It's On!

I say keep the full time work. Once creators go full time on KZfaq, it becomes a game of playing the algorithm and going for lowest common denominator content. It becomes about views rather than passing valuable info. So many channels put all their eggs in the KZfaq basket and have become unwatchable because they are controlled by the whims of KZfaq. This channel is very good because it isn't beholden to views above all else.

You've interviewed a Prime Minister and still consider this your side job. That is what true power looks like.

Thank you Richard for the shoutout! 🙏It was SUCH a pleasure to finally meet you in person! You were a HUGE inspiration for me to start my own channel and I don't think I've missed a video in 7 years! 🙌They say "never meet your heroes" but I've met Richard and I can attest that he's even nicer than he seems online! 😊

> "I like money" I was not prepared for this level of intimate knowledge of Mr. Bagel today.

Part of why I watch you is because you have a full time job. It makes it feel like your content is much less bloated or sensationalized because you don’t need to rely solely on KZfaq for your income.

One of the biggest draws for me to your channel is the lack of hype and bells-and-whistles. Plain Bagel! It's refreshing to listen to a professional who puts out content to inform and educate the public without an obvious ulterior motive. Keep up the great work!

This is why we like you Richard - you've got your head screwed on right. Why chase someone else's perception of a "dream job" as a full time KZfaqr when you've already got the actual dream setup: a fulfilling job, an enjoyable hobby that earns you some extra income, and work-life balance. Chasing the algorithm as a full time career leads to perverse incentives and outcomes. Audiences have seen it time and time again on this website. From my audience perspective, I think your content is so high quality, trustworthy, and respectable because you aren't so fully beholden to the algorithm. So keep doing life your way man. That's what drew me here.

Only piece of advice I can impart is: Increase your stamina, you are younger than Patrick Boyle so use that to your advantage. You can outwork him in the boxing ring.

I prefer KZfaqrs like yourself who have a separate full time job and create videos because they’re genuinely passionate about the subject matter rather than trying to game the algorithm. Hope you keep at it!

Your 'refined' editing style is appreciated. I watch your videos to activate the knowledge part of my brain, not the flashy lights part of my brain.

Hey Richard, it was great to meet you at the Blossom event in Toronto. I wish we got more time to chat! I'll share my perspective, for what it's worth. When you do KZfaq full time, it does become more of a stressful grind. I was talking to Nate O'Brien, and he said one of the benefits of him leaving KZfaq was that he no longer has the feeling of always needing to make a video, or thinking about the next video. I don't know if you get this feeling, but when I left my job and became a KZfaqr full time, I definitely felt/feel it. It makes it challenging to truly enjoy vacations, or even take a break from working. I always feel like I need to have another video in the works, and if I don't I get stressed. Additionally, as you mentioned, KZfaq income is extremely volatile, and you need to play the algorithm. This is why most KZfaqrs (myself included), have other sources of income, like a Patreon, a book, or a course. The best KZfaq strategy is to actually not have your KZfaq income be your main source of income, because you have no control over it. I know that courses and books have a very bad reputation from KZfaqrs, especially in finance, but I do understand why people make them. (I myself wrote a book and have a Patreon community.) I think you can do these things right, though, and truly add value by doing your best for the people who support you. Anyways, I think I just went on a tangent, but my point is it does turn into a full time job that is more risky, volatile, uncertain, and stressful. It's not for everyone, and it's not easy. You sound extremely happy and comfortable with your job, the amount you post (every 2 weeks), and your work/KZfaq/life balance. So I guess the question for me is, why change it? What are the benefits? What are the pros and cons? It's absolutely incredible what you have achieved and built while working a full time job, and it really seems to be working for you, and it's amazing to watch. I'm not trying to talk you out of it by any means. At the end of the day, you should do what's best for you. I am just sharing my perspective and how becoming a full time KZfaqr has felt for me. Don't get me wrong, either. I love it. I love the chaos, making videos, building an audience, having a voice, getting invited to events, etc. There are A LOT of perks, and for me, those perks outweigh all the negatives, which is why I still do it. I have no idea if this will be useful, haha. But there's my perspective. I know you'll make the right choice for you :)

There is a reason why you are the only finance KZfaqr that I watch. I don't want exciting editing, I don't want a guru, I don't want dozens of videos (I'm also a father) - I want a boring, professional, level-headed info.

Waiting to see Patty Boyle’s response to this spicy bagels callout

it’s fine, we get it… 2x the income = 2x the lambos in the garage

Appreciate the "one video every 2 weeks" schedule. It's great in the "if everything is important to know, nothing is important to know" sense

cant wait for the beef between the biggest finance KZfaqr and the biggest rap KZfaqr to get physical

A lot of my favorite "content creators" are those that had "real" jobs first because they often seem to be less disconnected than those who became world famous when they were like 20. I appreciate that you don't have the added bias of needing the financial success on KZfaq, so I don't have to be as worried about you being sponsored by something shady like BetterHelp. Keep up the good work, both here and at your day job!

My takeaway: “I like money” Got it Richard 👍 Love your work dude full or part time.

Thanks for making this video. I went full-time in 2021, and I agree with literally everything you said in this video. I sometimes consider going back to teaching, but I do worry that school districts would be wary to hire a "public figure" if that invites even the slightest bit of controversy.

Keep doing what feels right: what you're passionate about is always the right play (in life, in general).

Keep the path! Your Channel being free from conflicts of interest through sponsors has lent a lot of credibility and respect to your content that other channels can never replicate, even if it does mean less efficient monetization

I support whatever decision you make! Your channel has really helped me and I have enjoyed it the last 5 years I have been following you. You're the real deal and your day job keeps you grounded.

I became a registered representative (S7 and 63) in the US after the pandemic. In my customer service role at a few companies the last few years I’ve always referred customers who want to truly learn more about finance to your channel. You do excellent work and I think the fact you work in the industry adds real credence to your videos, (and though I doubt you’d ever do it) and keeps you from saying some of the outlandish stuff that other finance content creators who don’t work in the industry get away with. You’re great, keep up the great work!

I love when creators produce content that is almost entirely a passion project. It’s whatever the opposite of a sell out is.

Keep doing what you are doing! I agree that you being in the industry helps keep the quality high. Thanks for being rad

The longer I am online, the more and more and more I truly appreciate and value the people - like yourself - who post from a perspective outside of internet culture, which has only gotten more insufferable, populist and click driven. What we NEED is anybody who can't "this is not financial advice" their way out of accountability for the blatant financial advice they give, or at least anybody who isn't comfortable with it. I would rather see fewer uploads to accommodate your other obligations than see more posts because you went full-time here.

Your integrity is precisely why i watch. If you became a full time KZfaqr, i would likely stop. Unless you managed to stay true to yourself and just share information without needing me to support your lifestyle. There lies the path to corruption, and loss of trust. I appreciate that you're a real person with a real job that shares real knowledge and facts without trying to grift me for personal gain. Also you make for great listening while i do physical labor, great voice and delivery. Thanks sir

It’s always important to prioritize what’s important. The fact that you love your job and can do KZfaq as a hobby that makes you money as well is a great blessing! Your content is some of the most level headed on this platform, and I’m glad to see more of it

Richard, you do you. Keep your job. The channel is great, as it is. All the best.

I love his intros, where he unexcitedly says "you´re watching the plain bagel". Always in a boring tone, almost like saying this isn´t were neither of us wanted to be this evening. Authenticity is the strength of this man!

The lack of flashy-ness is one of the reasons I like this channel. In pretty much every field right now, finance included, it feels like there's way too much emphasis on things like marketing, trend-chasing, appeals to emotion, style over substance, etc. Anything just to get clicks, basically. Your part-time information-focused videos have been a breath of fresh air from all that, so if you're happy with your current job, then I see no reason to change it. Keep up the good work!

I'm glad you decided to make this video, it is a good way to let people know how you see and want to use your channel. I always found your channel to be informative and enjoy your presentation style and humor. Looking forward to your next topic, whatever it winds up being.

I do miss the animations, but the content is always solid 👍🏽

I'm an accountant and work in finance. This is one of the few good and more importantly accurate channels. Keep it up. PS - I am also Canadian so sorry for the bias :P

I think there is no need to publish more. Just because your videos are well balanced and well researched and focusing on the topic at a deeper level, makes me cherish every time you post it. I tend to rewatch your videos twice as the Content you provide is just top notch.

Being authentic and sincere is the main thing i like about you vs others, so keep doing what you're doing on your own terms man!

Been watching for a few years, I really appreciate the new style of videos. The point you made about your job working in concert with your KZfaq is especially true; having a finance professional that clearly knows what they're talking about make videos on whatever he wants is all the channel needs. It is refreshing to get a real, unbiased view on whatever topic without feeling like tacky edits or sketchy products are being shoved down my throat. Smart guy in front of a camera talking about stuff he wants to share is an unbeatable formula, love the channel and I always look forward to seeing your videos in my feed.

You’re almost a million!!! Congrats bro. You deserve it. God bless

The thing that brought me to your channel was the fact that you WEREN'T hocking this stock or that stock. You were bringing up issues and items as to WHY something happened or what was going on with the economy. It was several videos in before I even realized you were in Canada! Good for you! You do your country proud! I just like hearing someone talking finance - not 'buy my stock' like a lot of people do. As a neighbor to the south I look forward to someone who really has an outside view about what is going on down here and around the world and how it may effect me. Don't worry about graphs or flashy animation, Your delivery and the information you provide is enough for me. Best of luck in the future, and remember, nothing is more important than your family (Wife AND Kids).

Cause not everyone needs to be a full time content creator, plus if its a great job, it keeps you up to date with things

Great point about not knowing how long the KZfaq gravy train will keep running. Doing KZfaq full-time is a more precarious position than is often acknowledged.

A significant part of why I like this channel and watch every video for the last... 4? years. Is that you aren't chasing the trends. When you have something to say I know it's worth listening to. And that's valuable to me because I know there will never be a "chaff" episode.

This is a great video once again. Thanks. Always enjoy your videos, especially the down-to-earth approach. Stay the course and keep up the great work!

In the wake of many youtubers burning out, it's great that you don't want to get there. If you're holding yourself back from posting more then by all means try to, but otherwise keep doing what you're doing! A middle ground could be reducing the hours in your "day job" so you don't burn the candle at both ends as much, and have actual free time.

Im glad you can achieve such balance in your life. Keep up the great work on the channel and dont ever feel bad with a slower release schedule, it really does make your content feel more like a treat instead of the absolute deluge that other full time creators get forced into.

Good for you Richard, things do change in the financial world and having a front-row seat (i.e. a job) is grounding and fodder for new material in the long run. Really appreciate your perspective and hope you have decades of content ahead of you (along with Mr. Boyle, another one of my favourites). Wishing you and your family all the best. Cheers.

Love your channel and the info and your presentation style and clear explanations. You have a gift for teaching so I will watch as long as you produce content. I loved the animations but also like the "plain" ones with just you talking and the occasional injection of a funny sound effect or meme. I wish you the best on whichever you choose Richard, I certainly appreciate what you have already done and hope you continue to follow your passions in front of or off of the camera. Cheers from North Carolina in the US!!

Love this. People with FT jobs and then make KZfaq their full-time job inevitably comprise: they have to. Full-time job and then share/give back to the world on social media allows you to offer way more, makes you a legitimate/credible authority, makes you well-rounded, and you make the world a better place.

I just listen to your videos as a podcast so I didn’t even know you stopped doing the small animations

i love that your channel is so simple and no-nonsense. i know what to get when i come here and i get exactly that, so really happy that you have balance both in work and life, hopefully you keep enjoying what you do!

While I do miss the animations for sure I do also enjoy the simplicity on the flip side. I think it’s been wonderful to have the insight you bring in either mode!

Bagel v Boyle, let's make the Clash of Finance Nerds happen! 😂

Your channel makes 2 types of videos 1. This is how markets or a specific investing tool works 2. Market current events and industry accepted investing principles and analysis I love both styles. Seems like the how markets work videos require more animation. I would never want you to burn out doing the how markets work type of videos (that require more animation) to sacrifice the honest expert analysis of current speculative events in comparison to industry standards. Those are like a gold nugget in a cropfield for any investing content. So glad you are focusing on sustainability. Love the content and thanks for helping me and others invest consistently and efficiently

Love the work, and the content has aged like a fine wine. It has really matured, and it's instructive without being too dry. Really just an overall great channel.

The animations help me when the topics are more complex but most of the time I am just listening to your videos while doing other things at the same time. :) thank you!! Really great work!

Been watching your content for a while, and for context, I watch Perun videos. Literally PowerPoint presentation style videos. I think a lot of people listen to KZfaq more than they're watching. The style change hasn't bothered me at all. And I'm a dad who also works 76 hour weeks, I get it. I'm certain the content is more important to your type of viewers than the animation.

Reason number one seals it. If you find what you’re doing now fulfilling and satisfying, then keep doing that. Diversification is key, and you have that right now, and it sounds like your employer is pretty cool. If you close off your employment and go full time KZfaq, you’re upping your concentration risk. On top of that, the “hobby” aspect that makes KZfaq enjoyable will go away once your dependence on it grows. You’re your own person, of course, so not only do you get to do whatever makes you happy, but you might not go the same path as everyone else who’s taken the full time KZfaq route. This is good, because most channels that get big and have a big following on the way up because they’re genuine and interesting and their content is enjoyable, quickly become insufferable when they go KZfaq all the time, because they need more content, thus increasing the quantity of posts, which nearly guarantees a decline in quality, plus the habits you need to do to up your engagement and income levels to make the full time shift worth it. You do you my man, but from the sounds of your own words, you’re (currently anyways) sitting in the sweet spot. Both for you and your fan base.

Great video, I have been a long time watcher of the channel. As someone who has a much smaller personal finance youtube channel as well I have always appreciated that you have not been "bought out" where as many other KZfaqrs have.

I enjoy your videos as is. Your delivery, humor, humility make the videos shine. I agree about the synergy of your two roles. If life gets busy and you have to post less, so be it. Your work is worth waiting for.

Love your stuff boss :')

I see financial full time youtuber that post 2 to 3 videos per week seems to be re-hashing always the same content... I tend to tune out of those channels because the quality seems to suffer. If I were you I would keep your job, especially if you still enjoy it.

I just enjoy your videos and never thought about how it evolved over time. Just stay as authentic, down to earth with the great sense of humor. Do it the way that feels right for you 😊!

not a long term viewer, or someone who usually watches finance videos - but I want to say, I really, really loved this video. this was my first introduction to your channel and it's really refreshing and encouraging to see this perspective. thanks so much for posting it!

Put me in as another vote for you keeping your full-time job. What I like about this channel is the lack of having to play the algorithm, engage in clickbait, create filler content, and so on. It feels more authentic and accurate than most finance youtubers as a result.

because yt doesn't pay that's why, also after/if you lose popularity you won't be out of the game

Been watching since GME and I’ve always loved the straightforward info dumping. Keep up the good work you’re making a difference 🙏🙏📈

One of my favourite KZfaqrs - you’ve got the balance beautifully set. More power to you Richard.

I love the content you put out and would absolutely watch more of it if given the chance. Keep up the awesome work!

Honeslty I like the simple editing style. And I do love creators who are professionals who do YT on the side, talking about the area of their expertise. It's an amazing niche, and each one of them is a treat to listen to (including the Plain Bagel!)

I discovered your channel recently and subscribed immediately. Your style is distinct , easy to understand for beginners like me and I appreciate that.

Seems smart to me you make some valid points great reasoning for keeping a job alongside the channel, been watching for a few years now. Keep them coming when you can.

As a long term viewer, I would say you have 'matured' Richard. I think you have made the right decision; as someone who watched your videos as an amateur 30 year old investing personally for the first time, through to having being bitten by the bug so much I retrained, and now have been advising retail clients for 18 month. I've learnt so much from you, and ultimately, I trusted what you were saying because you didn't need to say something dramatic to sell me something or keep me coming back for more. Your understated style is a reflection of your impartiality, and I thank you for it. Much love from the UK. JB

That was a fantastic explanation about a wonderful situation you have created for yourself. The interacting influence is between your work, your interest in this channel is a huge benefit to us viewers. Makes me trust you more.

I love the videos and appreciate your level headed commentary on finance topics as a professional, keep up the quality uploads that come occasionally!

really like the honesty of this channel and this channel feels like you are having a 1v1 talk with the viewer thank you for all the help you bring us and explaining things to us

Great video! You’ve got the perfect balance I think, and echoing the other comments it’s one of the reasons I watch your channel. It’s so easy to see other KZfaqrs fall off the hamster wheel with burnout, whereas you get to enjoy what you do as a hobby - albeit a very successful one - and still be learning in your day job. Sounds perfect to me 🎉

Long term viewer here, and I think you're one of my favourite KZfaqrs. Happy to hear you enjoy making these videos, and you have a good spot for them in your life :) As for the animation style, I'm just here for your opinions and insight, doesn't really matter how it is presented :)

I really admire your focus on ethics, truth and getting the facts straight. You’ve consistently been one of my favorite channels to get a notification from, so thank you for all the work you’ve put into keeping up with important financial news. I respect your decision to put less time into editing, having kids and a day job seems like a handful already!

I subscribed to so many finance channels during the pandemic but you are one of the few ones I still follow.

For what it's worth, your channel is the ONLY finance channel I watch on KZfaq. Love it, keep going 😁👍

Love your channel for the content and your personality. Keep doing what you’re doing, there is a lot of temptation to do more until you burn out. Sustaining your content will be better in the long run!

Awesome! I knew you know your stuff but being awarded a CFA & CFP is major!! Kudos & keep up the great work!!!👍

I really enjoyed hearing the ethos behind your choices. I’ve been watching for a while and have been pleasantly surprised at the consistency of your channel/brand, and it seems like that is due in part to you keeping your job. There are only a few channels across my many KZfaq interests that I consistently watch the content of and yours is one of them. I really appreciate the level headedness, the accuracy, and timeliness of your videos. I never feel as if the topics are simply a reason to create additional content, but they do communicate your genuine interest. That makes it really easy for me to be sure that the video will be worth my click. I feel as if with many creators across niches that dedicate to full time gain some quality in the beginning of their transition but eventually lose steam, and have to resort to selling courses/books/merch to diversify their income. Overall, I really enjoy your work, and totally support your reasoning. Also as a member of gen z, thank you for your “refined” editing style and not over editing your videos to keep our attention. I’m all for getting an editor to allow you to spend more time with your family, but hope they keep that similar, to the point style.

I really appreciate the quality of the content regardless of the visual effects. Thanks for helping us learn always a little bit more about finance! 🌱

Good video Richard. Ironically, those are some of the very reasons why I like your channel. I scrolled back through all your titles. I didn't see one clickbait title. I like the simple presentation of information. The fact that you worked this as a day job I think lends you immense credibility. Finally, the fact that you don't have to pump out content constantly makes the content that you do deliver more useful and interesting. Thank you for your effort and I look forward to more of your content in the future.

This is video is EXACTLY what I needed. I have a new channel with fitness related content that I juggle with my job and parenting responsibilities. Hearing your process and the level of success your channel has had is very reassuring

New viewer here! I'm a licensed financial advisor in the US and have been doing it for just over a decade now. I love watching your videos because I know I'm getting the information on a topic I'm interested in that's related to my field, with clear, concise information! Thank you for all you do!

Every point you made makes so much sense for your situation. Glad that you have managed to get the balance to work and keep doing what you are doing!

Your explanations, pro's and con's were simple, rational and crystal clear as always. Only thing I personally keep as guideline: keep a proper work life balance. Protect yourself from a burnout etc. Keep up doing a great job with the channel.

Been a follower for years now, probably have already experienced the few transitions to different intros already lol I think the editor thing is a must have. You can then do more talking with ideas while not having to worry to polish the finish product. Also because the catchy animations you did back then really made learning more fun and easier while keeping it simple and straight to the point.

Newer viewer to the channel, love it! That is all. Glad to see you're doing what makes the most sense for you! Also I do like it that you just present useful information in an understandable way and don't have to fit into the normal "full time KZfaqr model" with stupid click bait thumbnails and titles and an over the top presentation. That crap turns me off channels!

Keep doing what you want and like to do. If its both, daytime/youtube, then as long you don’t damage much on your priorities, stay gold as you are. Thanks for the great videos!

Loved this video. In my book, you are the coolest dude on youtube. You are so authentic, such an awesome grounded character, great sense of humor, just ultra-cool nerdy dude. We are all so lucky that you decided to spend your free time as a creator on youtube 🙂 PS yes, I do miss the old animation style, but you made the right choice, having enough time for your kids and wife is so much more important.

A grounded, well thought out, and nuanced answer. That approach to these videos has established this channel as my trustworthy go-to for professional knowledge in the finance area. Sometimes it's difficult to put into words how I sort out the nonsense sensationalism on social media from quality content. I definitely had a "eureka!" moment when stumbling upon your videos; they somehow both entertain and meaningfully increase my understanding of valuable knowledge.

Keep the passion Richard! Thanks for all your work

Long time viewer here. Your day job and passion for the subject definitely makes your channel more genuine.

I've been watching you for years and can only say I've loved your content at every point. The format almost doesn't matter, you do a great job of presenting the information in an understandable way regardless

I’m a regular viewer. Thank you for sharing this. I love the current format. I think fewer, but higher quality is better. Keep it up!

I like that you are not full time on KZfaq and not forcing content. I really appreciate your unbiasedness and meticulousness. God bless you Brother!