The Reality of Being a YouTuber: A Dream Job That's Still a Job
In the world of YouTube, there has been a recent trend of OG creators, who have been active on the platform for many years, either retiring, leaving, or cutting back on their content creation. This movement has sparked discussions about the nature of being a YouTuber and the challenges that come with it. In a recent video, a prominent YouTuber shared his thoughts on the matter, shedding light on the complexities of turning a passion into a full-time career.
The Dream Job
The YouTuber emphasizes that being a content creator on the platform is undeniably a dream job. Over the years, the landscape of career aspirations has shifted, with an increasing number of children expressing a desire to become YouTubers when they grow up. This demonstrates the allure and appeal of the profession, as it has become a coveted occupation for many aspiring individuals. However, the YouTuber also acknowledges that despite the dreamlike nature of the job, it is still a job at its core.
The comparison to a professional athlete is made, drawing parallels between the dedication, skill, and perseverance required to transition a hobby into a full-time profession. The YouTuber highlights that just like in sports, where hard work, talent, and luck are essential components, the same applies to the journey of a YouTuber. This sets the stage for the subsequent discussion regarding the challenges of scaling a creative job.
Scaling a Creative Job
One of the key insights shared by the YouTuber revolves around the idea that creative jobs do not scale like regular jobs. Initially, as a content creator, the primary focus is on being creative and producing content that reflects one's passion and interests. However, as opportunities arise and the creator's platform grows, there is a natural inclination to scale up to address these new developments. This involves taking on additional responsibilities such as brand collaborations, team management, and other business-related tasks.
The YouTuber illustrates how the allure of new opportunities can lead to a shift in focus, where the time spent on scaling up detracts from the core element of being creative. Using the analogy of a treadmill, it is likened to a continuous journey where creators must find a balance between fulfilling external goals, such as growth and viewership, and maintaining the internal satisfaction of flexing their creative muscle.
The Octopus Analogy
To further articulate the complexities of being a YouTuber, the YouTuber introduces the "octopus analogy." The analogy emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the job, where creators essentially juggle various roles simultaneously, including writing, cinematography, editing, financial management, and content strategy. As creators consider scaling up and seeking assistance, it becomes crucial to identify the core elements that resonate with their passion and strengths, as these are the "hearts" of their creative journey that cannot be relinquished.
The analogy underscores the importance of making deliberate decisions when seeking help and delegating tasks, as cutting off certain responsibilities can free up time for creators to focus on the aspects that truly drive their passion and creativity. Ultimately, the message conveyed is the significance of maintaining the original goal and preserving the intrinsic joy of being creative amidst the evolving landscape of the YouTube platform.
Embracing Change and Finding Balance
In conclusion, the YouTuber acknowledges that the journey of a content creator on YouTube is a unique and perpetually evolving experience. While grappling with the challenges of scaling up, managing responsibilities, and adapting to the dynamic nature of the platform, creators are urged to be intentional and introspective about their creative journey. The video serves as a reflection on the shifting tides within the YouTube community and the introspective process that creators undergo to navigate these changes.
The YouTuber's insights provide a candid and thought-provoking perspective on the realities of being a content creator on YouTube. As the landscape continues to evolve, the overarching message of finding balance, embracing change, and staying true to one's creative passion resonates not only with fellow creators but also with individuals navigating their own professional journeys in the digital sphere.