It's time for a change
Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
- I don't want to make videos anymore so now what? I share what has happened and what will I change.
My Gear Store: camerafoundry.com Camera Guides and LUTs: academy.dslrvideoshooter.com
VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
1:26 I'm Not a UA-camr at Heart
2:40 Metal Health
6:57 I'm Tired
8:04 Input ≠ Output
9:06 New Goal
9:36 10 Rules for a Better UA-cam Life
10:00 Rule 1
10:27 Rule 2
11:43 Rule 3
12:54 Rule 4
14:08 Rule 5
14:58 Rule 6
16:41 Rule 7
17:12 Rule 8
18:47 Rule 9
19:39 Rule 10
VIDEOS REFERENCED
Matti Haapoja: • Why I'm quitting UA-cam
Parker Walbeck/Full Time Filmmaker: • I Bought His Company |...
Cinecom: • the end
Matt D'Avella: • I'm on my own again.
Tom Scott: • After ten years, it's ...
DISCLAIMERS & AFFILIATIONS
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Affiliate Links:
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/EeI6W
B&H (PAID LINK): www.bhphotovideo.com/?BI=6566...
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons. - Фільми й анімація
Yo! I applaud you for putting family first! and yes to MAKING more things. I think that's one of the biggest draws of your channel is when you make something creative that YOU like... and yeah the lighting is great, and audio is clean, and thumbnail is top notch....I often wonder how much of this is all I our heads, and how much of it is just the good will we've already built up over the years. Its hard to trust that people just want to tune in to see your face and see what's going on from time to time. Personally, with my own struggles, I think I would output more and second guess myself less if I subscribed to that notion, but it's a tough one. Good on you for getting this one off the chest. Can't wait to see what you cook up now.
When I started watching this video I remember the time you mentioned that you don't watch UA-cam to avoid any contamination on your own work.
After being out of the professional video space for over 20 years, I just completed my first documentary. You and Calab's videos were a Godsend when I was navigating my way back into the professional video world three years ago. Grant Petty owes you both some commission on the Blackmagic camera and other BM products I purchased. You both do great work on UA-cam and I look forward to whatever you guys do moving forward. Thank you both!
Thanks man! It's a weird job and I think these kinds of feelings and the tortured artist stuff is inevitable. Hits each of us differently and I think we need to be aware of each of our own tendencies and temptations to fall into our own traps. For example I have no problems with hate/mean comments. Say whatever you want down here I really don't care. But then my chest gets tight when it is time to work on the next video 🤷♂
I’ve been missing your videos too, BTW & hope you aren’t leaving UA-cam any time soon. 👍
Sounds like we've all been feeling this for quite some time, glad to see many of us taking steps back to reprioritize. You nailed it with all your points. Last point was the biggest, it's so easy to let our work become our master and feeling enslaved rather than the other way around. Thanks for all the value you've added to the community, we all love and support you in doing what you feel is best for you and your family. Let's connect some time, I think it would be therapeutic for us both to chat :)
Thank you Parker. So glad you are pursuing what is best for your family! We all appreciate the work you put into teaching but I'm glad you've called it and are taking time to find the next thing. Always down to chat man. Godspeed in 2024!
Amazing video, you’ve put into words a lot of what I’ve been feeling as well, and I’ve only been doing this for 7 years 😂 Looking forward to seeing how things evolve for you + let’s hang if you’re ever in London ❤
UA-cam is a very unique career for sure.
Ali!!! Super cool to see you in the comments. Your content has been a huge help over the years. Next time my wife and I are over there we will for sure hit you up! Spent some time in England this summer and loved it! Now to go buy your new book...
@@GxAce responding to Ali's comment on a DSLR Shooter's video... Which I came to watch for inspiration on a compact video rig based on archaic og Eos M... This must be a sign! :D
This is the 2nd video I've watched today that has the same ideas, and feels like someone saying outloud, the stuff that I've had in my head for a couple of years. Thanks for articulating this. I hope these changes are good for you, personally and for the business 👍🏼 Good on you, keep it up! -Bob
And as far as accountability.. I'm down. We all need to keep each other on track for life, not work 👍🏼
Thank you so much bob! Been eating your content up since before you quit your day job to go full-time with the channel. Wish we were closer so I could swing by to chat and help with the car!
@@Iliketomakestuff I love this. We will happily dive into this accountability huddle. =)
I Blame UA-cam - you have to jump thru (mostly political hoops) to get stuff out there - as an army of “Fact Selectors” arbitrarily shift through content and DEMONITIZE work on the flimsiest of evidence and you have to waste time trying to fight the untalented behind the wall…
Then there’s shadow banning…
And random UNSUBSCRIBING…
And they wanna be a Network so they are distancing themselves from the people that “brung ya”
This year I'm seeing many UA-camrs stepping away from content creation for a break. Appreciate all the knowledge you have shared so far. Did learn many things from you.
Just in time to let AI take over 😅
@@mattstone8878 true.
i don't understand why?
because it ain't paying like it used to.
@@waynewalkerorgI’m new so I’m not familiar with
Thanks!
What! So unnecessary! Thank you for the encouragement!
Huge fan of yours and really happy to hear you're making a shift like this to make the job work for you rather than the other way around. The grind is real and unrelenting! If it matters to you, there's a lot of things in my studio right now that are a direct result of reviews and builds I saw you do. Thanks Caleb!
Love to see this Greg!
Jesus the similarites of so many different types of channels is almost scary. Im gunna need to borrow some of your rules. Good to know we're all going through something very similar.
Stages of life and career. So many “disruptive” moments in technology and life make the need for relevant reinvention a necessity.
its also all older creators.
More power to you, Caleb. I’ve been feeling some of this myself and have been making big changes behind the scenes too. Trying to find a healthier work life balance. The UA-cam rat race really distorts reality and messes with your mental health. Love the accountability idea/sharing you’re doing here.
Thank you Matt! Yes, distorted is a great way to put it. Also thank you for all of the solar panel help over the years! Seen a lot of your stuff and appreciate you!
@@dslrvideoshooter You just made my day, Caleb. Thanks so much. I've always loved your videos. Can't wait to see what you make out of this new chapter in your career. Really looking forward to it and hope you find the joy again.
"Work serves the family" is definitely the most valuable message I took from this, and one that I'm going to make a mantra for myself moving forward. Congrats on the channel growth (been watching for a while now), enjoy the new direction and good luck for the future 👏🏻
Love this man, thanks for sharing. I can relate. Our industry, and the genres within are cyclical. The waves come and go. If you can survive the drought, and enjoy your creative process while you're doing it - you'll catch the next wave again. Pace yourself, do what you love, and you'll love what you do. Thanks for sharing!
Join me in a year+ time off haha 😊 I honestly feel so good about it. Glad you are changing things up.
It is always good to have time off, I hope you are basking in the freedom🤙
Don’t go Matt! I hope Peter is not feeling the same? Oh man! 😮💨😔 hey you gotta do what you gotta do. I wont think selfishly here. 🙏 learnt so much from all you guys! Thanks for everything!
Bro don't tempt me ha! I'm so so happy for you and felt stress melt away watching your videos on the topic. Godspeed man!
It will be hard to take a year off. UA-cam changed there policy. If you dont poat for 6 months you will be demonized. I doubt people want to lose that.
For real join them. Get some space from traps you make if you can afford it. It's not a real trap if you can get out.
I love it when fellow creators post videos like this, thanks for keeping it real Caleb. You owe nobody an explanation, yet taking the time to make something like this is always appreciated, especially by others "in the arena." As someone (me) who is probably the worst UA-camr out there (in regards to playing the game and following best practices), I wholeheartedly endorse being a maker over being a "youtuber." Of course as you touched on it's just a challenge when being a person who uploads also impacts your bottom line. Rule #4 is a personal favourite. I've been fighting that tendency for years. I love the book from Paul Jarvis titled "company of one" it really solidifies my feelings on this. And yes, rule #10 is also so important. What's the point of working so hard to build something if it doesn't serve you?
I would add an additional rule 11 which you probably already follow, but for me it is so important to have areas outside of "video related goals" to be progressing in and to use as an outlet. It's a habit of mine to make every interest somehow related to the youtube channel, but it feels so good to make something that has nothing to do with video creation. I've been trying to sew more, I've really enjoyed learning how to lift, and also even though I've made running videos in the past, I really try to keep my running and biking time as me only time.
Appreciate you Caleb! Again you don't owe an explanation to anyone, but opening up the curtain like this is always rad, even though it brings in tons of unsolicited feedback from people who don't quite get the spirit of a video like this or haven't tried to walk the path themselves.
Thank you for everything. Please put yourself and your family first. Sincere best wishes.
hey Levi, when is the next Make Stuff Club video coming out?
I really enjoy those as a fellow adhd creator 😍
Hey Levi, sounds like you need to get a BMX! Cheers man, I have just discovered you (from this comment) and am loving your igloo build 🤙
Levi! Thank you for the encouragement and your thoughts on this as well. I'm not bummed I didn't exhort everyone to make their own set of "rules" and share them! Your rule 11 is great. Years back I almost started another channel to ruin a hobby but time didn't allow me to. So glad that didn't work out and I'm now very protective of non-work hobbies and activities. Off to go grab a copy of that book! Thank you for sharing bro and I hope you and the family are well!
Thank you for sharing 🙏. This resonates with me and - from reading the comments - with many other UA-cam creators
Listening to this video was like hearing myself speak. You nailed it. It’s almost like doing UA-cam professionally is the perfect formula for anxiety. Until recently I thought maybe it’s just me. I love when people say why don’t you get a real job. I’m like “Dude, I do fifteen jobs. One would be easy.” I’ve been doing UA-cam full time for seven years on multiple channels and have found your channel and guides extremely helpful since I started. Thanks for this video and all the help over the years. I wish you much more success!
This video felt like a therapy session for me in the most positive way. Thank you so much for taking the time to record this Caleb and for putting it out there for us to watch. Really appreciate you!
Glad it could help in anyway Edward!
Congrats and thank you for all the incredible value you have provided us for … 14 years !! Including this extremely valuable video. I’ve always been impressed not only by the quality of the videos themselves but also the sheer amount of time you have actually put as a maker researching and making the tools shown or used in your videos ! Thanks again so much for all your insight and for taking care of our time, your videos serve us, you’re not making us serve your videos. Happy you are not quitting. Good luck for whatever is next , life is short, prioritize what you are most passionate about , continue building, will always be a pleasure to watch !
Thanks boss! I could say the exact same thing to you! You've videos are next level and I love your unique content. Keep up the fantastic work.
I'm so glad to see this. I Felt the same! You deserve a workflow that serves you Bruh - Bruh
Thanks Bro!!! ❤
Hi Darious!!!! U and Caleb both helped me so much as becoming a filmmaker. Appreciate all the work y’all have done… I hope the breaks serve you all well. God bless:) would love to meet you all one day
Joy - The metric we forget to measure.
I appreciate all of the things you've made through this channel, and for sharing this video.
Be happy Caleb. ✌🏽
Caleb: you are hands-down one of the best teachers I have encountered, period. The clear and succinct way you take students from one idea to another is genuinely brilliant, and makes it effortless for us to follow along. With so many voices out there, yours has been one I consistently look to and rely upon. I also have deep respect for your willingness to be vulnerable and share your experiences about the realities of being a UA-cam creator, and I eagerly look forward to your future contributions (in whatever form they may take).
All great points I think many UA-cam creators have had to work through or deal with if you’ve been doing this with any success for over 10 years. As UA-cam is an ever moving target it certainly can be difficult and I think many of us have had similar thoughts as well. Thanks for sharing.
We're sending love your way, Caleb! You're a really unique creator in this space - you should do whatever it takes to keep it that way 🤍
Thank you!!!
Excellent video, Caleb. I’m on year 13 now and we just decided to cut back on the video release schedule and grow in other areas of the business where we can help even more people more deeply. Great rules as well.
I’m constantly conflicted over whether to scale or not scale so that one will continue to be on my mind.
I’ve been trying to better take advantage of the freedoms of being a full time UA-camr, like mid-day movies with my wife and/or kids, family travel and more downtime to just not work. Here’s to an amazing 2024 for you, brother. All the best. - Nils
Rule number 6 is very relatable. I have a self-imposed rule for Sunday uploads but I’m coming up on the 10-year anniversary of that decision and I’m questioning how much longer I’ll have this schedule
Dude, you've given people SO MUCH. We are just very grateful for everything you've done for the filmmaking community. ❤ You rock, and you should do whatever makes you happy! Therapy can be really beneficial, and it's awesome you are talking about it
Finally a change from DSLR Video Shooter to Mirrorless Video Shooter!
I took a multi year break from UA-cam and am now coming back with a complete renewed sense of direction.
thank you so much for this video Caleb. at a smaller scale i can totally relate with most. wishing you and your family all the best ❤
I feel you from the bottom of my heart! ❤
You summarized the struggle as a full time UA-camr perfectly!
Love this video and I’m convinced that if you film the projects that get you most excited, everything will work out anyway. Excited to see what comes next.
I have never felt more related to with my UA-cam. Coming up on 4 years in I’m feeling this heavy. Thank you sir for this
Thanks for keeping it real Caleb. You taught me how to use my Panasonic G7 back in the day which helped my own channel quality improve. You've inspired so many people to work to improve their craft which is something I will always be grateful for! See you when we see you.
Man I appreciate your transparency. It’s weird I’ve just decided to go full time on this channel on the same week so many people I follow have decided to step back or change things up.
It’s helpful hearing this from someone I see as successful. It’s a good reminder to manage mental health, family and expectations in the midst of trying your best. Looking forward to seeing what this year looks like for you and the channel.
I’ve been following you for about 10 years from different accounts and your channels is by far my favorite UA-cam channel. I’ve never seen you happier as When you are building things. I’ve thought About it many times before and Im so happy that you have ”realized” it aswell. I understand that reviewing products pays the bills but When I hear the genuin interest and excitement in your voice it makes me smile and that’s why I keep coming back to your channel for 10 years and will as long as you want to. ❤
Thank you for sharing, Caleb. I think this struck home for not just myself but a lot of creators, tying our mental health to the success of our videos/channels. I've been watching and learning from your videos for years now and I think no matter how you pivot, we're all in support of you!
Im glad you're not quitting! But definitely don't take youtube or any other job too seriously. Great advice I heard once is to not "work hard but work joyfully". Even if that means less views or money... who cares if you're having fun! This will definitely have a positive impact on your and your family's well being. All the best!
Brother, I commend you so much for making this video. I made a similar video on my channel called the future of this channel about a year ago, and said many of the same things you are saying here. Having been on UA-cam now for eight years, everything you said resonated with me. It gets tiring fighting with the UA-cam algorithm. The longer you’re on the platform sometimes the harder it is to come up with creative video ideas as well that you haven’t done in the past. Thank you for the content.
meanwhile ... I'm starting back up after a 10-year break... LET'S GOOOO BAY BAY!
Thank you Caleb for sharing this with us. I’m only 8 years in but THIS video matches all my feelings and struggles that I’m experiencing over the past few years. It feels really good to know that I’m not alone with this. Thank you! Keep on Making what you love!
Bro! This is really powerful. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story... it's so empowering for so many including myself. Keep on, my man!!
You’re a legend for putting this out here for us. I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve expressed in it.
May the blessings shower you and your family.
You're not alone mate... Just before Christmas I sat there in front of the camera and just didn't want to press record. The panic attacks and mental stress is something I have struggled with over the last four years making videos and the rollercoaster of my emotional state being so closely tied to the performance of a video week to week is super unhealthy. I have a full time job so I don't know why I get so affected by it. Thank you for sharing this with us fellow creators Caleb, I wish you all the best and will continue to follow you as long as you make videos. Your analagy of effort in and effort out is something I talk about all the time and why being a UA-camr is frustrating. I've recorded a video in 3 hours and it's performed better than a video that took me two weeks to make.
Thanks boss. I really appreciate that and man, that feeling is awful. Godspeed in 2024 and here's to hopefully finding some peace in resetting the mindset!
Thanks Caleb - your video was more helpful than you could possibly know - I've taken a lot of what you've said on board.@@dslrvideoshooter
dude, i love your approach to all this. i have a ton of respect for your path moving forward. i'm no big youtuber but have certainly been looking at social media in general so differently and come to a similar result.
I can't tell you how close your experience is to my own. It's basically 1 to 1 and I heard myself with every word. While my intention is to scale I saw myself losing interest because of "wave riding" and completely lost interest. I have since returned back to a more niche category and the result is less views BUT its been way more easy to make the content. And I enjoy it. I still have kinks to work out but I feel far more at ease. So I applaud you Caleb and wish nothing but the best for you and your family.
Your timing is uncanny… I just stopped doing my latest podcast because I wanted to focus on just making art. I feel your pain. I remember when you first started. Proud of you, Caleb, of how you handled this. I’ll buy the book when it comes out. 🤠
Shoutout 16x9 Convergence podcast
@@benmcnights1763 Lol that was a long time ago! 16x9 to Digital Convergence to Artful Camera. I never was much good at branding. Those were wild west days!
Carl! Thank you for the kind words and I hope you are well friend.
I relate to this so much. It’s honestly just not fulfilling to make videos anymore especially when you feel you have to make something of real value or better than the last video. That said you have helped me so much when it comes to video production, always been a huge inspiration for learning. I hope you can find peace with whatever you do next. The UA-cam game is incredibly stressful on your mental and physical health.
Caleb, I learned a lot from your channel over the years and I will forever be grateful you've provided me for my own Channel - I completely understand the draining burnout and stress of doing everything yourself for creating UA-cam videos, whilst maintaining another full time job - so power to you! I wish you nothing but the best of luck in your future endeavours.
I've been watching you for years and I relate with you so much. UA-cam wires your brain differently in a negative way. The stresses that come are huge. Thanks for making the video bro.
I've followed you for 10 years and this is my favorite video out of all the videos you made. Hats off to you, Caleb! Family 1st!
I appreciate you Caleb for opening up. All the power to you for making this decision! Make for you and not for the algorithm.
You've been one of my favorites for a long time now thank you for all your content and best of luck moving forward!
Thank you very much Caleb. I come back to your tutorials from time to time. Your great work stays here!😊
Caleb, this was wonderful. I have followed you since my HV20 days because you are so incredibly articulate and insightful, and you made me believe in myself as a filmmaker. I am not a UA-camr, but your candor and what you’ve shared is universal…focusing on the joy, the work serving your family, and finding an internal balance is a level of understanding and growth few achieve and for which all should strive. I can’t wait for this next evolution.
Amen
Hi Caleb, I just wanted to say you were like a mentor and teacher I always enjoyed coming back to. You taught me loads of knowledge over the years, which helped me build my own filmmaking career and I am forever grateful for that.
Thank you for making all those videos! I learned so much from you over the years. Your gear recommendations set me up for success! I bought your Corporate Video Guide and it was a huge help!
Thank you for posting this Caleb! Before I was a UA-camr, I was working in another industry, and I was kind of burned out. It got that way because I prioritised success and results over enjoyment of my work. When I started my Yotubue channel, I decided that from now on I am going to put happiness and enjoyment as my number one priority, whatever I do. And I ended up in similar principles as your 10 commandments. It has worked for me, and after 7 years I still enjoy every minute of making UA-cam videos! Life is way too short not to enjoy what you are doing!
As an editor for several channels and sort of a couple of my own, I’ve definitely seen the passion come and go. I appreciate the time and effort you’ve put in to teaching others over the years! You’ve helped me, personally, so much. I’ll be a lifelong supporter of Caleb Pike, more videos or not. I’m a big fan of those who choose to make content they want, and not what UA-cam wants. Love the rules!
Hey as an editor myself -I would love to know any advice on how you end up as an editor of several channels-I could use some more work. My corporate clients are cutting budgets again. Would've to chat with ya -thanks
@@mattstoltz2479 begging and crying a lot 😂 Actually it was all organic - one channel that I followed in a particular niche posted that they needed an editor and I got that gig. That led to exposure to others in the niche who work closely with the original channel. Then a larger channel they are associated with needed an editor. Another channel that I met working for these channels also made me an offer. I reached out to another larger channel in a different niche and was hired just based on my 60 second introduction video.
I’m sure there’s various ways to go about it, but I was only interested in niches that I was familiar with and felt I knew the channels well enough to blend my style in easily. I also really like the people involved. For me, it was about building relationships, trust, and always delivering.
Followed you from the start, the good ol’ days when DSLRs were evolving into video machines! You and the legendary Dave Dugdale were like extended family 😂 Like many, I always appreciated your technical knowledge and most of all authenticity on camera - clearly things that never dipped. Excited to see what you do next and good luck with the next chapter ❤
The dynamic duo of Caleb & Dave is still one of the best.
I learned so much from Dave!
Don’t forget DSLR Nerd!
Yep, to all of this.
I think the thing that got me really worked up is the fact that like your channel, and just about all of the other creators you mentioned, the providing of FREE information was at the core and heart of what I fell in love with when I started UA-cam. It served two purposes, getting ears for my music and more importantly, allowed me to share information that led to my improvement as a music producer and musician that has ultimately led to a lot of therapy and happiness in my life.
When you pour yourself into that idea and are bombarded with algorithms, varying upload frequency suggestions, thumbnails, shorts, rule changes, and worst of all, senseless personal criticism, attacks at times, rude interactions, negativity, ungrateful transactions and unrealistic expectations people think they have of my privacy, time and what they think they should be getting from me.
Getting dehumanized on this platform is probably what all of these creators are running from. We all sort of had a hand in letting it happen but the google machine is very influential.
I stopped really doing anything for a long while and have recently started back up only producing what I want to do for my own selfish reasons os sharing my creativity (music) and wanting to share helpful tips and techniques. I don’t give any more F’s about anything other then that.
I’ve really appreciated what you’ve provided us over the years. Thanks for the sacrifice. Wishing you the best Caleb.
Thanks Caleb for helping us in our filmmaker journey. Never been in the UA-cam game but I can definitely relate to what you’ve been through. Family and mental health are number one matters.
Man it's really great to see more of these videos popping up on my feed lately. As someone who's relatively new to this space (3 years in) it's reassuring to see that my worries are the same as those who have ten times the channel size and who have been doing this for much longer than I have!
It's something which Paddy Galloway mentioned, about making YOU the through-line for your channel. That makes you free to do anything you want, because you'll attract people who are interested in you, and don't just come for the gear etc...
It'll be a shame to not see your videos on my feed as often, but I'm super excited to see what else you have to share! Happiness is the most important thing, so stick with what makes you happy :)
I can totally relate to this, Caleb. Thank you. I think at the core of all this is you have to make peace with the fact that you aren't going to do as well as you had hoped on youtube. Once you get go of that goal/dream, the rest of it kinda falls into balance.
I really appreciate your honesty. It's good to know other people are experiencing the same things.
This should resonate with anyone who has been on the tube long term with any form of success. I understand this all too well. Kudos on making the tough choice that honors you rather than the race. Stay well!
Caleb, this is huge. Thank you for sharing this. As many are quitting, I'm starting my (I don't count anymore) attempt to go full-time on UA-cam. Some of your insights already came to me, but I haven't vocabularized them so clearly yet. Your rules are concise and actionable. All the best, and thank you!
Thanks for sharing this video 🙏🏼 I’ve gone thru a lot of the same mental struggles in my video career and I’m sure there are thousands of others who can relate. You’ve been an amazing resource for the community over the years and I’m excited to see what you do next!
About 1.5 years ago I decided to stop completely and delist about 70% of my videos. It still feels like a relief. I had a lot of fun in the beginning, but it started to feel like an obligation. My life was all about “oh that’s a good video topic”. Happy for you finding your balance, especially because you were one of my role models when I started in 2017.
I’ve learned so much from your channel, and I’ve always looked forward to your videos above many others. I appreciate the time and effort you put into everything and I’m sorry to hear that it took so much from you. I’m only halfway through the video now, so I’m not sure how this ends yet, but I hope you get some well-deserved rest
Caleb, I so thankful that you made this video. I'm a tiny channel, but dread the editing process. It causes anxiety that I can't explain to anyone. Thank you for sharing about this difficult point in your life. As strange as it sounds, I am now more motivated to continue knowing that I am not the only one working through some of these difficulties. As viewers of your channel, we are all standing right behind you. 🙂
You can tell how much work you put into each and every video. Thank you for what you've provided us! Any idea when the 8-bit LUT Pack might come out?
Caleb I’ve always enjoyed your videos. Thanks for the candid video. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. We follow many of the same makers and they are going through the same process right now.
Caleb, just wanted to say a huge thanks for the work you put into both this UA-cam channel and your camera courses. You have been my favorite UA-cam teach and if not for the easily digestible and quality videos here, I could see myself having given up many times out of confusion alone. I hope whatever path you take brings you joy and happiness to you and your family.
We've been through a pretty similar arc to you and your 10 rules are nearly identical to changes we've made (for pretty much the same reasons) over the past couple of years. Thank you for articulating this so well.
Caleb, Thank you. for this honesty, for your great content, for your wonderful/crazy "entire video setup on/in ___" builds, for everything that you've done and shared. I come to your channel for *your ideas*, I'll gladly wait until you're ready for them to be shared.
This video was a blessing in disguise😅
I can relate in every way you explained it. This video popped up on my feed, I clicked on it and it was everything I needed to hear. Thank you for this. 🙏🏾✨
As someone who went through the same thing, This video makes me very happy. I’m happy you found a way to your joy! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable and authentic. I just came across your channel and love your work. As someone about to start my own channel from a burnout and depression, standpoint sharing my transformation, I love your insights. Absolute gold and I hope this helps me avoid burnout again doing my channel as that in itself is counter productive where I have come from. I think if you made another video focusing on how not to burnout with UA-cam as I stumbled across this behind the title. I say this as it may help others find this valuable content. Thanks again
I relate to this so much, Caleb. I've been feeling the same way for the last couple of years. Same as you, I've decided to downscale, make less videos, ignore the algorithm, and hold my schedule much more loosely. It's already helped my anxiety, but I feel like it's still a work in progress.
Thanks for your honesty Caleb! Praying this year brings a more enjoyable & positive experience of being able to share the things you create and that you get to do the things you love, brings you peace & serves your family! 🙌
Such a great message of self-worth for others to think about at the start of this year, thanks for your openness and your vulnerability.
God Bless! 👏🏼
I have been learning so much from you over the years Caleb. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into this amazing channel! I admire the courage you have in talking about the challenges of stress and anxiety. I too suffer from anxiety attacks and other symptoms. All the best going forward!
Your patient, knowledgeable, calm, diligent videos have been a real blessing to me-they've brought me joy. But I fully support your ten rules, and I'm grateful for their instruction and example.
Thanks for everything you taught me. I agree with you 100%. I have been doing this for 6 years now. 1 year full time and I’m already feeling the same things. It’s nice to get some great advice from you. Thanks so much!!!!
What a great video. I've definitely been having a lot of these feelings over the last year or so and have spent A LOT of time trying to find the right balance. It was wild hearing how you lengthened your research process as a way to put off making the video -- it made me realize I often do the same things! Time to take a long hard look at what I'm doing. Thanks man.
Hi Caleb. I loved this video. I'm not sure I ever commented here on your channel but I just want to thank you for doing this - all. For sharing so much over the years with such quality (I think I have followed you since 2015) and for now, sharing your thoughts on this important matter. I do relate to many aspects and points you've made. I totally get your feeling of wanting to "be happy again making and sharing" and I wish I could go back to that feeling I once had too. The "problem" is that the platform is not the same anymore (it's normal; everything evolves, and everyone should have the same opportunities to get inside here), and there's way too much noise for us to get through again. I have no doubts you can achieve that happy limbo again, but I'm not sure I can. I just think that knowing what we know can make it so freaking hard or really prevent me from getting there ever again.
Anyway, congratulations on getting where you are mentally and hopefully you can feel free again. Looking forward to seeing new creations that do not chase fads or algorithms. :)
Thank you so much for all your videos on this channel so far. You bring a precious help to us. Cheers!
I'm grateful for all the videos you have posted. All your work has helped allot of people to know more about video making, and especially about equipment that can be used in producing videos. Completely understand where you are coming from on needing to make these changes in your life. I wish you continued success as you move forward and an even greater bond to be forged with your family.
Thank you so much for making this video. For someone planning to start a new UA-cam channel, this is super useful!
I really love your channel and I can't wait to see where you will go with this!
Thank you Caleb for this video. I wish you success in your journey to find a way to make this enjoyable again. You have been a part of my video making journey so I thank you for all the work you've done. I more or less have set up my youtube channel following your 10 rules, without expressing them so clearly. It mostly is nice, although there are still tings to work on :)
/Mathias
One of my favorite tech/camera creators. I love how you explain things and make the process for the viewer as simple clean and minimal as possible. Just want to say thank you for existing as you do
Yep. I'm in the same place (though much earlier on in the journey + much smaller than you). After October 7th (I'm in Israel), I realized that life is too damn short to be stressed about putting videos out all the time. Most of my conclusions are the same as yours... chill out, have fun, videos come out when they come out.
I’ve been a follower of your channel for years and have learned so much from you. Thank you for everything! Wishing you a great 2024 and more time with your family and doing what makes you happy.
Hey man, I feel you! When we started Vanlife Sagas on UA-cam in 2020, it was for fun, sharing our experiences and knowledge. After a while, you realize you're just wired to the machine that UA-cam is. They have engineers, business people, psychologists, making sure creators "have a platform to express themselves", but also making sure "we stick to the platform with as much content as possible". They have a very elaborate system of rewards including money, attention, reach, reputation, etc. It's well oiled machine.
Just like you, I looked back at the last 100 videos I made, and I was questioning what the true motives were, above and beyond scoring more than a 10/10 on UA-cam Studio. Sometimes, the real physical step back is exactly what they don't want you to do, and it's exactly what you need to do, like @mattih and all the others.
You're doing the right thing. 1000% sure of this. New ideas will emerge, whether they're expressed here or somewhere else.
High-five (from a creator colleague).
I've learned so much from this channel, and you've inspired me to do what I love professionally and full-time. The idea that the man that helped motivate me is hurting and not loving what he does anymore, that just breaks my heart. The passion you bring is a major part of why I love this channel. Not the regular uploads. Not the right-on-NDA, eary as possible coverage. It's the heart behind it that makes it worth watching, no matter any schedule. I encourage and applaud you to take your time to find that, no matter what that looks like!
Great thoughts, keep the maker making for the fun of it!
Love you so much man, you’ve helped me more than any other creator on my journey to becoming a cinematographer. Thank you.
This was more valuable than words can express. I’m still pretty new at the UA-cam thing and didn’t even realize I was already on these toxic paths. I appreciate you.
Loved this video Caleb! As someone who's on the "come up" and had recent videos do well, I already feel the pressure of having to ride that wave and give my audience what they want. Definitely going to take your advice
I'm happy to hear your plans. Definitely my favorites are your build videos so looking forward to more builds. Keep it up, stay safe!
I just started content creating regularly and I def feel you on a lot of the points you're bringing up. Huge respect for being vocal and I wish you more success with sticking with content that you believe in and enjoy even if others dont (as much).
Thanks so much for sharing all your experience and insight, Caleb. As a "New" UA-camr, this was all good information.
Thank you for this, first video I’ve seen of yours and I am feeling those exact same pressures. UA-cam is a mess right now and I just hope the algorithm one day becomes fair. I miss just making good content and watching my video do well. These days it feels entirely random and it eats away at me constantly. Glad you’ve found perspective, I hope I find mine.