Personally, I call it hibernation. I came out of hibernation about 4 years ago. I'm feeling sleepy again. I don't whole sale, I'm a keeper. I keep them as a way to keep my inner child alive. I jumped back in because of the innovation in figures in terms of articulation and face printed head sculpts. Whatever makes you happy is the key. I still follow you regardless of what you post.
Your toy collecting may have brought me to your channel but you being a cool dude and good human being is what made me stay. Find what makes you happy is what's important bro. Proud of you Josh.
Everybody has reasons and justifications on why they're doing things. If you feel those things are having a negative impact on your life, recognizing those and acting upon fixing them is the best thing you can do. Love you man, it's an exciting new phase in your life and you have every reason to be excited.
Just watched this and agree with just about everything you said. I’m not to the point of completely quitting toy collecting myself, but I’m definitely cutting about 60 to 70% out this coming year. It’s just too financially, stressful and also impossible to display collecting so many different lines and with rising prices it’s getting easier and easier to say no . Taking the funds from the stuff, I’m selling off to invest in myself as well. Toy collecting has always been about photography for me, and I realized I’m only highly motivated to shoot a small handful of lines are the ones I should keep collecting the rest can go. Seen your videos in my feed for a couple years now, and it will be interesting to see how you transition the continent you decide to share here. Honestly, there’s a huge window for people that share their opinions on gig culture/media so maybe that could be something you could do in the future It’s great to see some non enabler contents in the community from somebody who decides to shift priorities.
Take care of yourself mentally and physically first and foremost. Do what you love. I got into collecting 20 years ago because it was fun. Over time it became compulsive. Not being able to pass a Target or Walmart without running in it. Had to take a break, streamline my collection , sell what I don’t need and enjoy what I have. I only pick up items on sale and what I plan to immediately display. Thanks for all the time you put in your channel. You are appreciated
I'm kinda in the same boat, started selling my collection last december to focus on career growth and to improve my health, been using the money to pay for some courses and Im planning taking a vacation in the middle of the year. I'm not planning on not buying anything anymore, still have like 3 preorders for the year, but I decided to focus on what I really love and just get a few figures for the TV display.
I'm glad to hear this. All this social media stuff is not real. It's anonymous people on the internet. What they write does not matter in your near vicinity, really. At least not if you don't let them. I mean if you want to read shit, open your phone or computer, if you want to enjoy REAL life, close that shit and spend time with your wife and kids. That's real. Just hope they don't stare at their phones all the time. Love is real, growing old is real, DYING eventually is real. I wish you peace on your road.
I've noticed lately a lot of the figure hunter and collector RU-vidrs are burning out lately. Like Seth from What's Poppin', and Foxy Faux Real, and OG Geek, and now you. It's like a blood bath. I had a similar experience with collecting comics. I collected them all my life and I loved hanging out at the comic book store every week, and I made a lot of good friends through the hobby. Then one day I realized I wasn't really enjoying it anymore. I had stacks of comics I would buy and never even read. So I gave it up and sold off most of my collection. Now I make my own comics using action figures instead of drawings.
I’m just catching up with everything now. I think a lot of collectors are feeling the same way as you are. Most of this collecting burn out has to do with the shifting of priorities for sure, but there’s also so much coming out. It’s tough and simply too expensive to keep up.
I'll be honest, I've been watching since the beginning and I feel like you'll be back. You've bounced around too many times between purging and then buying everything back a few months later. If I had to guess, I think you do genuinely like collecting toys, but I think you have a spending addiction which makes you purchase things you don't really care about, and the. Before you know it you have way too much stuff and only half of it you actually care about, but because you went overboard you sell more than you should, you regret it later, and buy a good chunk back. I believe Comic shops call it boomeranging. Even in this video, it doesn't really seem like you WANT to quit collecting, but you've found a different outlet to feed your addiction (workout stuff/sneakers). A lot of times unfortunately, when people give up an addiction, just to pick up another addiction in its place, they eventually revert back to their original addiction once their new "addiction" has run its course....My gut tells me just based on what I've seen over the years on this channel is that you probably have a really addictive personality. Which means the problem wasn't necessarily the toy collecting, but rather the way in which you collect (buy a lot, change your mind, big purge, repeat) lol I'm an asshole, ill just leave now...good luck with everything and hopefully you can find happiness wherever that may be sir!
It took for my wife to call all my hot toys Barbie’s to realize I was spending money on girls toys but 5x 10x the price. I decided to sell all my figures only to find myself getting into statue collecting. Sold that shit! I started collecting Neopixel lightsabers… huge collection…. Don’t even display them anymore. Sold all my 1:1 busts and 1:1 Anovos helmets to pay for stuff for the kids. At the end if you can’t part with your collection it’s just an addiction like drugs. I collected football cards years ago until I realized I was spending $800-$1,000 a month just on packs…. But why?? It’s just a piece of cardboard!! So I took my Big Ben RC and ripped it in half. I felt relieved right after and I sold my entire collection. I haven’t bought a pack of cards in over 16 years. Well anyway… hot toys are glamorous Barbie’s and statues take up to much space and costs more than my car payment…. Just wanted you to know your not alone
Every collecting journey is different. I am a tiny channel and only buy and share what I intend to be in my collection for a long time. People have asked me to buy and review things that don’t fit in to what I am passionate about. So I will always probably be a tiny channel and that’s ok. It’s a balance. My collection can’t be taking over my life for any reason. I need to balance work, home family and health. And my hobbies are just a small piece of balancing my life. I wish you luck moving forward.
Right now many collectors are thinking of selling their collections, due to collecting fatigue, the prices are unbeatable, also the 2-year waiting for a figure becomes a nightmare, when the figure is released you may not even want it anymore, Also, as adults, we already gave ourselves these years with our toys of yesteryear, something that we could do when there was no technology, but now everything has changed and we have bought what we always longed for, and now selling becomes a break, knowing that we don't need to buy toys anymore
Speak for yourself, people just need to do things for themselves. Collecting shit to show other people is whats pointless. I think going to the gym is worthless, soon you'll be old and all that time is nothing as your body fails regardless. But thas just me, if people love it, power to them. Just cruise through life doing whatever makes you happy and doesnt hurt others.
I’m seeing a lot of folk selling off there collection or just not into the hobbie anymore .even I sold off all my grails last year .it’s just stuff. Also your right it’s better to invest in yourself .I’m very picky about what I get now .I’m not a completion collector .the prices for plastic crack is ridiculous now . Also we mature and nostalgic collecting only last so long .miss ur toy hunting vids but we evolve and move on
I feel you, bro. I’m in the same exact boat. I sold most of my collection, kept what was near and dear to me, started going to the gym, and used the money I was saving from not collecting anymore to travel.
Hey Josh, I know the feeling of collecting. I'm in my 60's and have been in the collecting world since I guess I was a kid. From G I Joe's back in the 60's to the beautiful statues and busts from high end companies. You buy then a bit later you pack up and sell. It's an addiction, and once we realize that how many of one particular character or item do we need, in my case, I sat back and figured out how much I actually spent before selling. You're absolutely right, it becomes draining once you're deeply involved. I have 3 characters that I stick to now, and if the quality of the release is not what I believe should be or catch my eye, I don't buy. And of those 3 characters I can say I haven't bought in more than a year just for the way I go about my personal collecting. If I don't plan to keep it, I don't buy it. And these days I know for damn sure I'm not taking up extra closet space, garage space, or any type of storage space for something I do not need. I'm still a kid, always will be, your decision to get back to the gym will keep you mentally and physically young, consistency leads to longevity my friend. Stay safe and most of all stay healthy.
When I first started my youtube videos a little over 1 yr ago I had both toys and fitness exercises in my videos, I definitely got good feedback. Stay Geek Strong brother 💪 🤓
Completely understand brother! Take care of yourself! Your health is super important & if you dont feel passionate anymore about collecting then thats perfect. If others have a problem with that, F em! Always here if you need something, Brad.
Your one of the first faces in the toy hunting RU-vid game I ever saw that got me into collecting, and eventually what made me subscribe to Cincy, Billy, Craig, Dub, etc. But I totally understand man, I've got my first child on the way in the next few weeks and I know what it's like to focus in on what's important in life, but still enjoy pop culture in a more reserved way. Heck of a ride, heck of an era. Enjoy the future man😎🤙🏻
What you are seeking is balance. I preach it to myself everyday. Now that i do gym every other day and maybe 1 or 2 vintage Transformers a month I feel so much better. I cherish 80s TFs more than ever. I can feel and see the changes inside and out. It crazy bc other people see it to and make comments everyday (no not online...In person!) I spend lil more time creating a display, doesn't feel like going thru the motions anymore and I've never been this happy with my physique. Balance = happiness.
Passion...turns to addiction. I feel ya. If you need to walk away...do what you need. You know what's best. I also get the buyers remorse. Plastic crack doesn't make the world spin. 😁
I had a conversation with a good friend of mine a week ago. He could see my collection as we were on a Zoom call. He said “mate why the heck do you have anything batman if it has no childhood memories get rid of it”. Which is exactly what I did. Covid insane prices and all of these wanna be toy dealers have sucked the fun right out of it for me. Keeping what i have memories of playing with and getting rid of everything else.
i go back and forth on this all the time man not just you. Stick to your decision man and move on nothing lasts forever anyway, you had good memories from when it was fun so thats all you can ask for not a waste of time.
I totally understand i collected funko pops i had over 600 of them. Then I got injured at work and messed up my back bad. 2 years later still suffering sold all my funko pops to just pay bills so I understand about not finding joy in collecting anymore so good for you.
Honestly, you could tell in your later videos that your heart wasn’t in it and that’s ok. It’s your life and it’s way too short and you should enjoy it with the ones you love. Take care of you and you family. That’s what’s important
I get it. For me,Hot toys are getting more and more expensive, because of that. (I have 40 atm) now i'm at a point, that for me my hot toys collection is done. Also selling other toys that I don't like as much. But I can't sell everything, like I did years before.
I totally get what you are going through. Sean long has done the same, and I watched him from the beginning. Besides, I feel that this 'hobby' is getting a bit snobbish. I've been collecting since the '80's for fun, long before it was "popular. Not because "one day I'll sell it for double" as some seem to be doing nowadays. I'm and not a slave to collecting. But I truly get what you mean. Don't lose your childhood, ever! Take care brother.
Im in the same boat, done collecting, but I will keep the ones I like the most. I got back into guitars, an expensive hobby, but it doesn't make me want to keep the box, and it doesn't take up a lot of space. I would every now or then will pick up a toy, but wont go crazy it for it. I also met people from this hobby to, had a local FB group chat, but I left years ago cause it was just a bunch of old guy complaining about the little things, anything figure related. But I really wish you the best, will still support you on your channel.
Josh your right you don’t know me. I followed you because of your energy and knowledge on this toy collecting. You are making the right moves for you. Wish you nothing but happiness.
Collecting can be tricky to maintain. I tend to not let it take over my daily life where to the point I run out of money to pay for my bills. I wish the best going forward for you & your family. 🔥
What's up Josh? I like you. I bought the Darth Vader from you at last years I.C.C.Con in Nashville and it was awesome to meet you and have the interaction. I've always wondered about content creators on youtube that collect toys or whatever and if they truly do it for "clicks" or for their p.c? I've always been a collector. If you are a collector, I believe that it is inherently in you. For me and my life it has been Hotwheels as a kid, to Star Wars, G.I. Joe, comic books, football cards, basketball cards, magic the gathering, back to Star Wars, then back to comics. At certain points I would get rid of stuff to be able to buy the next thing I was interested in. Then there was just a long break when I "came of age" and started a family after college. While in college to be an architect, I actually did my thesis on collecting and my Star Wars collection had a lot to do with that. Then after another little break and my kids got older and I started making more money, and I got back to collecting stuff here and there. Now, comic books and Star Wars are a big part of my collecting habits again. And you were a big part of me getting into collecting Hot Toys. And now I am at a point where I have the money to get what I truly want and take my time to build a meaningful collection that I enjoy and can't wait to share with grandkids some day. I say all that to say, you go do you. Live your life, discover yourself and be with your family. Live in the moment and enjoy life. But I would bet money at some point, the collecting will come back around. You will miss it. But it will be just for you and what makes you happy and not for "clicks". The so called "plastic" stuff will always be here waiting for you. Your health and mental health are most important. Proud of you. I hope that I run into you again sometime in the future at another convention.
Hey man great Rant. Just found your channel. The only thing I would suggest though is to keep the items you actually like. Down the road you might regret letting stuff go that actually meant something too you. Perhaps give it a 7 day or 30 day waiting period. Objects or things shouldn’t dominate your life. In the end it can become a ball & Chain.
I’m bummed that you aren’t collecting any more. But honestly I watched your livestreams and videos for it being fun. You and a couple others like bigdub thew adams and patriot prime inspired me todo my own content. But whatever you do, whatever content you make, I’ll be here to watch. Thank you for your time, effort and friendship. The door is always open.
Sucks to see you go Josh but being true to yourself and how you are feeling is the most important thing for your mental and physical health. I wish you the best in whatever you do. I will never forget that time you raided my stream when I had just started out. You're a good dude!
Good to see you are in a better mental state bud. That is one of the dark things about content creation people don't realize till its too late that if you aren't on that wheel non stop posting you feel like you are a disappointment and you start going to more and more extremes where you lose your passion and it's a job that sometimes doesn't even pay so you have all that stress for little to show for it. That isn't to say you didn' t enjoy part of it but it does slowly become more and more a chore. I tell people that i go to the gym almost everyday not to lose weight/bulk but honestly its one of those places I can turn off everything in my head and just be happy and focused. Yes some of those side effects is I have in fact lost a little weight but that's not my only goal while i'm there. I felt some of my hobbies fell by the wayside as I wasn't inspired to paint/collect anything. I just went through the motions. Don't get me wrong I slowly started to pick up the brush but I definitely needed that break because the hobby was more than just collecting/painting/playing (wargamer here) but shooting the shit with my friends sometimes over a couple of beers away from their other familial duties. Life is a journey to be experienced wherever it takes us. Best of luck in everything you do. Thanks for the good times that you gave us even when it took it's toll on you, it was greatly appreciated for however long it lasted.
Very well said and I can completely understand! Trust me, your not the only one is that boat. I think a lot of us have been looking inward at ourselves and how it relates to this hobby. I myself have sold off things and have pretty much stopped the constant buying. I wish you nothing but the best in whatever you do next. It's been a fun time watching all your videos and I definitely plan on watching whatever is next for you on RU-vid. Until next time.
This is how life works. I used to LOVE and play video games a lot. In the last 5 years I gradually stopped playing. At first I though it was because off the industry was changing, but eventually I realized that I just was not having as más fun anymore. Now it is what is was, a BIG part of my life that I used to love that will always going to be a beauty full part of my life and personal history. Just enjoy the new stages of your life and always remember how good where the old ones, they made you what you are now.
Well stated, sir. I also have stopped collecting. It's about making mature, reasonable, and financial decisions. I'm glad you are hitting the gym regularly and putting you and your family first. Hobbies and fads come and go, but your health and family are paramount.
I totally understand. Toys over time have become expensive. Companies keep rising prices to you can’t really provide for yourself to a full degree. I just subscribed to your channel and I like your content. There’s nothing wrong with change or growing out of situations. Your a cool guy. You must do what is best for your mental health man 🙏🏿.
You’re doing what’s right for you. Ok here comes the but… BUT in my military career it was essential that I be in the gym. Crucial to my job. But keep in mind be careful cause you can be addicted to the gym. Dangerously addicted. You will chastise yourself if you miss a workout, it can take over. Don’t let it. And it is harder to break than the toys trust me. Been there on both fronts and broke both cycles. I’m now 54. What you do in the gym makes you feel better but you are doing something that will cause pain later in your body. At first when you stop or slow the gym you will experience pain cause your body craves what it was doing. Then you notice joint issues. I live with pain every dang day. So please don’t take it too far keep your gym routine to stay in one spot. No more no less
True story...... Do what you love and enjoy life mental health physical health etc I don't know you like that but I've enjoyed your content when watched big ups my guy
Take care of you and your family. That’s all that matters. Can’t take any of these “things” with you. Don’t even owe anyone an explanation but appreciate it anyways!!
"Favorite beverage" _Sundrop_ & for Low Calory (or 0 calories) _La Croix; Limon Cello._ Such A good after taste! #Congrats on Selling Josh (or trying to) all that crap! It's A Bad addiction. _"Like I just spent $240 on plastic for one head sculpt & the other $225 worth, is going in A tote bin"_ (hidden in the basement w/ all the rest). ITS RIDICULOUS! I like to think I did it, to keep the inner kid alive. "Thrill of the Hunt" & all that jazz... Right! Non-displayed Variant Comic covers are just as bad & as stupid. > I've often thought about trying to become A Minimalist. It wouldn't be fun, BUT I'D HAVE ALOT MORE $$$. Hmmm.. Anyhow If I were you I'd keep 1 Detolf, put it in the corner for the special stuff. And Not for Nike's! God Josh, ain't them things made by Children slaves in Chinese sweat shops ??? In the End Do what makes You Happy! & *You can't controll what others think about you. So Don't waste time on it.*
I totally understand your lifestyle change, and i am cheering for you and your family. I am a collector too and feel the unnessary strain of collecting, emotionally and financially. Life is all about relationships with other humans and experiences and not belongings.
I’ve seen people buy from Facebook sellers and groups and then not be able to pay their bills. It’s scary seeing other not being able to control themselves. Big Turn Off
Josh, I just wanted to say I am so great full that you did your videos. You and Cincy and bigdub got me through a few years of very hard times. I remember your live videos on Saturday nights I believe that made my weekend hanging out with you and your now wife! My real name is Philip and I just want to say thank you for your videos and God bless you and your family and your future too! Thanks again!
This video connected a lot to me. I'm in the same position. I'm just buying and collecting before the sake of it. Putting this behind a glass cabinet isn't enjoyable anymore for me.
I fully understand. I sold majority of my collection a few years ago. It wasn't making me happy like it used to. I kept what I wanted to keep. I do collect Hot toys but I don't go overboard. I buy like 1 a year, 2 on a good year and im not one of those people that don't need to collect the whole collection. I buy what I like and what I want. And I remember when I sold my collection people would get so upset, like why? So you do you dude!
I relate to you at 5:57. I have a whole bin of Marvel Legends that I’m trying to unload. At least most of them have increased in price so in the end they’ll be a decent investment.
Life is all about having the right balance. Life is also about growing up and being responsible with what you have. Being a good steward. Good for you brother. FAITH * FAMILY * PASSION! May the Force be with you.
I respect that Josh. I also started to take care of myself in the beginning of this year. The gym, healthy foods, and vitamins I consume aren’t cheap, so I 100% understand where you’re coming from. Wishing you the best man!
Loved you through the years from Dubs channel. Wishing the absolute best for you my dude, but wanted to throw a small sidenote to all this with your gym mentality. As someone who has been working out for years, not nobody is looking at you, or caring what you wear. I rock a random graphic t-shirt and some sweats or gym shorts. Stay on that grind my dude, spend that money elsewhere my man.
Thank you for your content, whilst I came for toy collecting, it’s been your honesty and approach that most impresses Very happy for you to be doing what is best for you.
I have a Relatively Small Collection, but they Are Very Pricey individually anywhere from 150-200$ and up. I have been collecting for around 6 years and I must say I'm quite turned off by the level of greed that the Toy Companies have. The outrageous Prices for the Products are insane and they just keep getting more, and more Expensive
Do what makes you happy man... Life is too short to worry about pleasing rando people behind a computer monitor. :) The only thing that will bum me out is if you don't swing by the shop still when you can! Its been a blast getting to chat and joke around with you over the past few years whenever you stopped in. Even without toys in the equation, I would really miss it if I didn't get to catch up with you and your family now and again.
no judgements here, brother. you are doing what is better for you and your family. so, believe me when i say i get it. cause if i had a wife and kids to take care and look after, you would not see me buying things all the time and lately i have started to cut back on things i buy. if it is on a clearance sale, i would get it cause i played the long game on it. so, i am proud of you and what you are doing right now. it's your life and if people can't handle it, tell them to hit the road, jack. lol. you and your family take good care of each other and god bless to you all, my friend.
Yeah people think that being RU-vid famous is a dream come true until you live it. You do you. Life is too short. And yes people like to flaunt their financial stability. Use it wisely cause it can be all gone in a NY minute.
No Josh it is maturing not on a level of smarts or better than anyone else but your reasons. I sold almost my entire diecast collection. “Except gifts” I’ve received. My Star Wars collection will only consist of props. A handful of figures. I literally have like five black series figures. No hot toys exist here nor sideshow. It’s just way over priced. Always have been always will be. I’ve told Dub I’ve done this and to be honest I do miss some of it cause there was a true love there. But I don’t miss living with my stuff insides of it living with me. When you have so many figures displayed you can only see heads cause it’s so crowded, it’s just too much. I had a Channel and did it myself and that almost took over my life. I am doing a podcast but there won’t be a “schedule” I schedule range time and familiy time
I feel you man, I’m actually going through this right now with my toy and shoe collection. I have wayyyyyyy too much shit, it’s not fun anymore plus I’m getting into other things so I don’t really have the time to enjoy everything. That dopamine hit don’t hit the same anymore lol. Definitely feel where you’re coming from.
I have a lot of shit too, but it's like art for me. I've moved away from it as a hobby and spending time and money on stuff/acquiring new stuff. I still want to be surrounded by my favorite things that represent me in my 'man cave' though so I'm not selling anything off. I guess I have the luxury of space and money not causing me any problems currently.
