Getting laid off from my corporate job was the best that ever happen to me. I started doing RU-vid, playing out more with my band, selling comics and other collectibles on the side, and found a fun day job with flexible hours and decent pay. The jobs are out there! You’ll be good brother!
@@paulwoodford1984 I disagree. If it helps you tide over until you are strong/capable enough to pursue your passion, a corporate job is a blessing. Where else can you get paid a substantial coin for doing the least amount of work, while you focus on doing what you want to outside of work? It has helped millions over the years and that's what a corporate job should amount to: something to survive off . Not an aspiration to work for someone else.
You'll push through man! If you're making 2 to 3 vids a week and bringing in about $30 a day right now, that's solid. I was pushing out 5 to 6 videos a week and was making about $30 a day. But ever since a certain situation happened a few months back, RU-vid has blackballed me, shot down my impressions, and I'll be lucky if I hit $20 a day now. I think you're doing everything right with your channel, but of course you can always evolve it, but at least you have this to supliment currently. I graduated from college right before COVID hit, graduated cum laude with 3 degrees, and no one would hire me. I took a sports director job at a school making .50 cents above minimum wage. Then I was laid off due to COVID, and went all in with RU-vid, and now I'm teaching as well, which is a passion for me. The point? Sometimes we do make the best of the worst situation, and I have the utmost faith in you. You're one of the good ones here, James. You got a solid community behind you.
I can give some insight in terms of the RU-vid side of things. The revenue you described is spot on what I would have assumed. RPM for most channels right now is about $5.50, so 4500 views a day would equate to $24.75. A lot of channels run an ad every 5ish minutes, so if you aren't already, you could run midrolls to increase your RPM. That being said, I don't recommend investing time and money into trying to convert a comic channel into a career. The genre is way, way too small on RU-vid. Even the big channels you described aren't making notable ad revenue. Comic Tropes is likely earning $36 per day, Comic Tom $42, Gem Mint $43. There simply aren't enough viewers interested in comics to give a reasonable return on your time via ads. All of those channels rely on donations through patreon/memberships or selling stuff like merch, mystery boxes, whatnot etc and even then, I wouldn't call it a long term solution.
Hi just curious about how you find that info? Comic Tom and Gem Mint seem like they are rolling in it. Maybe they just want it to appear that way. 🤷♂️
@@ghostieo RPM (how much RU-vidrs make per 1000 views on ads) is fairly consistent across the platform. Use socialblade to see everyone's monthly views then do the math. Gem had a upper position day job. Tom is a comic dealer.
That totally sucks and its probably too new to see beyond right now, but I can tell you when I was fired 30 years ago it ended up being one of the best things to happen to me. Literally every aspect of my life improved in the long run.
Sorry to hear about your job loss. You are still at an excellent age to rebound. And those 7 years were not for nothing, they gave you all kinds of experience. You may have to make sacrifices, but great things can come out of that. I've been there. I lost my dream job once and never went back because it was also tied too much to the economy. What I do now pays very well, but it was never my life's ambition. I found that it is not until we are at the bottom of the barrel that we truly find ourselves and our capabilities. Wishing you the best of luck in your job search. Thank you for the video and for sharing yourself.
Same boat as you brother; I worked for many years for the mortgage arm of a global bank. Just got word of layoffs last week, my last day is 12/30. I can’t say I’m surprised as the new loan volume has hit rock bottom, but of course the roll out of the announcement was a bit of a debacle, to say the least. I am taking the news as a way to reset a few things. I’ve been scaling back my collecting for a while now, my wife has a good job and we have savings and I’ll get a severance, but my focus is finding another job and just looking to move forward with as positive an attitude as possible, ideally outside of the mortgage industry. I enjoy watching your videos and you definitely have talent, so stay positive and optimistic and I’m sure you’ll be able to bounce back strong.
Good luck man. I was there when my hospitality/software company let me go 2 days after my 5 year anniversary. After scrambling around for 9 months, they actually asked me to come back and then the ball was in my court and I got to get my way instead of starting back at the bottom. I just recently left them at my 10 year anniversary to focus more on the comic industry (just in time for the dip...), but so far so good. At the very least, maybe you can get some unemployment and you got a decent severance package. Keep looking forward!
I feel you, I work in a casino and been worried about everything that is going on. Hang in there, my grandmother always said, when one door closes another will open.
Sorry to hear, but I'm confident you'll be back on your feet in no time! You've shown your work ethic time and time again, these videos are examples of that.
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m 42 and been working since I was 16 and as of June it was the first time it happened to me. Jobs aren’t east to get so be ready and good luck and keep your head up. Been 6 months for me and no job yet.
A little over 20 years ago, after close to 20 years in the environmental field, I was in a similar situation. I had been married for several years, and also had two kids and a mortgage. I took a menial day job and started taking night classes at a local college. In less than two years, I became a certified high school science teacher. I am now in my 19th year as a teacher, and hoping to retire in another year or two. If I could reinvent myself in my early 40’s, you can do it too (and you are only in your late 20’s). Put your energy and passion to work, and you will find yourself in a better situation soon. Opportunity is knocking, now answer the door! Good luck on whatever you decide to do.
So sorry to hear this James. But don't let this stop you moving forward. Way back I lost my job in the insurance industry the WEEK before my wedding. I took a base level job in the auto industry, put myself back through four years of part time education and got into IT where I had a long and happy career. Things work out in the end. They always do. I look forward to seeing what works out for you.
I'm sorry to hear the bad news. Sometimes things happen for a reason, maybe this will create a path for something you were meant to do in life. I wish you the best of luck
So sorry to hear that man, that's terrible news. I experienced the same thing three months ago when I lost my corporate job of 22 years. Hang in there and be persistent with the applications and networking. It may take a few months but a great new opportunity will come along! You may even look back at this one day as a good thing.
Sorry to hear that happened to you. Really hoping the best for you. I use to work in the travel industry, and lost my job. Now I work in the telecommunications industry. It is mostly recession proof, pays well, and always hiring. Your mom may be right. Now can be a great time to reinvent yourself. Just find something you would like to do that's always needed by people.
I got laid off 10 years ago it sucks and feels like a kick in the balls. Things got much better and will get better for you man. Good luck. Love the channel and honestly my favorite comic content channel. Not trying to sell us specs or to run to get “do you Pooh books”
Sorry to hear that man,as far as your art goes,maybe you could do some blank comic cover sketches and put them up for auction to help bring in some money. Original art on comics always pays well. I hope you can find a new job and figure stuff out and get back into the groove of things. Sending good vibes your way.
"What Do I Want To Do?" Had a tough time answering that question after leaving a lousy job at 36 y.o. I had no clue. I was a Freelance Artist for 10 years, scraping by and barely making ends meet. My sister recommended taking an Aptitude Test at the community college nearby. The results directed me to the medical field. (Furthest thing from my mind!) Have been happy working as a Physical Therapist for 25 years now. I'd recommend you give it a try. You're earnest, hard-working and dedicated. You just might need a little direction. Best of luck!
Left my corporate job 7 years ago and was the best choice I'd made. Find what your passionate about and away to make it a business. Easiest time in history to make money.
James, I’m sorry to hear about this. I went through layoffs in my line of work too. Hang in there and don’t give up. You’ll figure it out soon. I have a lot more I want to say, but for the time being just know that you’ve got support. Look into getting more funding from your RU-vid audience/subscriptions/more vids and ad revenue.
You are far superior to Gem Mint and those others. You deserve to be up there. The future of RU-vid is sponsors and there is a draught of advertising for these comic companies like CGC and CBCS, BCW and ComicPro. I would love to see more of you on RU-vid.
Sorry to hear. Big fan of your channel. I’ve been laid off more than once and can empathize. I know you’ve got to figure things out, hit the pavement, and find another job. Hope you bounce back quickly!
Hey bro, same boat it’s tough times. Not being able to do what you’ve went to college for really makes you re-evaluate life’s decisions. But your right, try to find something respectable to replace that position but unfortunately ultimately may end up at a factory or something where you fee under valued. It’s a tough time man, hope you get er figured!
Best of luck to you, James. I can just tell by your personality and the way you sell yourself that you are very passionate and intelligent. I have no doubts that you will be A-Okay with however you spend your time moving forward. This economy, country, and people behind the wheel suck right now, its a scary time. Best of luck!!!
So sorry to hear about the lay off, James. You're a smart and enterprising guy who will find something better than what you had before. Keep your chin up!
I'm sorry to hear that sir. You are an amazing artist and I would lean into that. Reach out to your friends at dynamite. I would love to pick up your books up off the rack one day!
Sorry to hear about hear about you getting laid off. I have a friend who is in the same profession as you, and he has been struggling for month. He's into comics too. Luckily for him, his wife is an engineer and stays steadily employed, plus he has 12 rental properties for income.. I was a real estate agent, but opportunities dried up about 7 months ago. Luckily for me, I'm retired military and I have a pension. Good luck.
Sorry to hear this man. I also got laid off last Friday. We'll both be fine, trust yourself and trust God that in the end, everything will work out for the better!
Sorry to hear that, my friend. I’m a mortgage banker, and was one of the best in my team, but you know, all lenders are suffering. Hang in there, buddy. We’ll all figure it out. Have faith in the process; and put in your best effort no matter what. You got this.
Very sorry to hear this James, you are a wonderful asset in the comic book community, and I'm sure everyone that enjoys your content feels your pain. Regardless, you are an intelligent individual who will come up with a solution that works for you, and rewards you accordingly.
Sorry to hear that this happen to you. Good luck with everything. Don’t lose hope. You will figure it out in time. Everyone is hiring at the moment, and with your experience you will find something in your field or outside your field. Just don’t lose hope.
I am also in the mortgage industry and my company just went through the first round of layoffs so I am right there with hoping I’m not next. Tough industry right now. Head up, you have a great channel here and seem like a grinder! Best wishes and hang In there! You will figure it out my man!
Hey brother. I feel you. I’m a mortgage broker and have been slow most of the year. I did set up a farmers insurance agency and that has helped me quite a bit. Kind of recession proofing my business. Rooting for you!!
I feel ya, was laid off Tuesday this week,an urgent care worker essential worker. Uneasy feeling about it all. Thank God we have comics to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.
sorry to hear that, I lost my job 8 years ago, when our contract department got terminated, I was assigned to another state, but I can't leave my family. It took me 2 months to start in my new job & another more, to get my first pay check. At least you got your channel for some support, I didnt, My savings got obliterated, I thought I'd sell my figures. Good luck, man, rooting for you. You'll get through this.
Hey brotha just wanted to say keep your head up with a prayer and faith you'll bounce back and better then ever. sometimes this could be a blessing in disguise to open up a better opportunity for you!! Stay strong my friend 💪
Sorry to hear the news about you job James. Your channel is full of such positivity and enjoyed by many comic book fans around the world. I’m sure you’ll get through this and have a lot of support from the community - sending very best wishes from the UK 👍
I'm very sorry this happened. After my job ended due to my org shutting down after nearly 20 years it was truly a PTSD moment for me. If you can, take a moment to re-assess, it can really help. Wishing you all the good luck!
Damn, sorry to hear. I hope you find something good. Go all in on the channel! You'll have a lot of support! let's be real though, the mortgage industry was one of the principal driving forces of the financial crisis in 2007 / 2008. And now with the extremely inflated housing costs where working class people can't even afford a starter home anymore.
Sorry to hear that, sending you luck in finding your new career, I know it’s a punch in the gut losing your job but good to see you keeping your head up. I watch your channel a lot, taught me quite a bit and also kept my interest up in comics, so appreciate all you do. Maybe look into whatnot if you haven’t done so already, seems like the new wave of things instead of a comic shop or eBay store. I know gem mint has a stream. Best of luck.
Brick and mortar comic book shops are tough to run. If you have a TON....and I mean TON....of inventory you may be able to keep the lights on and squeak by. You also have to have quite a few "wall board comics" that are considerably valuable. The hard part is developing "regulars" who come and get their "pull list" from your shop. With you explaining that there are so many comic book shops saturating your area it would be extremely tough.
I was in the mortgage industry for 19 years as a loan officer and was let go in July of this year. I can understand your situation. The good news is that I had in those 19 years learned how to have a secondary income developing and owing VRBO Air BNB property. Maybe its something you could consider? I would be happy to talk to you more about alternative job ideas for someone that is no longer in a lenders role. There are a few possible options I have seen out there that might work. Stay positive!!!
James, keep your head up. Life throws us lemons and we have to figure out how to make the best of things. You are a positive guy with good energy. I feel confident that you will land back on your feet real soon.
Sorry to hear James… you are not alone. I was laid off from my Government career of 18+ years during the height of the pandemic… so I know it’s not a good head space to be in. I would suggest you take a few weeks and just breathe. It’s important to stay focused on your mental health. Good luck! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!
Love the channel and thank you for your contribution to the comic books community and most importantly keeping a level head and positive even during some really hard times man. I’ve been through this too, In fact multiple times…And it’s sucks. What I learned from times like this is go through the motions… ALL OF IT! Mad sad, denial, everything! Just as long as you go through it. If compensation is important, you would make it your job to get a job. Don’t get complacent to not work. People can slip into the void and like not working. On average with a lot of work and time, it takes about 2 months to land a job. Good luck man and pulling for you.
I wanted to open a comic book shop when I was a kid as well. That didn't happen but I have over 12,000 books and have had a ton of fun over the years, reading, collecting, cataloguing (satisfies the OCD), and now watching the various cinematic universes. You'll land on your feet, I'm sure of it.
I definitely wish you the best of luck. Money can be tough, I know. Currently in my first year of my own small business, and things are scary. I will definitely continue to watch and support your channel in any way I can.
So sorry to hear this news- it’s never been easy to be let go. I know it as well and I wish you the best of luck. Sometimes these situations help you find something even better. Sending positive vibes!
Hey man, I know this is such a tough and probably scary time but your tenacity and talent will get you somewhere. I really look forward to the content you’ll create but maybe you should take some time figure this all out. We’ll be here for you, you’re many of our favorite comic creators on the app. Much love man.
Been there. For one, I can’t speak for all of the other subscribers, but extra videos from you would awesome. Secondly, you have presented strong Marketing skills in your videos. I can see you maybe pursuing something in that field. I know we all wish you a lot of luck.
hey man, feel what you are going through. on the same boat, not the same industry. i took a break from my channel (not as big as yours) too to figure things out. getting back in the YT grind though. keep your head up and keep your mind busy... best advice from experience
You should definitely start expanding your channel more and start diving into different kinds of content to grow it but you should also find a job as well you’ll figure it out brother just take your time god bless you ❤
A speed bump in life. One of many you're gonna run into. Tough times, but, you'll figure it out. Love your videos, do a online store, start cycling through your collections. Keep a special PC, but, unload all others, let it go. You've got tons of statues, books and god knows what else. Become a grader and do submissions with publishers for some of the variant covers (a plethora of different artists). Work on your own stuff. You'll do okay and this will become an interesting life changing story for your future kids/grandkids....
I appreciate your down to earth honesty bud. I'm new to the channel and subscribed to show my support. I know you'll bounce back trust me, it's tough when you do a job for so long it's almost like thats all you feel like you know or can do. However in actuality it is then when you realize your true potential and I know you got alot of potential in you stay strong and keep pushing 💪
Sorry to hear this man, must be tough after 7 years. When reinventing yourself look to what you love and build something around that to make sure you’re content with your day to day life. Keep your head up, I wish you the best of luck!
Sorry to hear about the job loss, James. On a side note, I am 61 and still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up (I better hurry up as I am retiring in several years!) I get the feeling that Gem Mint and some of the other fulltime RU-vidrs round out their income through sponsorships. He hawks the hell out of WhatNot as I am sure you know. You have always struck me as a smart, articulate, outgoing guy. I would hire you if I owned a company and had an opening that meets your skill set. So don't get down on yourself. Good luck with your self-reflection and job search.
Sorry to hear of your job woes. The good news is that it is coming at a time in your life when you are clearly motivated. Even as a casual viewer of your channel it is obvious that you bring a passion and joy to any subject you tackle. Bring that joy to what presents itself to you and you will be fine. And don’t be afraid to let go of some comics or statues. They are all replaceable. Losses are temporary. Losing family is not, so stay committed to loved ones and to a lesser extent…. Remember that we in the comic book community are here as a shoulder to lean on. Semper Fi brother.
Ive been wanting to get in the comic book business for a couple of years now and bro if theirs anybody i think that should be in the comic business, its definitely you. I love your videos and i feel like pumping out more content is something you need to take advantage of now
Sorry to hear your news, that really sucks. Only knowing you from your videos, I’m confident you’ll land on your feet. Keep your head up, it’s never as bad as seems.
Hey man, I was in your situation back in August for about a month. Something better came up for me and I know something better will come up for you. Keep your head up!
So sorry to hear that man. I have to say that I honestly think that you will do well though. Your channel has killed it on subs and you seem like a pretty smart and genuine dude. It has to be hard right now trying to "restart" but as a fan and supporter im hopeful something great comes from it man
Sorry to hear what you’re going through. Things will get better. You have an impressive collection of assets and they are only “things” that can all be re-bought when you’re on the way back up. Stay mentally healthy and positive and good things will come to you.
Best of luck, man. Discovered the channel a few months ago and have been loving it. Sucks to have the floor ripped out from under you, but you seem to have a healthy attitude and I don't doubt you'll build a new floor for yourself. Definitely keep us all updated if there's any opportunity to contribute in some way.
Sorry to hear it, James. Maybe the closed door will help you see a door you never even knew was there -- something even more aligned with your passions and talents. Hang in there!
Being laid off was a great thing for me. I tried different things. I even got my CDL and went over the road for awhile. I finally found a job with the local hospital and I have never been happier. I know it’s scary but keep your head high keep pushing forward and you will land a job you will love. Know your fans are here for you.
Damn man, I'm really sorry to hear you got let go... And you're making so little from the channel. But I'm happy to see that you are thinking outside the box and not totally seeing it as a bad thing. You're one of the few I honestly like watching talk comics and just stuff in general so hopefully your reach can spread. Good luck and I can't wait to see what comes next for you.
Postpone the big wedding. Do something cheaper, and revisit the a big ceremony once settled. No big purchases. Invest that money in your channel, reinvent, and pump your brand
