 teenage girl, soon to turn 18 in Sept. I'm nervous, yet eager to become a vtuber, I've been designing or even might do my self a favor of learning to rig, yet I have highschool to finish, I got finals, and assignments to finish up. Love your videos!

[@squiiji3D]

Ah I'm glad you like them! Good luck getting started with vtubing (:

[@KoalaOwlPaws]

@@squiiji3D I really like your informative videos, first step I need is a job, along with more practice with my own art and stuff to be able reach my dream career! It's exciting and scary at the same time.

[@ihopeyouandicanbefriends]

this is my first time seeing you so FIRST OF ALL ur model's design is so cute i love it qwq

[@Hatsune-Miku_Fan]

If vtubers are new and dont have big fan base yet they could start off as a hobbyist//part time job (extra little money sometimes ) until you get a bigger Fanbase and the money you get from vtubing would be enough to set you for life

[@kos2919]

"You can be cute anime character" Shows Chibidoki Either you don't know Chibidoki or you're trolling with her.

[@AdorableFennec]

HELL YEAH UPLOADED 4 MINUTES AGO

[@kruknawypasie819]

Great video. It cleared up a lot in my head💛. Since like fellow students i wonder if my direction is right one. But i will see if it ends up a career or a job. At the very least i will find it intreasting. Might try vtubbing as a hobby or a way to get to know new people, but we will see i don't move on from that idea.

[@squiiji3D]

I'm glad I could help! It's always tough making decisions on these sorts of things, good luck! I hope you give vtubing a shot, it can be a ton of fun especially as a hobby

[@kruknawypasie819]

Thanks for the encouragement :) your video about design helped me design my concept of a clockpunk plague doctor since does are the 2 things that look the coolest in my mind. But thats far off in the future since i'm a broke student atm

[@Azuri60666]

As I live in the Polish countryside. And my health does not allow me to work to which I could commute by train or bus. Being a Vtuber seems like a good option... But I'm just starting out "independent" living with the help of my grandparents. So before I figure out what and how (especially when it comes to making money on KZbin) It may take me some time. And the annual chain of trips to doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists does not make the task easier.

[@Sansnessundertale]

You can do it just believe in your (yes I know this state ment has been overused but it still works)

[@damienkwok6361]

Well, for me, I'm simply curious about animation and vtubing, wonder how to do this and that, until yt put them to me, and got me interested. I'm simply treated them as interest, because I understand myself that I will lose interest one day when I run out of ideas, etc. Vtubing as job, career and vocation to me is very dangerous, as I will be looked down upon by my parents, brothers and relatives, you know, they're still having that kind old thinking. If someone asked me what's my job, how am I going to answer? Content creator, to cover up for my vtuber identity? So, currently I'm just a factory worker, while doing vtubing as just an interest, hmhmhm...

[@platinumlily]

Your point at 8min I knew some1 who was like pushing saying "Any1 wants a reveiw on ur stream" then an ex friend was like yeah,sure why not cuz that person said it like a couple times&no1 said anything and when my ex friend said thx for the feedbak but Im just during into a hobby" that (bigger content person) in a sassy voice "OH u cant do this as a hobby" I was in the vc but I didnt say anything. (Im a full time content career) but thank u for this video I had follow u on twitter/x

[@HimaTheBunny]

I wanna do vtubing as a hobby and I really don't wanna get big because I won't be able to do any other jobs, like baking(right now I love baking, once when I was little I planned on opening a resteraunt with my freind, but that's beside the piont.

[@EmuFishy]

Might be one in the future

[@seneca983]

In the case of Ironmouse, it should be noted that there also isn't much else she could do to earn money.

[@chrisvighagen]

Vtuber agencies expet you to work lomger hours, and then there is the ones where their managers have to fight to get to take a break…. Few have that Kaelafication though 😂

[@rz0rrju273]

Yay new Squiji Video

[@leo-gf3mt]

gave me some perpective hmmm thank you

[@Duhgel]

love the model tbh

[@Konpeito-san]

I'm kinda just winging it 😅

[@mountain_dreams]

So...while I did enjoy this video Im not sure i necessarily with...a lot of what was being said (At least in regards to myself) The ideas that you 'have to have a job', 'you have to have hobbies', 'everyone has a vocation' seem..wrong to me. Maybe its me personally, but I havent had a job since I was 18 which was 10 years ago. And Im sure other disabled people are the same. Also, I personally dont have any hobbies. The closest I could consider is maybe art, but i really only do that a handful of times a year..ive even gone multiple years without doing any art at all. And I certainly dont have anything I care about enough to be considered a vocation. "something you were put on the earth to do" "something that would crush you if you couldnt do it" I dont have anything like that at all. I pretty much just sleep, scroll instagram and watch youtube or something, then sleep some more. I know none of that probably made any sense and was disjointed and no one is probably even gonna read this...was just my thoughts i guess.

[@PrismCasillica]

Preach 👏

[@KiffgrasConnaisseur]

I actually never had a "real" job. I´m disabled but not to a point where it wouldn´t be possible. It´s just that the economy in my country literally doesn´t want me. I had HR people saying to my face: "But why would I hire you and not the guy who´s like you but has degree?" That was the nice version though. lol Anyway, with AI on the horizon and robots becoming smarter every day, I really think the human ecomomy is toast. People should step down from their high horses and vote for a societal structure that doesn´t rely on having 1 or more jobs for basic survival. Otherwise they´ll find themselves under a bridge as well in like a decade or so.

[@KyteMasa]

I have zero clue what to do. Empty...

[@dings7301]

Love vtubers, ABSOLUTELY do not have the personality to do it

[@Hatsune-Miku_Fan]

Omg i love your videos so i got excited sawing this ⁠\⁠(⁠^⁠ω⁠^⁠\⁠ ⁠)

[@SabrinaTwyla]

“Being in an agency that supports their talent really well-” *shows Nijisanji on list* Oofs

[@GhostGirlBlues]

streaming as a career is a fool's errand. no one should stream full time. even if you make crazy money from it, it isn't a good long term thing. twitch itself is dying, perhaps showing that streaming just isn't a good business model for anyone

[@chrischapin222]

I do not know why videos need to be scripted… if most of the time videos are being done in real time. Explain

[@BiggE_Huggs]

New Squiiji vid!

[@JB-br7ju]

Really good video!! It's nice hearing about a realistic approach to dedication levels of Vtubing!! 🩵