Im 23 now and have been doing youtube full time for 2 years now but am ready for a career change. Long story short I had no idea what I was getting myself into with pursuing Youtube as a career. The algorithm, is extremely volatile.
One moment your channel can be doing very well and then the next moment it's completely dead. I went from making 4-7k a month on average last year to this year only making 1k a month currently. Back in November of last year my views just completely dropped out of nowhere and thus my income was cut over 50% as well. I imagine it was due to increased competition in my niche but also algorithm changes by Youtube. Being a full time youtuber isn't what it seems at all. Your income is extremely volatile, youre at the mercy of a very unpredictable and volatile algorithm, and you can get no benefits from it(medical , health etc.). At the end of last year, if you told me I would go from making over 60k to only making around 20k the following year I wouldve thought you were joking.
During this journey I've been in college thankfully but the problem is I don't even know what career I would have interest in pursuing in the workforce. The major im doing right now(Data Science) was a major I chose just to have a degree in something due to parental pressure to finish school and I don't have any interest in becoming a data analyst or anything like that. One thing I have learned throughout my college journey is I do enjoy math. I really liked my calculus class and am now in linear algebra and like that so far. For some reason my brain really gets satisfaction from solving math problems but that only applies for stuff that is rote memorization(liek calculus and algebra). Im not sure how that could be applied to the real world.
I have only like 30 credits left for the major so it makes sense for me to complete it rater than start something else. Im a very introverted person and like to work by myself. Any suggestions for career paths I can pivot into? I tried programming as well and also didn't like that.
My plan was to finish up school, move out of my parents house(been living at home for 2 years now) and pursue a full time living with Youtube.
I started applying to some summer 2025 internships last month for IT in hopes I can use my data science major to transition into something I could see myself being more interested in but I havent heard back from any of the internships yet. If I changed my degree it would mean another additional 2 years or even longer of living at home and trying to finish school. Im ready to start the next chapter of my life as soon as possible.
JobAdvisor:
Analyzing Your Situation and Potential Career Paths
Understanding Your Strengths and Interests:
- Mathematical Inclination: You've expressed a strong affinity for mathematics, particularly calculus and linear algebra.
- Introverted Nature: You prefer working independently.
- YouTube Experience: While challenging, your experience has provided valuable insights into content creation and online platforms.
Potential Career Paths:
Based on your skills and interests, consider these career paths:
- Quantitative Analyst: This role involves using mathematical models to analyze financial data. While it might require additional coursework, your mathematical background would be a significant asset.
- Actuary: Actuaries use mathematical models to assess financial risk in insurance and other industries. This career path often requires specialized certifications.
- Data Engineer: While you might not be passionate about programming, data engineering involves designing and building data systems. Your understanding of data and mathematics could be valuable.
- Technical Writer: This role involves creating clear and concise documentation for technical products or processes. Your ability to understand complex concepts and communicate them effectively could be a good fit.
- Product Manager (with a technical focus): This role involves overseeing the development of products. Your understanding of data and your ability to think critically could be beneficial.
Next Steps:
- Explore Your Options: Research these career paths in more detail. Talk to professionals in these fields to learn about their daily work and requirements.
- Leverage Your Network: Reach out to your professors, alumni, and industry professionals for advice and potential connections.
- Consider Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer a wide range of courses that can help you acquire new skills or specialize in a particular area.
- Continue Applying for Internships: Keep applying for internships, even if you haven't heard back from the initial ones. Persistence is key.
- Reevaluate Your Degree: If you're not enjoying your current major and the potential career paths don't align with your interests, consider switching to a more suitable program. However, weigh the pros and cons carefully, including the additional time and financial implications.
Remember, a career change can be a significant decision. Take your time to explore your options and make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and values.