How Creators Can ESCAPE the 9-5 Trap 

Happy Saturday!

I just turned 50 and been working a corporate job most of my adult life. These last few years since the pandemic have been absolutely miserable. I've finally quit my 9 to 5 to pursue photography and content creation full time. I'm the happiest I've ever been. I guess better late than never.

People don't realize you need real discipline to work for yourself.

Being your own boss means putting in more hours than working for a boss. I have heard people talking that they want to start their own business because then they can sleep in, have a nap in the afternoon and they think they can work when they feel like it. Not realistic, your own business means hard work.

I unfortunately probably will be going back to a 9-5 for reasons you brought up. I have two kids and I can’t have them thug it out even though I’m willing. I will continue to build my production company on the side while getting that full time income. Appreciate the content fam

As an actor I went through this at the beginning. 17 years later, I’m proud I stuck it out. Not great all the time but it’s working out.

I just quit last Friday due to the job not accommodating me caring for my son who is on the spectrum. I just opened up commissions and have customers. Very grateful and motivated to be disciplined ❤️‍🔥

So true that pursuing content creation full time can turn something you loved into something you don’t love as much anymore. I used to think doing RU-vid full time was my dream, but I realized keeping it as my hobby is so much better for my mental health & happiness, not constantly checking numbers but instead, focusing on creating videos for clients knowing I get paid for my work & it’s not based on performance in an algorithm or a thumbnail or watch time etc but simply for the work in itself.

The shots at the self storage are 👌🏾👌🏾🔥🔥🔥 2:54

preach brother. One thing to add. Don't let somebody suck the joy out of your hobby. Sometimes you need to stand strong and do things alone. Let the non believers stand there and watch how fast they turn around and say " must be nice" . Just because they don't want to and talk negative about your hobby doesn't mean you can't reach your goals.

Bro can’t thank you enough for this one. I currently work at Amazon and I’m beyond miserable there. I do photography as well but some days I have those excuses like I’m too tired and I’m busy with my son and I’m like man I shouldn’t make those excuses. I love photography and I’m at my happiest when doing it so I should do it regardless of my 9-5. Eventually I can and will break away and do my photography full time but in the meantime I can’t make any excuses like I’m too tired. Definitely gave me the motivation to do more and stop the excuses

Changing your creative passion into your primary source of income is insanely stressful. I went part time at my job (16 hrs/wk) + full time videographer as a test and it made me realize that I am not ready to quit my day job yet. Doing things like building a bigger audience and having better biz systems in place first are what’s needed to actually succeed working for yourself.

You hit the nail on the head. Put in that work even after your 9-5. Lock in on your craft and focus.

My main issue is overthinking to the point of being overwhelmed. Than i look at my older content like, "Girl you should've kept going". Slowly working through it and getting over self-sabotage 😅 Thanks for the video. It was a nice reminder

This was really great. I remember there was a time during the pandemic that I was just going hard as heck on RU-vid and that is what got my channel monetized - things are different now and I am back working and I feel like I just don't have the stamina to go as hard as I used to, but it's definitely held me back. Gotta figure out how to get back to wanting to grind

Wow I’m walking through the rain rn listening to this. Been struggling as a full time photographer. Thank you for this.

I'm favoured, $27K every week! I can now give back to the locals in my community and also support God's work and the church. God bless America.

Finally, someone who says it like it is. When you're alone, you can take any risk. But when you have a family and kids to feed, everything changes in life, and that's something a lot of people out there just don't understand. I really appreciate how realistically you address everything here. I've wanted to start RU-vid for years and I'm finally getting started with my first videos. Man, they're bad, but you just have to start somewhere. With two kids, I find it incredibly hard to find enough time to create and be relaxed and creative when every day feels like you're just trying to survive. But hey, I have a lot to say, so I'm going to do it. Thanks for your great work and inspiration.✌🏻

ive been full time sorting out the processes. all the infrastructure, the studio itself, the sets etc etc. weve spent a small fortune and not made one single penny yet. in the next few weeks we are going all in full time. we have saved hard and got a years worth to live from to ensue the channel will not drown

You said jump out the window and I laughed at myself. I'm trying to be careful not to do that during my journey now. When I was back at my parents, not married, no kids, I took the chance to "jump out the window" and quit my dishwasher job for my film business. Like you, I have a wife and child now, and that was the biggest difference in how I approached my timing in this new journey.

I really appreciate how you emphasized the steps for building confidence early in your video. People normally say some variation on: "If you don't have X, you'll never be able to do Y," and leave it at that, as if success hinges on us being genetically predestined or something. But that's not how it is. We can recreate ourselves, we can nurture our strengths and build new perspectives. I burned out hard earlier this year doing my 9-5 video job (which was more like 90 hours a week than 9-5 lol) and it crushed me. I went from (on the side) writing 3 screenplays, prepping for my album release, writing essays on science and art, studying art history to deepen my craft, and was in pre-production on a couple of client video projects -- to nothing, no confidence, no ideas, no thoughts, just go to work / go home / eat / sleep / rinse repeat. I have been spending the summer months building my confidence and my mind back. I just hope that others in my situation (the ones that your video speaks to directly) know it's possible to build yourself back up. That your dreams aren't over and it's never too late to get back to it after dealing with life struggles or whatever is in your way. There's no scientific law that says it's all over, even if you hit a certain age. Getting your groove back just takes work, mental, physical, spiritual -- all of the above.

You have to keep focused on the desired outcome over any current life stresses. “Consistency is what transforms average into excellence.”

The fact that you’re just out here dropping back to back gems for us smaller creators is awesome bro. Thank you! Keep going!

Dude, love the content in this video but had to say something about the cuts. The way you cut angles then turn into the angle. So sick. Keeping dialogue, angles, and turns all organized in your head. Kudos.

Blown away from the first second! The colors, the composition - everything is perfect. You can tell it's the work of a true pro! Okay, now let's check this out ! 😁

This is the most genuine and honest video about becoming a full time content creator I have ever seen. A lot of people, including myself, have this idea that it’s going to be easier just to quit and do you RU-vid without building the discipline and dedication first. Thank you for the inspiration and wisdom fam!!!

Bro I haven't watched your videos in a LONG time. I'm a Videographer & I dabble in graphic design but with the way my life is financially I have not been investing time into my creativeness & EVERYTHING that you're saying in this video are the difficulties I'm struggling with to persuse Videography full time. Hearing you talk about this really hit home for me & inspired me to really set up a game plan to execute my aspirations.

Never doing a 9-5 ever again

The process of content creation is something I believe you need to learn to love because if you hate your 9-5 job because of the tedious mundane work, You will soon realize content creation can be in that same boat. I do my personal RU-vid as a hobby, but focus lot of my content creation on other people’s businesses or channels.

jumped out the window right out of school, made no money but got good experience. got remote job after pandemic, made money but got no new experience. back to freelance now trying to learn how to make money while still learning and growing experiences. it’s a never ending cycle of trying, failing, learning, adapting, and repeating. thank you for the encouragement, and always being real about the struggles. your videos keep getting better and better. keep it going !

Sometimes it’s hard no subscriber or view even if you are posting quality and educational videos ❤

It’s hard man a lot of ups and downs with doing this but ima keep going and learn to get better it’s all about the journey

Transparent moment for myself this was and is me. In 2021 I walked away from my 9-5 to go full time. Didn’t have a huge client base but a very valuable client base. First two years was great but 2023 was bad so I had to go back to my 9-5 but this time around I’m definitely gonna take a different approach looking back at my experience

Nicely said! But the truth is, that even when you master your craft, it's very hard to quit your day job. Insecurity holds you back and it's really hard to take the jump! I'm 42 with a day job i hate ( correctional officer) and for the last 3 years i also work as a wedding videographer. I don't know if i have what it takes to quit.

Good message. I put in that work with a 9to5 for several years and saved those coins. I quit my job Jan 1. of this year and have been full-time with video production & photography. The RU-vid channel will be next now that I have things rolling along. Props to you for making those sacrifices to get where you are.

Thanks for the video! I recently was left go from my tech job and have money saved up so thought about scaling my photography business into a video business to replace my 9-5 income. This was extremely helpful!

Great advice. I've been full time in photography for over a decade, starting in my early twenties. I feel like, especially in my twenties, nobody in my life had any idea how much work being a full time creator is. You've got to really want it cause there will absolutely be trade offs in other areas like your social life or other pursuits.

Commenting for the algorithm for you, but also loved everything you said! 100% agree that keeping hobbies as hobbies is a totally valid thing to do. When your passion becomes your job you end up doing a less projects that you're really invested in. It's still awesome but it really does become a job sometimes

This video is helping me to find clarity in making a plan to create content while keeping a day job. I'm currently about to start a new job soon that's basically a "get my life back on track" job & I just needed somewhere to set up shop so I can learn more about what I am getting into.

I feel like I'm a victim of not knowing the game. I didn't jump off the plane, as you put it, I got kicked out (laid off) and was forced to make my hobby a career just to get some type of income. I wasn't ready for it yet but now I'm in it trying to make something work and it's hard when you get thrown into it.

Brother this advice is not only inspiring but practical! Thank you for that!

Thanks for that video! Also love all the colors in your backgrounds!

I’ve been shooting for about 5 years. Finally took the plunge into full time. Definitely wasn’t the right time for several reasons but who knows when things will get better. I don’t regret it. Everyday is tough and new challenges happen every day. It definitely takes a special person to do it full time and be successful. I hope to be there one day.

I Needed This Reminder to Keep Going I started my RU-vid channel last year October Its slow process but I'm locked inn I'm motivated more than ever Consistency is the Key !!!

Dope video. I am 36 years old and starting over on my dreams. I am starting from the foundation up to make this happen.I'm in that sweet spot, no kids, no significant other and cheap living situation for the moment. Im trying to find all the resources i can to make this happen. Thank you for the advice and the realistic encouragement.

I’ve done it before, opened up a small studio at this building at the end of 2020 beginning of 2021. Quit my sneaker job cold turkey to say fuck it. We going after it. And that took so much courage to have to the balls to do that I’m not gonna lie it was tough. I didn’t understand marketing like that, clientele was slim therefore money wasn’t rolling in nicely Family saying I need to hang it up. Dealt with a lot of depression at the time. The Office building I was at ended up closing Granted I had no real bills, I owned my car. Lived at home and no kids so I could crash out and recover quickly . Now that I’m much older and matured in the game of business I understand how to move correctly. How to have an offer, know business and understand marketing/a niche My plans is to go back to the entrepreneurial life again but now mentally I’m more refined. I’m not jumping at every job. I wanna be more calculated and strategic Because boy I do not enjoy the 9-5 life. I want a challenge and that’s what entrepreneurship brings and I’m built for it

This was really helpful. I have medical leave for my new baby coming up and I will be implementing going fully in on my content. If you need royalty free music that’s what I do.

I haven't watched your videos in a while and watching this one reminded me how much I love your content, creativity, POV etc. Thank you for sharing with us. God bless.

I’m a medical student with 2 years left but I just can’t see this career as my forever job. Listening to this video shows me that I have the time now to build what I need to build rather than waste time as I pull closer to graduating

I know views sometimes aren't as high, or maybe engagement either but let me tell you man... YOUR VIDEOS ARE ESSENTIAL. Keeping doing your thing YC. I've been watching you for years. Your videos serve a greater purpose bro. God bless!

Such a lovely genuine video you WISE WELL SPOKEN MAN!!!👏👏👏

This video is right on timmmeee for me! I doubt myself everyday but I’m going to be a full time creator. That is when I am my happiness

Full time creator here. Thinking about going back to work but this just motivated me thank you ❤

Man this was a great video. I know I have moments when I fall off from things. I need to get better with that discipline for sure. When you feel like you have all the time you keep saying “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Aside from your great advice, I really love the different locations you choose. The background colors and framing is really nice and makes the viewers stay engaged.

I really enjoy your style of filming. Visually captivating.

Been needing this video

lol I love how you kept changing locations throughout the video

Thank you for this video! I used to do RU-vid a few years ago and grew a nice community but stopped posting for 3 years (after a year break😭). I'm trying to get into RU-vid but for good this time and I'm taking the time to learn how everything on this platform has changed these last few years to better my chances of breaking through the noise and being successful again! I'm hopeful to grow my channel to 2500 subscribers by the end of this year and hopefully by then I'll be able to do content creation full time! I had some of the best times in a while editing my last 2 vlogs so I know this is what I need to be doing, and I'm ready to do the work to stay consistent this time around!

Bro kept it rly real, especially about your current position being so important realistically.

I work 7-5 in the automotive industry. Wife. 2 kids. High monthly expenses. And Ive been doing photo/video for fun inconsistently since 2015. I film everything from music videos, apparel, sports, and automotive content. Always wanted to make it a business but I feel like it will take away the joy. At the same time, I really want multiple sources of income and don’t know how or what I have to offer. About to be 29 and feeling trapped in my “9-5”

true wisdom spoken. much appreciated. my biggest issue with "going full-time" is finding a niche. there are some areas I refuse to give my time and talent for (social media reels is a gray area) but I understand how the wave moves and what's hot now.

Hit the nail on head here man! Trying to escape my 9-5 atm, but have so much passion to work on my photography/channel the moment im home!

something I needed to hear...im currently struggling to balance both. got more homework to do!

As someone who's working towards leaving a comfortable tech job to pursue filmmaking this is incredibly helpful

This video is so dope and inspirational. Im grinding trying to find out how to make money.

Dude is preaching masterclass for free! Thanks for this this gave me an insight on how to tackle my 9-5 and my passion projects

Great tips. It's funny because I actually did that years ago. I quit my 9-5 to begin my photography career. It was great at the time because I didn't have many responsibilities, but right now I can't do it. I'm following your advice and pushing after hours to make it happen, again, this time the smart-way.

Very good advice, of course, but I also really like your video editing style. An effective technique to keep the audience watching. 👍🏾

Much love man! Been enjoying your content for years now and I am always willing to learn even being a creator myself for 4 years! Thanks for the awesome advice and content once more!

great advice bro, I'm looking to start my page and the first thing I said to myself is this is a hobby and if it becomes more than great. I love Tech, by tech and have my own opinions on it. Good looking!

Appreciate this video my man. Been rocking w you for a long time now- started from full-time freelance, chugging it out tryna figure everything out. That led me to a full-time 9-5 job within video production but now I'm at a point where I want to take that leap back out on my own again.

Great production man. Really motivating to see someone start from nothing like myself 🔥

I have a good system currently, I batch in advance and create along the way, however I do find more better ideas for me happen while working (unfortunate), but doing it full-time is a great possibility, just not until I can create abundantly while at home as I do at work

Na I felt this cause I’m going through it right now… NEEDED TO HEAR THIS!!!! Good shit

These last 2 drops (This video and the 20k a month one) have really motivated me. Lemme get this work in.

I’m 42 old graphic designer. I’m in this business for more than 20 years. But after I tried to create my first video 4 years ago I fell in love with this! I love everything from idea, to shooting, to editing, grading, sound design. I never thought I would ever get tired of design. But to me now, video creation is much more inspiring, interesting and timeless process. So, now I’m in my 42, with family and housing on credit, dream to switch my career towards the video production. But I don’t know what to do, because I have a good salary with my design job, but I can't earn the same money if I will switch to the video. So I have to think about all this transaction 😵‍💫

I would categorize your videos as "practical inspiration". They're a relief to watch over the plethora of overdramatic "burnout" videos and the complete opposite kinds of content that tell people they can do anything they want without considering the hard times that doing that might involve.

Been grindin for 6 months on insta, starting to see the light!

Inspiring stuff my dude! Looking to go full time someday, just trying to find that niche and where I fit in the algorithm and create an audience around that. I’ve got high hopes because I have an unhealthy obsession with the art of video and filmmaking 😅 take care my man.

You became one of my favorite RU-vidrs in 3 videos. Thank you. I want to be like you one day.

Yeah I’m in the mode of building right now, it’s nice to not have to worry about money just yet. But the grind is no joke 😅 I love this movie “From Both Sides” there’s a moment when the main characters boss told her to quit and have a job that allows her to focus on her dream so she could eventually get where she wants to go.

This video was so inspiring. I thought I Subscribed a while ago but I did just now. Me and my cousin talking about you right now.

Bro, just wanna say you were the inspiration to get my own channel started, keep killin the game !!!!!

Those are some really good advice. it took me a long time to quit my 9-5. This was way before social media and the internet. I started podcasting before it was a thing. Coming from a local News TV station, I saw the future. But podcasting wasn't jumping off in the being, So in the first years, it was a total bus. RU-vid was a thing, Facebook was just getting some buzz. The whole landscape wasn't there just yet. But having a full-time job and trying it out is the better way to go.

Great video and advice especially about one's mentality, watched it first and later came to read the comments, and watched it on mute to study how you shoot everything. Again great work

Spitting Straight Facts. Thats my goal to just finally go Full Time Creator, very difficult.

🍻 just contributing to help out the algorithm gods bc there’s some great knowledge dropped on us every damn video. Thanks bro 🙏

I’ve been debating on really getting in to videography because I feel like a lot of people are in it. I make the highest salary I’ve ever made and I’m miserable. Even if you don’t go full time - find something to be passionate about.

I'm going through that phase right now. I have to try! 🙌🏾

Mmm yeah nah this just confirmed that I'm built for this full-time because I was basically working three jobs when I had my 9-5! I appreciate how you covered the critical parts without overwhelming us! Especially the part about knowing how you're going to monetize. I tell my clients and community this all the time because just saying I'm going to make money off of content isn't clear enough.

Man, I will give you credit for making the most with what you are working with. Making an inspiring video next to a trashed mattress standing on end in self storage facility? If your audience has that a fraction of that talent, they will succeed. 🤙

Love your content bro. I came across it today and you really changing my life and perspective! This genuine real talk content is what I’m attempting to do 🔐Keep going bro, you are inspiring!

Bro! I just dropped a vlog where I’m trying to figure out if it’s time to leave or not. This timing is crazy, but thanks for the intel!

Thank you for this, needed this right now. It's a hard choice to make with my daughters future on the line but I feel like in the long run, it will benefit them also. Just a scary first step to make.

Faith dont work when you got everything planned, you gotta jump in if you want something, otherwise you gonna forever be at square one. its a reason why its a "risk" "sacrifice" words like "momentum" those things play a huge part in the begging that most people wont have if they jump in later "expecting" those keys. you learn maintenance during the process not after you got it all figured out

Let's lock in! Can't wait to listen to this fully.

Man when I did full time streaming 10 years ago I had similar story. My rent was super cheap, I actually didnt have a car and I had one child at the time. it was some fun times because I was able to live pretty cheap and do my dream job. But mannn it was so much work! it was more work than a regular job. I had another kid and was happy to go back to work haha! LIVE content creation was meant to be a hobby for me I feel like. I wish I would have really did a RU-vid back then where the videos can work for you over time and not just a the few hours that you are LIVE.

I just wanted to paint portraits and stuff and get paid for it. I’ve been working as a night janitor at a factory for 5 years after college. I feel like an alien and hate my life. In my family the best thing to look forward to is just moving on to another factory.

value game and composition game on top shelf!