Yo! I applaud you for putting family first! and yes to MAKING more things. I think that's one of the biggest draws of your channel is when you make something creative that YOU like... and yeah the lighting is great, and audio is clean, and thumbnail is top notch....I often wonder how much of this is all I our heads, and how much of it is just the good will we've already built up over the years. Its hard to trust that people just want to tune in to see your face and see what's going on from time to time. Personally, with my own struggles, I think I would output more and second guess myself less if I subscribed to that notion, but it's a tough one. Good on you for getting this one off the chest. Can't wait to see what you cook up now.

Thanks!

Amazing video, you’ve put into words a lot of what I’ve been feeling as well, and I’ve only been doing this for 7 years 😂 Looking forward to seeing how things evolve for you + let’s hang if you’re ever in London ❤

This is the 2nd video I've watched today that has the same ideas, and feels like someone saying outloud, the stuff that I've had in my head for a couple of years. Thanks for articulating this. I hope these changes are good for you, personally and for the business 👍🏼 Good on you, keep it up! -Bob

Sounds like we've all been feeling this for quite some time, glad to see many of us taking steps back to reprioritize. You nailed it with all your points. Last point was the biggest, it's so easy to let our work become our master and feeling enslaved rather than the other way around. Thanks for all the value you've added to the community, we all love and support you in doing what you feel is best for you and your family. Let's connect some time, I think it would be therapeutic for us both to chat :)

Huge fan of yours and really happy to hear you're making a shift like this to make the job work for you rather than the other way around. The grind is real and unrelenting! If it matters to you, there's a lot of things in my studio right now that are a direct result of reviews and builds I saw you do. Thanks Caleb!

Jesus the similarites of so many different types of channels is almost scary. Im gunna need to borrow some of your rules. Good to know we're all going through something very similar.

Join me in a year+ time off haha 😊 I honestly feel so good about it. Glad you are changing things up.

This year I'm seeing many KZfaqrs stepping away from content creation for a break. Appreciate all the knowledge you have shared so far. Did learn many things from you.

Love this man, thanks for sharing. I can relate. Our industry, and the genres within are cyclical. The waves come and go. If you can survive the drought, and enjoy your creative process while you're doing it - you'll catch the next wave again. Pace yourself, do what you love, and you'll love what you do. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for sharing 🙏. This resonates with me and - from reading the comments - with many other KZfaq creators

More power to you, Caleb. I’ve been feeling some of this myself and have been making big changes behind the scenes too. Trying to find a healthier work life balance. The KZfaq rat race really distorts reality and messes with your mental health. Love the accountability idea/sharing you’re doing here.

I love it when fellow creators post videos like this, thanks for keeping it real Caleb. You owe nobody an explanation, yet taking the time to make something like this is always appreciated, especially by others "in the arena." As someone (me) who is probably the worst KZfaqr out there (in regards to playing the game and following best practices), I wholeheartedly endorse being a maker over being a "youtuber." Of course as you touched on it's just a challenge when being a person who uploads also impacts your bottom line. Rule #4 is a personal favourite. I've been fighting that tendency for years. I love the book from Paul Jarvis titled "company of one" it really solidifies my feelings on this. And yes, rule #10 is also so important. What's the point of working so hard to build something if it doesn't serve you? I would add an additional rule 11 which you probably already follow, but for me it is so important to have areas outside of "video related goals" to be progressing in and to use as an outlet. It's a habit of mine to make every interest somehow related to the youtube channel, but it feels so good to make something that has nothing to do with video creation. I've been trying to sew more, I've really enjoyed learning how to lift, and also even though I've made running videos in the past, I really try to keep my running and biking time as me only time. Appreciate you Caleb! Again you don't owe an explanation to anyone, but opening up the curtain like this is always rad, even though it brings in tons of unsolicited feedback from people who don't quite get the spirit of a video like this or haven't tried to walk the path themselves.

We're sending love your way, Caleb! You're a really unique creator in this space - you should do whatever it takes to keep it that way 🤍

I'm so glad to see this. I Felt the same! You deserve a workflow that serves you Bruh - Bruh

"Work serves the family" is definitely the most valuable message I took from this, and one that I'm going to make a mantra for myself moving forward. Congrats on the channel growth (been watching for a while now), enjoy the new direction and good luck for the future 👏🏻

This video felt like a therapy session for me in the most positive way. Thank you so much for taking the time to record this Caleb and for putting it out there for us to watch. Really appreciate you!

Congrats and thank you for all the incredible value you have provided us for … 14 years !! Including this extremely valuable video. I’ve always been impressed not only by the quality of the videos themselves but also the sheer amount of time you have actually put as a maker researching and making the tools shown or used in your videos ! Thanks again so much for all your insight and for taking care of our time, your videos serve us, you’re not making us serve your videos. Happy you are not quitting. Good luck for whatever is next , life is short, prioritize what you are most passionate about , continue building, will always be a pleasure to watch !

Im glad you're not quitting! But definitely don't take youtube or any other job too seriously. Great advice I heard once is to not "work hard but work joyfully". Even if that means less views or money... who cares if you're having fun! This will definitely have a positive impact on your and your family's well being. All the best!

Brother, I commend you so much for making this video. I made a similar video on my channel called the future of this channel about a year ago, and said many of the same things you are saying here. Having been on KZfaq now for eight years, everything you said resonated with me. It gets tiring fighting with the KZfaq algorithm. The longer you’re on the platform sometimes the harder it is to come up with creative video ideas as well that you haven’t done in the past. Thank you for the content.

All great points I think many KZfaq creators have had to work through or deal with if you’ve been doing this with any success for over 10 years. As KZfaq is an ever moving target it certainly can be difficult and I think many of us have had similar thoughts as well. Thanks for sharing.

Caleb: you are hands-down one of the best teachers I have encountered, period. The clear and succinct way you take students from one idea to another is genuinely brilliant, and makes it effortless for us to follow along. With so many voices out there, yours has been one I consistently look to and rely upon. I also have deep respect for your willingness to be vulnerable and share your experiences about the realities of being a KZfaq creator, and I eagerly look forward to your future contributions (in whatever form they may take).

Thank you for sharing, Caleb. I think this struck home for not just myself but a lot of creators, tying our mental health to the success of our videos/channels. I've been watching and learning from your videos for years now and I think no matter how you pivot, we're all in support of you!

Caleb, I learned a lot from your channel over the years and I will forever be grateful you've provided me for my own Channel - I completely understand the draining burnout and stress of doing everything yourself for creating KZfaq videos, whilst maintaining another full time job - so power to you! I wish you nothing but the best of luck in your future endeavours.

Dude, you've given people SO MUCH. We are just very grateful for everything you've done for the filmmaking community. ❤ You rock, and you should do whatever makes you happy! Therapy can be really beneficial, and it's awesome you are talking about it

Finally a change from DSLR Video Shooter to Mirrorless Video Shooter!

You’re a legend for putting this out here for us. I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve expressed in it. May the blessings shower you and your family.

You've been one of my favorites for a long time now thank you for all your content and best of luck moving forward!

I feel you from the bottom of my heart! ❤ You summarized the struggle as a full time KZfaqr perfectly!

Man I appreciate your transparency. It’s weird I’ve just decided to go full time on this channel on the same week so many people I follow have decided to step back or change things up. It’s helpful hearing this from someone I see as successful. It’s a good reminder to manage mental health, family and expectations in the midst of trying your best. Looking forward to seeing what this year looks like for you and the channel.

Joy - The metric we forget to measure. I appreciate all of the things you've made through this channel, and for sharing this video. Be happy Caleb. ✌🏽

Hi Caleb. I loved this video. I'm not sure I ever commented here on your channel but I just want to thank you for doing this - all. For sharing so much over the years with such quality (I think I have followed you since 2015) and for now, sharing your thoughts on this important matter. I do relate to many aspects and points you've made. I totally get your feeling of wanting to "be happy again making and sharing" and I wish I could go back to that feeling I once had too. The "problem" is that the platform is not the same anymore (it's normal; everything evolves, and everyone should have the same opportunities to get inside here), and there's way too much noise for us to get through again. I have no doubts you can achieve that happy limbo again, but I'm not sure I can. I just think that knowing what we know can make it so freaking hard or really prevent me from getting there ever again. Anyway, congratulations on getting where you are mentally and hopefully you can feel free again. Looking forward to seeing new creations that do not chase fads or algorithms. :)

I’ve been following you for about 10 years from different accounts and your channels is by far my favorite KZfaq channel. I’ve never seen you happier as When you are building things. I’ve thought About it many times before and Im so happy that you have ”realized” it aswell. I understand that reviewing products pays the bills but When I hear the genuin interest and excitement in your voice it makes me smile and that’s why I keep coming back to your channel for 10 years and will as long as you want to. ❤

Love this video and I’m convinced that if you film the projects that get you most excited, everything will work out anyway. Excited to see what comes next.

Thanks Caleb for helping us in our filmmaker journey. Never been in the KZfaq game but I can definitely relate to what you’ve been through. Family and mental health are number one matters.

Bro! This is really powerful. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story... it's so empowering for so many including myself. Keep on, my man!!

I appreciate you Caleb for opening up. All the power to you for making this decision! Make for you and not for the algorithm.

meanwhile ... I'm starting back up after a 10-year break... LET'S GOOOO BAY BAY!

Thank you very much Caleb. I come back to your tutorials from time to time. Your great work stays here!😊

I've followed you for 10 years and this is my favorite video out of all the videos you made. Hats off to you, Caleb! Family 1st!

I relate to this so much. It’s honestly just not fulfilling to make videos anymore especially when you feel you have to make something of real value or better than the last video. That said you have helped me so much when it comes to video production, always been a huge inspiration for learning. I hope you can find peace with whatever you do next. The KZfaq game is incredibly stressful on your mental and physical health.

Hi Caleb, I just wanted to say you were like a mentor and teacher I always enjoyed coming back to. You taught me loads of knowledge over the years, which helped me build my own filmmaking career and I am forever grateful for that.

dude, i love your approach to all this. i have a ton of respect for your path moving forward. i'm no big youtuber but have certainly been looking at social media in general so differently and come to a similar result.

Thank you Caleb for sharing this with us. I’m only 8 years in but THIS video matches all my feelings and struggles that I’m experiencing over the past few years. It feels really good to know that I’m not alone with this. Thank you! Keep on Making what you love!

Caleb, this was wonderful. I have followed you since my HV20 days because you are so incredibly articulate and insightful, and you made me believe in myself as a filmmaker. I am not a KZfaqr, but your candor and what you’ve shared is universal…focusing on the joy, the work serving your family, and finding an internal balance is a level of understanding and growth few achieve and for which all should strive. I can’t wait for this next evolution.

Your timing is uncanny… I just stopped doing my latest podcast because I wanted to focus on just making art. I feel your pain. I remember when you first started. Proud of you, Caleb, of how you handled this. I’ll buy the book when it comes out. 🤠

Rule number 6 is very relatable. I have a self-imposed rule for Sunday uploads but I’m coming up on the 10-year anniversary of that decision and I’m questioning how much longer I’ll have this schedule

I have never felt more related to with my KZfaq. Coming up on 4 years in I’m feeling this heavy. Thank you sir for this

You're not alone mate... Just before Christmas I sat there in front of the camera and just didn't want to press record. The panic attacks and mental stress is something I have struggled with over the last four years making videos and the rollercoaster of my emotional state being so closely tied to the performance of a video week to week is super unhealthy. I have a full time job so I don't know why I get so affected by it. Thank you for sharing this with us fellow creators Caleb, I wish you all the best and will continue to follow you as long as you make videos. Your analagy of effort in and effort out is something I talk about all the time and why being a KZfaqr is frustrating. I've recorded a video in 3 hours and it's performed better than a video that took me two weeks to make.

As an editor for several channels and sort of a couple of my own, I’ve definitely seen the passion come and go. I appreciate the time and effort you’ve put in to teaching others over the years! You’ve helped me, personally, so much. I’ll be a lifelong supporter of Caleb Pike, more videos or not. I’m a big fan of those who choose to make content they want, and not what KZfaq wants. Love the rules!

Thanks for keeping it real Caleb. You taught me how to use my Panasonic G7 back in the day which helped my own channel quality improve. You've inspired so many people to work to improve their craft which is something I will always be grateful for! See you when we see you.

Great thoughts, keep the maker making for the fun of it!

Followed you from the start, the good ol’ days when DSLRs were evolving into video machines! You and the legendary Dave Dugdale were like extended family 😂 Like many, I always appreciated your technical knowledge and most of all authenticity on camera - clearly things that never dipped. Excited to see what you do next and good luck with the next chapter ❤

Excellent video, Caleb. I’m on year 13 now and we just decided to cut back on the video release schedule and grow in other areas of the business where we can help even more people more deeply. Great rules as well. I’m constantly conflicted over whether to scale or not scale so that one will continue to be on my mind. I’ve been trying to better take advantage of the freedoms of being a full time KZfaqr, like mid-day movies with my wife and/or kids, family travel and more downtime to just not work. Here’s to an amazing 2024 for you, brother. All the best. - Nils

This video was a blessing in disguise😅 I can relate in every way you explained it. This video popped up on my feed, I clicked on it and it was everything I needed to hear. Thank you for this. 🙏🏾✨

We've been through a pretty similar arc to you and your 10 rules are nearly identical to changes we've made (for pretty much the same reasons) over the past couple of years. Thank you for articulating this so well.

thank you so much for this video Caleb. at a smaller scale i can totally relate with most. wishing you and your family all the best ❤

One of my favorite tech/camera creators. I love how you explain things and make the process for the viewer as simple clean and minimal as possible. Just want to say thank you for existing as you do

I can totally relate to this, Caleb. Thank you. I think at the core of all this is you have to make peace with the fact that you aren't going to do as well as you had hoped on youtube. Once you get go of that goal/dream, the rest of it kinda falls into balance. I really appreciate your honesty. It's good to know other people are experiencing the same things.

Love this! So much truth. Let's "make" together Caleb!

Thank you for making all those videos! I learned so much from you over the years. Your gear recommendations set me up for success! I bought your Corporate Video Guide and it was a huge help!

Thanks so much for articulating all this!

Sending many thanks for all the videos over the years

Your patient, knowledgeable, calm, diligent videos have been a real blessing to me-they've brought me joy. But I fully support your ten rules, and I'm grateful for their instruction and example.

Caleb, Thank you. for this honesty, for your great content, for your wonderful/crazy "entire video setup on/in ___" builds, for everything that you've done and shared. I come to your channel for *your ideas*, I'll gladly wait until you're ready for them to be shared.

Caleb, I so thankful that you made this video. I'm a tiny channel, but dread the editing process. It causes anxiety that I can't explain to anyone. Thank you for sharing about this difficult point in your life. As strange as it sounds, I am now more motivated to continue knowing that I am not the only one working through some of these difficulties. As viewers of your channel, we are all standing right behind you. 🙂

I'm happy to hear your plans. Definitely my favorites are your build videos so looking forward to more builds. Keep it up, stay safe!

Man it's really great to see more of these videos popping up on my feed lately. As someone who's relatively new to this space (3 years in) it's reassuring to see that my worries are the same as those who have ten times the channel size and who have been doing this for much longer than I have! It's something which Paddy Galloway mentioned, about making YOU the through-line for your channel. That makes you free to do anything you want, because you'll attract people who are interested in you, and don't just come for the gear etc... It'll be a shame to not see your videos on my feed as often, but I'm super excited to see what else you have to share! Happiness is the most important thing, so stick with what makes you happy :)

Awesome to hear your new perspective and fully support it!

I’ve learned so much from your channel, and I’ve always looked forward to your videos above many others. I appreciate the time and effort you put into everything and I’m sorry to hear that it took so much from you. I’m only halfway through the video now, so I’m not sure how this ends yet, but I hope you get some well-deserved rest

Sorry to hear that you had a difficult period. I have learn a lot from you! Thank you!

As someone who went through the same thing, This video makes me very happy. I’m happy you found a way to your joy! Thank you for sharing your heart!

clarity and balance are the core of liking what you do, and doing what you like. thanks

Good luck, Caleb! And thank you for your videos.

Caleb, just wanted to say a huge thanks for the work you put into both this KZfaq channel and your camera courses. You have been my favorite KZfaq teach and if not for the easily digestible and quality videos here, I could see myself having given up many times out of confusion alone. I hope whatever path you take brings you joy and happiness to you and your family.

I've been watching you for years and I relate with you so much. KZfaq wires your brain differently in a negative way. The stresses that come are huge. Thanks for making the video bro.

Caleb, this is huge. Thank you for sharing this. As many are quitting, I'm starting my (I don't count anymore) attempt to go full-time on KZfaq. Some of your insights already came to me, but I haven't vocabularized them so clearly yet. Your rules are concise and actionable. All the best, and thank you!

Thanks for sharing this video 🙏🏼 I’ve gone thru a lot of the same mental struggles in my video career and I’m sure there are thousands of others who can relate. You’ve been an amazing resource for the community over the years and I’m excited to see what you do next!

This should resonate with anyone who has been on the tube long term with any form of success. I understand this all too well. Kudos on making the tough choice that honors you rather than the race. Stay well!

Good for you Caleb. Looking forward to what comes next, and wishing you and your family well.

Great tips! We’re not professional KZfaqrs in any capacity but I feel like we’ve passed through some of these tribulations for something that doesn’t even support us. So we’ve definitely descaled and try to do more of what we do like. For us that meant scaling back on produced content and going more for streams and interacting with people which brings us lots of joy.

You can tell how much work you put into each and every video. Thank you for what you've provided us! Any idea when the 8-bit LUT Pack might come out?

Thank you so much for all your videos on this channel so far. You bring a precious help to us. Cheers!

Thank you so much for making this video. For someone planning to start a new KZfaq channel, this is super useful! I really love your channel and I can't wait to see where you will go with this!

Thank you. You've helped me immensely. I'll be interested to see what you're up to next.

I've learned so much from this channel, and you've inspired me to do what I love professionally and full-time. The idea that the man that helped motivate me is hurting and not loving what he does anymore, that just breaks my heart. The passion you bring is a major part of why I love this channel. Not the regular uploads. Not the right-on-NDA, eary as possible coverage. It's the heart behind it that makes it worth watching, no matter any schedule. I encourage and applaud you to take your time to find that, no matter what that looks like!

Thanks for everything you taught me. I agree with you 100%. I have been doing this for 6 years now. 1 year full time and I’m already feeling the same things. It’s nice to get some great advice from you. Thanks so much!!!!

Thank you for posting this Caleb! Before I was a KZfaqr, I was working in another industry, and I was kind of burned out. It got that way because I prioritised success and results over enjoyment of my work. When I started my Yotubue channel, I decided that from now on I am going to put happiness and enjoyment as my number one priority, whatever I do. And I ended up in similar principles as your 10 commandments. It has worked for me, and after 7 years I still enjoy every minute of making KZfaq videos! Life is way too short not to enjoy what you are doing!

I’ve been a follower of your channel for years and have learned so much from you. Thank you for everything! Wishing you a great 2024 and more time with your family and doing what makes you happy.

I love your KZfaq channel, I'd watch anything you post.

I love everything about this message. All the luck! I've been following your channel for so many years.

Greatful to you Caleb. You've been a solid guide through my journey. Sounds wise what you are doing. Good luck

Thanks for all you've done. Good luck Caleb!

Thanks for being so open with us Caleb! Enjoy the change and we’ll watch anything that comes next!

Dude, I've been watching you for so many years! Definitely one of my favorite go-to people for getting great info on gear and stuff. Thank you for all you've done. Just for the record you've never made a flop video!

What a great video. I've definitely been having a lot of these feelings over the last year or so and have spent A LOT of time trying to find the right balance. It was wild hearing how you lengthened your research process as a way to put off making the video -- it made me realize I often do the same things! Time to take a long hard look at what I'm doing. Thanks man.

I can't tell you how close your experience is to my own. It's basically 1 to 1 and I heard myself with every word. While my intention is to scale I saw myself losing interest because of "wave riding" and completely lost interest. I have since returned back to a more niche category and the result is less views BUT its been way more easy to make the content. And I enjoy it. I still have kinks to work out but I feel far more at ease. So I applaud you Caleb and wish nothing but the best for you and your family.

Thank you for sharing! The large Social Media platforms certainly don’t do enough to give back to the creators who make everything possible. Good luck!

I relate to this so much, Caleb. I've been feeling the same way for the last couple of years. Same as you, I've decided to downscale, make less videos, ignore the algorithm, and hold my schedule much more loosely. It's already helped my anxiety, but I feel like it's still a work in progress.

Caleb I’ve always enjoyed your videos. Thanks for the candid video. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. We follow many of the same makers and they are going through the same process right now.