WHY I LEFT TSL (TheSmartLocal)

YES! I finally answered the question why I left TheSmartLocal.
Many of you have been asking this question since the day I left, these are my personal thoughts and opinions so I hope you guys can understand where I am coming from.
If you have any other questions I would gladly answer them in the comment section!
Instagram - @UMeAndHara
Facebook - / umeandhara
SnapChat - umeandhara

[@jianhao]

it's been one of my life goals to make one of these videos. except I can't really leave Thejianhaotan :(

[@omarzaifulizan3064]

JianHao Tan damn bruh

[@UMeAndHara]

HAHAHA first world problem!

[@342leroy4]

JianHao Tan hi

[@jennylim2307]

JianHao Tan life goals? hahahah are you kidding me

[@Gidiotic]

JianHao Tan look at smosh

[@HeyThomasK]

Hmmm should I make mine

[@wenxinneo5773]

Yes pls!

[@wsofea]

Thomas K. i think you left because of your army

[@serenewong7427]

Yes plssss

[@zaynelimi_luv_hacks5150]

Thomas K. Yes

[@정-o5y]

reason: NS

[@UMeAndHara]

*Edit* Bryan and I had a conversation on the phone, and we both have no hard feelings towards each other. Thank you for all the support everyone have given. Hey I hope this answers your question and clear things up. I only have love for the people at TSL and the amount of hard work they put in. Have a good weekend everybody!

[@keluargadinosaur]

hey keiji its me @thekittygalore from ig. thanks for this vid it really clears up everything. tbh youre one of the reason i started watching tsl vids. its a shame that you left but look at you now. shining bright with your own channel. good work keiji. always love your work. hope to see you soon. 😊👌

[@youthanek]

yea. total understand you. i believe you created a lot of value for the company but the company did not value you. It happened to me as well. Employers are really assholes sometimes and they see you everything from their cost savings and profitability POV. I see many really talented people who left TSL such as thomas K and Christabel Chua. TSL actually sucks TBH. good that you left and i wish you success!

[@morrisho6450]

+caco ko Thomas left because he had to go for ns...

[@churrowaffless]

Umehara Keiji Thank you Keiji for this video! Appreciate it

[@FujiKiyoko]

Umehara Keiji i

[@TiffwithMi]

I'm surprised by how honest you are and I believe you have a lot of potential to make it on your own 💪🏻 #jiayou

[@Drizzlynn]

TiffwithMi ^^^^ pls do a collab with them!!! I rly love both of your channels (:

[@UMeAndHara]

Thanks! I saw your videos and really enjoy it as well!!

[@PancakeGamings]

why i left buzzfeed :tsl edition

[@PancakeGamings]

damn even u said it

[@UMeAndHara]

HAHAH I DID SAY IT! FIRST AHAAHH

[@TheSmartLocal]

Hi Keiji, Hope I can clarify some issues here to share the other side of the story. When your initial contract was up, I offered you an extension several times. I did not want you to leave TSL. Your role was important and there would be a void in the team we would have to fill. You declined extending because you wanted time off to go travelling and you wanted to explore your own channel solo to see if it would work out. It was going to be disruptive to the team and I didn't want you to leave, but I told you I understood, wished you well and that's what you did for a few months. Yes, we talked about the possibility of you re-joining but it was an uncertainty. And then when we had the first meeting, you told me you were also being offered by other companies, and had a project that you were probably going to commit to for awhile. So there was another postponement. A company can't leave a position vacant like that for such a long time - not because we do not value you, but because it is disruptive and it creates uncertainty in the whole team. You helped our channel a lot but you were also gone for so long and we needed to fill your position. As for the contract, I think it's a bit blown out of proportion. We just could not agree on the terms of the contract and this does happen at other workplaces. Not coming to an agreement doesn't make me bad and neither does it make you evil. If there isn't something that can be agreed on, a contract isn't signed, that's all. I explained to you that the contract you were requesting would not have been fair to the staff who have been here since the start. By disagreeing to your terms, it did not mean I didn't value you. I could not create an unfair situation for the rest of the staff at TSL which would inevitably lead to a lot of tension and politics in the future. As for the forgot bit - that's my fault, no excuses. I could not offer you anything better and I didn't know how to resolve this issue. In our last conversation, neither of us was going to give in and I did not want to contact you only to have a repeat of us arguing about the contract, which would not be pleasant for both us. So I thought if you decided to be flexible about your terms and still wanted a job, you'll get in touch with me. I didn't know you were going to accept the same terms if I made you the offer. Anyway, I don't bear any grudges against you Keiji. I personally invited you to our Christmas party remember? And I also told you that you're welcome to hang out at our office like how Thomas drops by sometimes. If anything, I hope this video is cathartic for you and we can close this chapter amicably without the need to make one party the villain of this story. - Bryan

[@0rochimarusama]

u can make a better excuses than "forget" , that must be realy hurts...omg dear, thats sooo CRUEL.next time just say u already hire someone to fill that person (keiji) position is much better........ u do know the means of "forgot" right?? the "forgot" is explain everything ,EVERYTHING :) ...

[@smyoong6227]

TheSmartLocal I do feel the same as you. There's lots of things going on now ( good contents btw :) I felt like Keiji didn't ask about the contact again despite not receiving an email after 3 months. As a student, I do receive lots of mails and it's inevitable for me to miss some emails. I am sure the boss of TSL has more things to handle. Not saying that he doesn't value you. I think everyone in TSL and even us , audiences care and appreciate your efforts. That's why ppl are curious as to why you left TSL right? Yes perhaps you were the one who managed to promote TSL 's name. But it was actually your job to do . By giving you benefits that you hope for. It's surely not fair for the staff at TSL. Pls try and understand from the Boss's perspective :) Cheer up and stay strong

[@funkyspyspy]

Orochimaru Sama I think you don't really get the point. The boss is fine with him coming back but the terms he was asking for, if the boss accepted, it would be unfair to the rest of his employees as keiji is paid better than the rest. Even with keiji's original position filled up, the boss welcomed him back. But is just that they couldn't come to terms on the contract agreements was the reason why the boss didn't want to contact him and start the dispute over again.

[@0rochimarusama]

funky spypy that much better than said forgot lah... idk what keiji want or what the boss offer, maybe keiji asking to much or maybe the boss offer..no one knows, but thats not important.. the forgot thing ,damn hurt....

[@evilbefall98]

in the real world thats how things are, there are harsher things, take it and swallow it up, at least bryan offered an apology. if you are going to cry cuz of this, you wont succeed in life im sry

[@bellywelllss]

Should I make mine also..

[@BallsxLOL]

YES PLEASE!

[@UMeAndHara]

People would love to know why... But just do it for the right reason!

[@kycia12]

Bellywellyjelly yes! I'd love to hear your story!

[@Glglgl2]

yes! !!!!!

[@lindsayyeo2012]

Bellywellyjelly omg pls do it!

[@Ermaothman]

i remembered watching EVERY EPISODES OF TSL VIDEOS at night when i was pregnant cause i kept waking up at night to pee (i know, too much info) and i cant fall back to sleep after that and im still watching it till now after i put my 18mths old child to sleep. i must say for someone who's been watching TSL for a long time.. their Singaporean's Try content is definitely NOT the same without you and it wasnt as good and entertaining as it used to be. Life goes on and i hope u continue to pursue whatever that makes you happy keiji ♥️

[@UMeAndHara]

Aw thanks! They are still doing good there! hahaha appreciate your kind words!!!

[@sweetfabk6222]

How unfortunate for tsl. I watched their videos only because of you (unsubscribing tsl now) Jkjk. Lol. When one door closes, another opens! I'm glad you saw your worth. Continue to work on your KZbin channel! Love your videos dude!!

[@UMeAndHara]

Aw thanks! I will keep doing what I love!

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Props for telling your story Keiji, you're destined for bigger and better things! You go Glen Coco👏🏻

[@UMeAndHara]

HAHAHA THANK YOU!!!

[@ChrysanLee]

I VALUE YOU

[@UMeAndHara]

HAHAHA THANK YOU WOMAN!

[@ilovecats3763]

atleast ur still close wif some of the members

[@UMeAndHara]

Yes! I am!

[@marmalademoo5548]

Job positions in tsl can be easily replaced honestly .. majority of the people have those skills like videography, creativity etc etc skills like this are also easily picked up so maybe that's why he didn't see your worth

[@kelvinickable]

Its people like you making comments as such that really causes people to under appreciate people who possesses these skills. Sure videography and especially creativity can be subjective, but that doesn't mean you should undermine the time and effort that people put in to honing their skill.

[@Osteomorphis]

Has to do with labor markets and opportunity cost, as sad as it sounds. If your work can be replaced, price (your salary) goes down. Works the opposite for us as a buyer (if you multiple stores to choose from, price goes down).

[@danm7810]

I agree. Unless they have a really standout personality, they are easily recyclable. Most if not all in Tsl are recyclable

[@zixuan2221]

You should collaborate with bellywellyjelly and thomas🙌🏻

[@HeyThomasK]

Zi Xuan YES AH

[@enjoyer126]

Everybody make sure TSL see this video

[@ridhwannabe]

Eh it's the TSL guy!

[@jarviser7523]

Ridhwan Azman oi

[@UMeAndHara]

Wah lao TRIGGERED!!!

[@0rochimarusama]

Ridhwan Azman u forgot JH :D the best-"friend" hhhhh

[@yzeuthium]

The guy who started Singaporean's Try... not important, reeeaaalllly?

[@sejuk1990]

singaporeans try was the reason why i subbed tsl in the first place!

[@danm7810]

It was started in America and got blown ALL over the world. He literally just copied it from them I mean sooner or later singapore would copy it too. Doesn't need him to start it

[@yzeuthium]

That's akin to saying not giving credit to Rodney Tang for bringing GongCha to S'pore since it originated overseas

[@danm7810]

Yzeuthium oops , what I meant to say was it's 2 different things, one requires lots of work like getting approvals and materials while the other one is literally just pitching an idea

[@SotSabahan]

Dude, that's how life works. Do not expect everyone value you all the time. Heck, even a person sometimes can't value themselves in life.

[@zacpu2735]

lol. thank you for your honesty! not everybody can handle the truth. looking forward to the many responses ahead

[@UMeAndHara]

=)

[@traccechua]

Keiji. Thank you for sharing this video. Continue to do what you love. You'll do just as well, if not better. :)

[@UMeAndHara]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@LilySeoCat]

Although you left, also need to thanks TSL give you opportunity, popularity and platform,show off your skills and brought to who you are right now. TSL is a school. Now you had graduate ... You can fly and create stuffs you really want to do. Keep going. Hope get a chance to meet you in person.

[@ambienlim]

kenji is alrady ery good l.ah

[@taffi8513]

you know after watching this video many times, i personally want to say this: Keiji created SG Try, and let me say that segment is (one of) the most successful (personally its my favourite and many of my friends’ too) segment on TSL. And he actually supported and hosted that segment for a WHOLE year like if that isn’t dedication what is? He created the segment that got me and my friends to actually have an interest in this youtube channel and trust me I have been a fan of SG try since day 1, and it would not have been this successful if Keiji wasnt in TSL. So its pretty much Bryan’s loss for not accepting and appreciating Keiji enough. Keiji, you are a strong, smart man and I think SG try would be much much better with you!!

[@xuan3411]

you were so precious in the tsl, such a pity to tsl to lose a gem

[@UMeAndHara]

Thanks! They are stil doing great stuff so Kudos to them!

[@jeffvernando]

It's your choice. and it's your own path to be deserved for! all the best and success for your career!

[@UMeAndHara]

thanks!

[@xxiao5156]

Next week from TSL: Singaporeans Try: Reacting to WHY I LEFT TSL (TheSmartLocal) | EP 111

[@vlontz]

Should i make one too? “Why i F*CKING HATE SCHOOL AND WISH IT NEVER F*CKING EXIST IN THE FIRST PLACE”

[@Jessica-ze7lj]

'Yes, I copy them 😂'... well first watched cuz of you but now still supports both :) It's good how you're doing so well with your own channel and still are close to many TSL ppl

[@UMeAndHara]

Thanks! I know I have to tell the truth about me copying them if not later ppl say I copy...

[@nanatayang954]

its ok keijii..we are here for you.Keep the videos coming! 😊

[@zaaafirah]

oh nooo :'( It's okayy we'll support u on this channel!

[@sayangsarina]

I'm a BIG FAN. Enjoyed yr segments at TSL and during yr very early days videos! Choose WISELY. Imptly Be HAPPY. You are still YOUNG.. and FEARLESS. Continue LEARNING. Lastly, Just be POSITIVE!

[@UMeAndHara]

STAY POSITIVE YES!

[@FinalSpace]

Summary: He asked for a high salary and was rejected because he's not the type of employee they are looking for...

[@nurshakalaka8993]

This is such an honest video i love it!

[@UMeAndHara]

Thank you!

[@eancavalry9740]

make ur own company #keijisquad #keijination #teamkeiji

[@limruoqijoanne54]

OMAN, it must have been hard for you keiji! But you're doing great now!! :) JIAYOU

[@TheProfesianal]

I like how it didn't get ugly like some other channels, hope your misunderstandings and have been cleared between you and Bryan and also hope you have collaboration with them 😀

[@QjToysAndStuff]

Thanks for such an honest and genuine video Keiji!!! I love and enjoy your sincere video content, keep it up as always! :')

[@debralow1993]

balls of courage! u go girl!

[@UMeAndHara]

Thanks! but I am boy....

[@Byuldaph]

This is like buzzfeed 😶 Keiji, you are really talented ! It's their loss ! We will definitely support you 💪

[@qunjin4267]

WAIT WTF WHAAAAAAT?!!?!??! DIDN'T APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORTS?!?!?!?' bruh that's effed up you literally MADE SG try AND tsl like wts i loved that series and i subbed to tsl because of you!!!!!!!! omgod this isn't even a loss it's like ultimate destruction because without you, tsl wouldn't have been where it is today. Let's face it everyone agrees on that. KEIJI YOU DO YOU COS YOU STRONG AND YOU ARE A PRECIOUS GEM. SUBSCRIBED AND SUPPORTING

[@callmehoo]

Can we please start a petition to bring Keiji back to The Smart Local? Like if you want him back! Hope The Smart Local (or rather Bryan) sees this.

[@UMeAndHara]

Hahaha thanks but no thanks. I think we should move on and do what we are good at! Creating good content!

[@kycia12]

I appreciate hearing from both sides. It gave me a better insight of how things are like at work.

[@tzuvee603]

oohhh you're Umehara Keiji, that creative tsl content creator that left to fulfill your dream as a arcade ninja :o

[@nurfarah2033]

I have the same reaction as you when he said "he's forgot"

[@toraaa22]

Hey Keiji. I get to know your channel before TSL. I think u did great now or even better than before . You are one of the few I would watch in TSL video . You are definitely important! Just like MVP in a Basketball team. Thanks for all the video! I watch all the video you uploaded in a week. Keep going man!

[@regiregalia509]

I actually saw you at Waterway Point a few months back but I was too anxious to say hi :')

[@UMeAndHara]

Hahaha say hi next time!

[@feliciapoh9955]

thank you so much for sharing x all the best in whatever you'll pursue next :)

[@UMeAndHara]

Thank you!

[@bwybwy5392]

I like how when people post this it receives more views so it will be a better start up

[@user-dn9up1sg8v]

Hello! I am a new viewer and I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your honesty in this video. Bc of this, I will definitely support your content and youtube channel. keep doing what you're doing 💪

[@snsdjerry]

Tsl won't watch this cuz they will "Forget"

[@SirajVlogs]

I admire how brave you are for doing this. Its okay man! We all got you. Your videos are awesome! Keep it up! Im sure you'll make it big in no time. The kitten hitting the dog tho! Its reaction was so funny. Can't wait for your next video the guy from... Can't wait for your next video Keiji/Arcade Ninja!! HAHAH :D

[@nickkoh7944]

God always have a plan for us, and your KZbin channel is one of the best in Singapore! Hope you can continue doing what you loved and create more interesting contents for us - the viewers! 💪

[@an_xon]

been subscribed since i met you at a pokemon event at city square mall you were the reason i followed tsl :') so i really wanted a video like this from you. thank you for making this :D

[@shannenong6231]

definitely looking forward to see your own content!:) keep it up!

[@stefjaywhy]

🙆 glad you've found your own way Keiji!! btw your shirt damn nice 👍

[@UMeAndHara]

Aw thanks! Its from uniqlo!

[@yunngaichek591]

I love you umehara Keji I am your biggest fan

[@UMeAndHara]

Hahah thanks! Love is very strong.

[@qhbejabhv9fzlnjsr6by29]

Hey its the keij-up squad! (noti squad) hahahah

[@stylefrontier]

remembered watching TSL sg try since the early episode! that is a great content you contributed! glad to know the real rerason and keep on doing cool videos!

[@ITz2SIMPLE21]

great vid keiji and im glad that u tokd us cause i was wondering to

[@PaulineLee93]

I will always remember you as the wasabi guy in the spicy noodles challenge HAHAHA

[@darklordzxdgt4474]

why ur thumbnail so happy?

[@UMeAndHara]

Because I am happy! hahaha

[@nitevortex]

Keep up your videos coming !!! ..Your reasons are super valid... for sure will know you as arcade ninja !!!

[@khoolgal92]

I only knew about TSL after watching one of your SG try episodes. You left a legacy which I really appreciate, and it's your boss lost really. But I'm glad you're taking it easy and not holding grudges against him. You're a good role model. :)

[@KooKarWai]

it's such a pity cuz i subscribed tsl because of you. keep up the good work on your channel!!!

[@motley0304]

Love how honest you are! good job keiji!

[@WalkAway3]

this video brought me more satisfaction than any other video

[@VinFinalist]

Bro you are good at your own channel man . Keiji. Support!

[@Tinklebellez]

Draw my life next please!

[@UMeAndHara]

HAHAH that is not easy to do!

[@juan4439]

Umehara Keiji later try to draw to draw person all become stickman

[@lindsayyeo2012]

Umehara Keiji maybe u could do a video and tell us about ur childhood life till now haha by talking instead of drawing:)

[@erictoh84]

Perhaps Tsl should consider bringing u back as guest. Like what Deekosh is doing for nightowl...

[@TiffanyYongWT]

I like how you were so honest and open on this and not “decorate” it with words that makes it PR... thumbs up x10

[@khoolgal92]

Oh and SG try is not the same without you!!!

[@shinyuankhaw1685]

hey Keiji, I like how you convey the message on how you left TSL. HONESTY !

[@sparklingdemi1695]

Long time no see.. first video pops up WHY DID I LEAVE TSL.

[@UMeAndHara]

HAHAHAHA enjoy!

[@rizkiehazmir5128]

What's next? Why I left my body..

[@ajahajah]

Starting your own channel was the right decision! Cheers~

[@TAlex-jq5mb]

What kind of cyclist are you. And how much you invested in your yellow/orange bicycle?

[@UMeAndHara]

I am really a casual cyclist I own two bikes a foldable one and a hybrid one you see!

[@josephlee6849]

All of my fav people in tsl is leaving now I don't want Q and joyce to leave

[@username22571]

hmm.. the title should be why i wasnt working in TSL not why i left TSL. They legit didnt appreciate you. nonetheless keep up with the positive attitude and i wish ya to have a good future

[@yeschef3869]

Why not left-hand ma... Hold up i mean woman. And who's the boss of TSL? Damn Keiji feel bad for u bout tat contract.

[@weechinneo3778]

MidnightStar hi fren

[@jennychan2932]

boss is Bryan

[@eancavalry9740]

keiji why not u team up with other solo youtuber and do a prank channel to other youtuber?

[@clean1325]

Why I left Buzzfeed

[@chiakum]

great vid! move on! greater things ahead for you Keiji!

[@funxp9168]

For the longest time I thought it meant U, Me & Hara. OMG KILL ME PLEASE

[@ahboy95]

honestly enjoy your arcade video alot !!! apparently the boss is just manage but who really bring out the brand of tsl is the staff. he should be more flexible on your terms if he really appreciate u in the company

[@queirtus]

make your own production dude. u can do it!

[@G0n9G0n9]

1) Travel 2) Boss 3) My KZbin Channel

[@yasman7690]

don't think this video is going to help you get a job at any company in the future. reflects badly on you tbh.

[@BanchotheMatrep]

It's nice to see this video! being real and your own self! Maciam Baik!

[@ivantan1149]

Is that the reason also why you joined the Amazing Race Asia after that to relief your stress? You did well in that also.

[@rachellim3806]

why did the guy forgot to send the contract??

[@-gladys6303]

he deserves more subscribers!! like if you agree.

[@UMeAndHara]

Thanks

[@DavidBruno]

I would have subscribed if you told me what you are going to do. This was all past but no future.. Subscribe is way to get future content, you said "I don't do this often" and you had no clear plan to launch a next series or business... That's hard to subscribe to bruh. Just trying to help, you need a content base and a clear value proposition to hold an audience however big or small it may be.

[@skyescene21]

When I watched Sg try 100 and saw you there i thought you were still in tsl but just took a back seat (ie focus more on video-ing etc) I didn't realise that you had left. I'm surprised you even went back for the 100 episode considering how things ended :/

[@judel7549]

We are all adults here ? Who la ?

[@Dancegeography]

I think everything happens for a reason. I'm so proud that you're brave enough to move on when you know your own worth and they don't!! Continue to do well on your own channel keiji!!

[@mobileplayer6137]

You should not leave the smartlocal because your good and funny in there!

[@muhddanial1]

The exact reason(2) why I left my CCA(s). Except not boss but coach, leader etc ;)

[@sheepy0312]

Zomg i dont even know you are from TSL HAHAHA. I know you from your own video that you went to Gardens by the bay to play the uncle ringo hahaha

[@UMeAndHara]

HAHAHA uncle ringo is the best!

[@SW-zr3dl]

subscribed cause of this vid! really quite interesting to hear from your pov

[@giantlow]

"disagree ethics wise" hmmm.... pls spill the beans

[@samuelkhor1315]

noti squad! Hi.

[@UMeAndHara]

Hi!