Reflecting on 2023 | Life after divorce, job hunting, and how I monetized my channel in 4 days 

I came for the tiny house. Stayed for your genuine personality, honesty and willingness to share emotion so openly. Wishing you everything you need in 2024 Jen.

So many similarities! 52 recently divorced as well. I was laid off from my job of 14 years in April. Finding new full time work has been a huge struggle. I had to take a $50k/year pay cut in order to have a job. I needed the health insurance and paycheck! I’m dealing with health issues right now so things are on hold until they figure out what is wrong with me. 2023 has been the worst year of my life I think. Thank you for sharing your struggles. I know I’m not alone but it helps to hear it ❤. May 2024 be an abundance of blessings for us both and anyone else reading this.

I divorced at 51 (after a 32 year marriage) and your original tiny home video was a primary inspiration for my tiny home desire and search. I understand starting over after so long and I hope 2024 is a wonderful year for you! Congratulations on the RU-vid Channel!

You are amazing! I am out here with you sister! Short story- Divorced, had to move from my beloved area in Texas, in the country, to living in the city. I could not find a job and the city is where the money and the jobs are at here. I live in a little box of an apartment. I work FT and still side hustle. It's normal. I check out a lot of books from the library and I have to say, the city offers a lot of free stuff. I decorated my space on a budget of $150 for the year and I love it! It's not ideal but it's my life and I embrace it! I am almost 50 as well, so I'm here for you!

I'm gathering your ex who built their career unencumbered is financially alright. Such a shame because over and over women focus on raising their shared children and being the shared home builder and get stuck with low income paying jobs and are financially vulnerable after divorce. (Not a shame to focus on your children, of course!) You're doing a great job!

You have no idea how much I needed to hear your story…thank you

You are a SURVIVOR! Keep pushing FORWARD! People like us appreciate your story…your experiences…and the tips an and tricks you have shared. Here’s something I personally would LOVE to see on your channel: A Video going over the design process of your beautiful home. Not the build..the way you chose your finishes and made it such a livable and lovely home. This would be a great help to those who are “decorating challenged” (like me 😬) Big things ahead for you! Happy New Year! Cheers to 2024! 🥳 🥂

Thank you so much for this!! I first saw you on another channel showcasing your house, and later saw you started your own channel. Was honestly just thinking the other day, I wondered what happened to you, I needed to see another video!! And here it is ... your story resonates so much with a lot of us out here in similar situations ... with having doors shut, having to change what I've known all my career (btw also graphic design), lifestyle changes ... and knowing you're on that journey, you refuse to give up, you found alternative employment as a teacher is so inspiring. What you talked about I needed to hear, like ... now. LOL. I'll be looking for the next video, but NO PRESSURE!! I honestly believe your channel will be such a great resource and will be hugely successful in the coming year!! I'll say a prayer for you to find prosperity in whatever way God provides that. And pray that for myself as well. I have enough, my bills are paid, however, I want to prosper as well, and keep seeking the ways in which that can be accomplished, and pray God opens doors. God bless you!! This channel already has made a difference, and I see 5.75K already!! The struggle is indeed real, but when the solution is found? It will be awesome, with a wealth of knowledge and lessons learned.

Hi. I loved your story. We have to remember winning is not always the new shiny thing or getting the sought 1st prize. Winning sometimes is surviving the hardest time of our life... Reaching the end of that tunnel or crossing the finish line in our own time. 2023 has been the hardest for me and I’m still here and I made. I’ll take that win.

This was just the shot of encouragement I needed to see on the last day of 2023! I am a 52 year old mom, with a 14 & 16 year old and I'm facing divorce. The tiny house movement has been on my radar for a few years as my only viable solution. Your story, and beautiful home shows me that it is possible. I am so happy for you that things are turning around and look forward to seeing more content from you in 2024. Best of luck 🎉

The economy is not doing great. My husband and I have a small but well regarded HVAC business. People love heat and hot water, but we are the slowest we have been in 7 years. I was pretty unsettled for a while. Food is expensive and my taxes have gone through the roof.... As for the youtube video, you are a natural. Congratulations! ... and, Thanks for all the encouragement. Have a Happy New Year and may God bless you and prosper you.

I'm so happy for you that everything is going wonderfull.. You deserve the best. I love your videos... Great!!!

I am so proud of You! I just prayed for you. I have been through divorce a couple times myself. Looking at what you have been through is a good way to work through the stress.

This was such an inspiring and genuine video. Keep going. One foot in foot in front of the other on your NOT so tiny journey. Thank you for sharing it with us. We'd love to come alongside you to cheer you on !!!

Congratulations! You deserve all of the good things that happen to you. I really enjoy watching and listening to you - you’re a natural. I can’t wait to see the Tiny as the spring starts… maybe you’ll show us a spring clean or a garden video? Katie

I think it takes an amazingly strong person to have the courage and share their story. I bet your kids admire you & see a different strength in you. I hate that it’s been so difficult for you. So proud & happy you took the plunge!! ❤

Brava lady❤ You touch and help lift people in similarly situations heal, get back up and try again and believe in themselves. Me included. Blessings to you! Thank you!!!! ❤

Wonderful video!God has a plan for you, it’s in His time. My 2023 was crazy! Here’s the bad: It started January 1st with Covid. Then my husband was put in a medically induced coma for a week. In April he stopped breathing for unknown reasons and was put in another coma for a month! The doctors are still trying to figure out why he stopped breathing. The Summer was filled with doctor’s appointments. He started feeling better in October and we were looking forward to the holiday season. Thanksgiving day I was going to the kitchen to start cooking and stepped into a huge puddle of water. A pipe in our concrete foundation had busted and flooded the living room, dining room and den. Turns out it had been slowly leaking for a while and had caused mold under the carpet and in the floor in all three rooms. Our house is still a construction zone over a month later. The good: We made it thru COVID, my husband is alive, insurance is paying for the entire flood damage (which, believe me, that was a BIG relief), mold clean up and new flooring. Life is good. ❤

Hey! Thanks for sharing. Recently divorced and rebuilding. A tiny house is in the works!

What a wonderful video! I started watching you with your first video and continue to do so because of your genuineness. Life is so hard sometimes. My husband and I just watched this video and found it so uplifting. Our prayers are with you that you are able to thrive financially as well as thrive in whatever other ways you need and want to. We will keep watching! Happy New Year! 🎉

I think 2024 will be an amazing year for you. People always tell me I should start a RU-vid channel for my son, who is 30 with Fragile X Syndrome because he’s so genuine, loving, kind and funny! He really has an ability to make people feel special. I have so many Christmas short videos of him that I need to clip together. Maybe I’ll make one video and send it out in the universe and see what happens! Have a very happy, healthy and blessed New Year!

Love this and I am so happy that you built that door and then opened it. You are so smart and resourceful! I am a twice divorced empty nester who lives in Ontario, Canada, and am considering building a tiny home; your beautiful home and relatable story help me see that it's possible! Thank you.

You are a testament to picking oneself up and carrying on. Congrats on your quick monetization. I don't think it was a fluke. You did your homework and worked on your skills prior to starting your channel.

I seen that show you did w your daughter and she was watering the plans. You are very braved and as a woman I admire your strength. Keep in mind that NOTHING worth it comes easy, half in there because we are here with you my friend 🥰😘 Celia from Jacksonville, Florida 👋

Your video came across my feed today, you're so genuine I found myself going back to watch all the others. Such a strong woman. You've got this. May your journey become easier.

Keep going! You got something here. I’ll keep watching. From a fellow recent divorced mom, wanting a tiny probably in my retirement years.😊👍

I know everyone says this and it can seem unbelievable but I have been where you are. In fact, i was also dealing with the loss of the closest person to me in this life. My life completely fell apart and I could not get a job to work myself out of it. It was the lowest point in my life, and it went on far longer than i'd like. All of that said, looking back i can see now that it was a big turning point for me to move into a different life. And I did. I look back now with gratitude at the experience and how i was able to pull myself out of it and kick off the bottom. You will do this and you will get where i'm describing. Keep it going. you've got this!

You are amazing. Thank you for being so real. Blessings for the best yet to come!

Praying for you to have many blessings in all areas of your life. 🙏

Excellent Video and Story! You did exactly what needed to be done for your children! That alone is worth much compensation. You WILL be rewarded, God Bless YOU. You are an amazing example to others, and I keep you in my Prayers. Your ex husband was Blessed to have you as the Mother of his children. Blessings to you ❤

Thank you for sharing. I too have applied to so many jobs just to get "Your resume and experience is great!" However, we've decided to go a different direction, etc..."

Rejection is God's protection and redirection. Jen, I hope your 2024 is going great!

Your candor is so refreshing on the RU-vid network! You have really been through it for the past few years! But, you are a survivor. I recognize so much of myself in what you have described. Struggling takes its toll on you in many ways. I have subscribed and liked, and I so hope 2024 is a more prosperous year for you. I think you are very ‘watchable,’ and have a natural charm and exuberance. I look forward to more videos. Take care of yourself!

Thank you for sharing your journey. So many women are in this scenario of starting over. You have made the best of it. And I love the kitchen! I wish you all the best.

You've come a long way and made it through the other side! You have given me so much to think about and I thank you for that. I love Mitchcraft tiny homes so well built and yes I will have him build when I'm ready. At this time I'm stuck in NY and can't wait to get out but, family is here and they have health issues so I should stay for a while. Boulder is my home away from home I lived there years ago and LOVED it in Nederland too. Every thing has changed in Colorado and everywhere these are hard times and it's so expensive everywhere especially here in NY. I'm trying to go forward it's so difficult when I'm stuck here. Thank you for sharing your story and struggles it really helps. Stay well

I just found your channel. Your home is beautiful and I love your story. I am rooting for you!🥰

Your videos are done so professionally and I love it. You keep it real and honest, thank you! You have a beautiful personality so keep being YOU!

Looking forward to more Trailhead videos Jen 😊 hope you’re killing ‘24!!

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. God Bless Mucho Love from your friend in Michigan Tam ❤️ ♥️ 💕

Great video, stay genuine and keep at it !!! More and more will watch this channel and that's for sure.

I love your tiny house, but more than that you are inspiring. Your genuineness and upbeat attitude reminds me that life can be good even when it’s hard. Keep going! You got this!

I think your videos so far have been really well made. You definitely have a future in video editing and production. I’d love to see a video on tiny house organization hacks because you keep your house so tidy and uncluttered. And another one about the pros and cons of living in and/or owning a tiny home.

I’m in the same season of life. Your content is really good and I encourage you to keep going!

Just watched this video! You're amazing. This will be a better year. All will be well. You can handle whatever life delivers. Your videos are informative and entertaining. Keep up the good work. Let go of perfection. Sending love and prayers to encourage and support your success. 🙏

Hi Jen, Thanks for sharing more of your story, I'm sure all of your followers feel the same. I've commented before after your 1st video, and that I was out in the Boulder area for a month last summer, visiting my son. I'm also at the end of an 18yrs marriage(2nd for me) should be wrapped up by the end of Feb. It was sad to see it end, but probably the best for both of us, no kids together. I am guessing I'm 10 years older than you, with different challenges. For me, my kids are well into their 30s, I've stopped working, for now anyway. I think I will be ok, maybe a fun job later to just stay busy and interact. My struggle is just to accept that I have to start all over again, find a place that I will call home, make friends, and basically stay focused on the road ahead. Your doing a great job with your videos, your personality and your ability to communicate is a gift. I am sure there is more than just that CNBC 15 mins of fame in your future. All the best in 2024! I am sure I will be out in Colorado visiting again before long. I will be in touch, maybe we can share a coffee, I remember a great spot in Louisville I frequented.

Thanks for your honesty and willingness to share. I found you on social media because of your tiny house. Ive followed your because of your warmth and willingness to share. Im facing my own divorce in the next month and the move to a dingle income is nerve wracking. I've had my own share of ups and downs with under-employment over Covid. I finally have adequate work but no benefits. The universe seems to be telling me to go after my entrepreneurial dream. Scary but seems to be where all the signs are! Good luck to you on yours and to 2024 being your year!

Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate so much to some of your experiences, and you are truly an inspiration. I really enjoy your videos, as i hope to have my own tiny home someday. Happy 2024!🎉

You are my hero!!! I have many similarities in my own story… except, I took my two girls, and left my husband in 2010. 2024 is my year to make it official… I’m determined to. My girls are older now…and fyi, never spent ONE night at their Dad’s… his choice…but I just want to move on. I don’t want anything from him (and got very little $ from him when they were young)… I just want to move on. I lost my job of 7 years, shortly after the pandemic hit, but Angels were looking over me, and I found a great job, the week that my severance package was due to run out! It’s not the job of my dreams, but it’s a job that allows me to dream…and my employer appreciates me and my work ethic. Praying that I will be able to retire with this company, when the time comes. But… my dream is to get a tiny home one day! You are an inspiration!! ❤

The economy is terrible, even though they keep telling us it's good. A lot of people are hurting! You tiny home is beautiful!!! I am happy you're living your best life!!!!

1) Yes, Lord, grow your channel!!! Put in the hard work to do it. Publish as often as you can manage at least once a week - preferably twice. 2) Try to drop the word 'like' from your vocabulary for goodness sake. You may have noticed that annoying verbal space filler when editing. 3) I love your tiny house. I've watched countless tiny house videos, and yours is in my favorites file - at the top. Moving on...

Good luck Jen! You're a beautiful lady with a beautiful home. You should be very proud of yourself. I am looking forward to following your journey!

Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. Your video made me laugh and cry. I wish you joy and good health for 2024. Looking forward to more videos from you!! ❤🎉

I love watching you. You're doing an amazing job and I wish you all the best!!

Jen you are such a warm honest lady i loved your video i hope theres more to come good luck in 2024 i know you will get good news xx

Jen. I'm a new Subscriber to your channel. I love your home, and appreciate your honesty, transparency, and how down to earth you are. You are so resilient! You pick yourself up and keep going!! 👏👏Best wishes for everything for you in 2024!🎉🥳🎊✨️💫🌹

Just found your channel! You have the most amazing Tiny home. Loving this channel. Thats for sharing.

Happy New Year. Hope 2024 is a great year for you.

Don't give up ... I admire your courage, willingness to learn from what you consider a mistake or 2. Loved your video, will def be tuning back in to see what's new in your life. There are a few RU-vidrs I follow religiously. I know they would be a great sounding board for you, to offer encouragement and advice. Looking forward to adding you to my list of my favorite RU-vidrs! ♥

I'm really glad u started your YT. Having shared your summary of events since 2018, I know there are many people that are facing (or have recently) similar life changing situations. In 2008, when the GFC hit, we had to relocate from the West Coast to Mid West. Didn't know a soul out here. A month later, I had to start substitute teaching as well to make ends meet & help support our elem. age kids. Subbing has its advantages, I definitely learned a lot from doing it Keep doing the YT thing. I mentioned it previously but you have a really good on camera presence & you're very down to earth. If you get an idea to try something, log the experience via video and share it. Someone out there will find it useful - whether now or later Thanks for the update Happy New Year!

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your tiny is amazing. I want to copy just about everything you do! I think this is the first RU-vid channel I have ever subscribed to and or commented on. I have seen many tiny houses as I have been doing research myself for the past year and your design is the most functional and the cutest you should be very, very proud of yourself. I wish you the very best, and again, thank you for sharing, you are a smart, smart gal!!!

Thank you for being so open and vulnerable. I went through a similar experience after my divorce. I finally found a job after about a 10 month search and had to commute 50 miles each way, so a 3 hour round trip commute (on a good day). It was so hard and my son was in middle school at the time, so he had to help me with dinner (which in the end became a very good thing for him). Today I work from home and have more than doubled my salary. It's been a slog and very lonely, but it has gotten better! I can tell from your videos that you're a problem solver and that kind of mindset means you'll always land on your feet. Don't give up!!

Love your tiny home. I watched you back when you first showed your home and am so happy to see your new updated version for just your channel! Keep doing this,, please. Inspirational and love to see you succeed ❤

I absolutely love your authenticity and strength!

You said so many things I needed to hear today! Thank you for that🙏 You are an inspiration and I wish you only what’s best for your 2024🥳 subscribed! ☺️

Love your video. You are a joy to watch. So positive…..

Thank you for sharing your 2023. While I have my career (a remote teacher 😊), I lost my mother, am dealing with other issues with my brother, and trying to take care of my dad. I love tiny houses and yours is beautiful!! I'm planning to walk the Camino in Spain this summer to focus on myself this year. Good luck--I'll be waiting and watching for new videos.❤

Great story, please keep the videos coming!

Happy New Year 🎉 keep on posting your videos, they are so genuine and encouraging ❤️. You have a beautiful charisma and it shines through your videos. I too am struggling but I am blessed with starting a new position next year, although less hours, I know it will be better for me, had many interviews before this door finally opened. And it's up the road! 50 now and studying to be a teacher on-line while I work. Husband left 17 years ago when I had a baby. Life is full of up and downs, but they definitely make us stronger and more adaptable than we could imagine. I thk the Lord for all of his goodness. Best wishes for 2024🎉 I know it will be prosperous for you 😊 I'm in love with your not so tiny house, my favourite ever. Beautiful decorating 😍 take care

Félicitations pour ce beau parcours et cette belle réussite. Rien ne se passe au hasard, comme vous le dites si justement parfois des portes se ferment, cela nous frustre mais c'est pour en ouvrir de bien plus belles et on ne peut le comprendre que lorsque ces nouvelles portes s'ouvrent. Je vous souhaite plein de bonnes choses pour 2024!

I watched all your videos and their quality are all amazing. You're doing a great job ❤

Hello! I came from your instagram page to follow more fun content, little did I know that I would relate to you in a few ways! Don’t give up on your channel I promise we want to see more! Day to day videos, running videos, tiny home living, Colorado mountain life, cooking in your tiny home, what you eat, links to your picture frames that you have hanging of your children (lol), your life is content worthy-DO NOT GIVE UP! I look forward to seeing more videos 🫶🏼 also HELLO from Wyoming!!

Jen...when I tripped on your first video, I thought, "Wow! Her tiny is beautiful! What a great video! And she's going to grow a big channel." Seriously, you have stumbled into something that seems to be a great fit for you. You have a very personable way of communicating with us, your viewers (& subscribers!). I love your your gut honesty. And, yeah, you've been going thru a tough patch of life, but I hear an optimistic pragmatism coming from your story. And that is refreshing. Your "knock me down, but I'll get back up" attitude will be an encouragement to others listening & viewing your videos. I love you & ... btw ... you have a lovely soothing voice! Can't wait until the next time you share your home in mine. Linda ❤️

Was with my ex 17 years before we separated. It's been 4 years for me and I can totally relate to the major life adjustment going from 2 incomes to 1. Inow live in a mobile home with my son. This was definitely an adjustment however at the age of 46 I am also in agreement with you,you learn to appreciate the little things and not stress over what you no longer have room for. Best of luck to you and be proud of yourself!!!! Love your videos and thank you for sharing because many of us can relate to what you have or what you are going through ❤

My story is nothing like yours but yet I have all the same emotions, so I can totally relate! Thank you so much for your vulnerability and for sharing your story. Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for the good for those who are called according to His purpose. It is clear that things are indeed working together for you! God bless you! 🙏

Awesome encouragement for so many - way to tell it like it is and persevere! Here's to 2024 and moving closer to the right things for you girl!🎉

I know you’re going to be ok. I also was on my own at one time. Just smile and walk forward. All because your very arewe

This is a great video. I hope you have a very Happy New Year! Good Things are Coming your Way!

I think your videos are awesome! Keep going. Happy New Year 🎆

You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing...I needed to hear this ❤

Hello, I love your channel, the life lessons you share are truly inspiring for anyone. Your home is gorgeous, what a great layout. Please keep sharing, I know I will keep watching. There is a plan for everyone and I’m positive you will find your answers this year. Happy New Year ❤

Really enjoyed!

Love your videos and am excited to watch you grow. So many can relate. I certainly can, Cheering you on!!!!

I soooo relate to your experiences… Your subscribers want to know the real you ..well done in bringing that to us .. Happy and blessed New Year to you and your kids!!

Congrats on your breakthrough! I LOVE your house! My recent career history sounds so similar. It sure does feel like a season that's never going to end.

GREAT content, so happy for you. Can’t wait to see what’s next. Hey, no pressure tho!

You are awesome 👌. I have subscribed!!

stay strong!

I just found your channel and watched all the videos. I’m 39 and so much of what you’ve shared has resonated - your tiny house is so beautiful and I’m so happy for you! 1) where is your sweater from in this video? 2) can you share the Talk to the Camera course you took? ❤ excited to see more videos this year!

Beautiful job sharing your story. Life changes like divorce are very difficult to live through. Sending you love and great big hugs! ❤

you should link to and mention the CNBC article and video here, to drive views.

Would love to know where you got your tiny home thanks Amy

😢❤

I have been divorce 20 years From a twenty year Marriage He was a doctor and I am still barely surviving

Jenn I am just curious what “talk to camera” class did you take? Was it online and do you recommend?

💯 to these comments ❤ Also can you please become an amazon affiliate because all your stuff is super cute.

How are your children doing? Do they live with you in the tiny house?

*Promosm*

Been following you in Instagram for a long time but somehow missed your channel till yesterday! I liked your vibe on Instgram and now seeing you on camera is more refreshing! You did great in this video and seem very comfortable even if you may not feel it! Keep going. I’m finding your content fascinating and love your sweet tiny house and happy to see future content and happy to help support your channel! I won’t even skip the ads! 😊