Why I Don’t Make Content Full Time

I’ve seen it so many times from various creators. “I’m leaving my job to pursue YouTube full time.” Sometimes it works out and other times it doesn’t. The fact is, YouTube ad revenue doesn’t pay that much. On average, I would say for 1,000 views you probably get $2-4. This will vary on numerous factors of course and I don’t think anyone truly understands it but Google.

First, you have to pump out a lot of content to really rack up those views. Since I work full-time, I’m good for a video per week at most. Plus, I’m in a different demographic than many creators. I consider myself one of the older guys which makes me less risky with my career and finances. When the lines between job and hobby blur, however, it takes on a new meaning for me.

So, doing YouTube full time means you need to make ends meet. Since the channel views aren’t often enough this means that most of the channels out there will often rely on donations from patreons, ko-fi supporters, channel members or some other type of revenue stream. While I have no problem with this, I personally struggle with asking people for things, especially money. It gives me a feeling of guilt or I feel indebted. That’s just the way I’m wired. It’s not just money either, I also struggle with asking people for help even when I really need it.

I’ve always said I make content for love of the hobby and because this isn’t my full-time job I’m not held prisoner to the numbers or the algorithm. I can make whatever I want and if it doesn’t reach the mass market that’s ok. I made a related blog post about click-bait titles and why we see them so much. It’s because the views are so important. I get comments all the time about how people wish some of the games we played had more content out there, but they don’t drive the same interaction as the latest Warhammer 40k offering.

My channel is the same now as it was 4 years ago. It’s a passion project. If I wake up tomorrow and have 100,000 subscribers nothing will change. I’ll continue working my normal job and sharing my love of the hobby with you.