Burnout Syndrome is not a myth. Even famous YouTubers have confirmed it.

A few years ago, burnout syndrome or work-life balance was an unknown concept. Today, we increasingly refer to the so-called "burnout" and in the worst cases we have to stop working completely. Burnout at work is no excuse. Selassie, Patra Bene, Duklock and Lady Zika also experienced the symptoms of burnout and it was not a pleasant experience.

Burnout syndrome is a consequence of work overload. A person then gets into a state where he cannot recover from overwork, insomnia comes, he sees the world in black and white, loses enthusiasm for work and ends up in a kind of slanted alley. These are the basic symptoms for burnout. How is it possible for a person to find himself in such a state? Imagine that you have a boss who never sleeps, constantly demands better results, and your customer is interested in more and more services, constantly reminding them. Do you think that such a boss does not exist? Not only does it exist, but you are even in daily contact with it. It's the Internet, today's most demanding employer. And since Slovak YouTubers know very well what it means to work for such an employer, we asked them about their experiences with burnout.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED A PERIOD WHEN YOU FELT LESS CREATIVE AND IT WAS MORE DIFFICULT TO INVENT NEW VIDEOS?

Selassie: Yes, I have experienced this many times since I have been making videos. The last time was this summer, when I had absolutely no desire to create for two weeks.

Patra Ben: Of course. This most often happens in a period when nothing special is happening. For example, the time between Back to School and autumn, or when I'm creating something every day and my mind desperately needs a break. But I have to admit that lately I've been demotivated by YouTube in general, what's happening there and what videos are trending.

Duklock: Sure, that comes to just about anyone in this field.

Lady Zika: I wouldn't say it was a period, but more like a momentary hangover. During my work, I always tried to draw new ideas and inspiration from my surroundings and everyday life. So I didn't have a long break from making videos. Since I'm studying a creative field, I know that sometimes I just have to think for a while, connect the connections, and an idea will come spontaneously.

DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL THAT YOU ARE UNDER PRESSURE FROM YOUR FANS WHEN CREATING?

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Selassie: Not anymore. I felt that way from the beginning, but now I create what I enjoy and then people enjoy it too. You can't create something out of compulsion, because the fans will sense that it's not authentic, but created by force.

Patra Bene:I'm always aware of the fact that I wouldn't have what I have if it weren't for the fans. That's why I care about every opinion, whether it's positive or negative. Fortunately, I have a relationship with them where I don't feel a lot of negative emotions and pressure. Of course, sometimes something happens, but that happens to people who have been following me for a short time or have just found me and don't know the reasons for some things yet.

Duklock:I mainly had that feeling when I started getting more views on my videos, but I can detach myself from it.

Lady Zika: I try to create videos that I enjoy first and foremost, whether it concerns form and content or post-processing. However, I am open to change, which is why I sometimes ask fans on livestreams or personal meetings what they would like to see from me, and if I like their suggestion, I will include it in my work. But never by force, but from my will and conviction.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST AND HELPS YOU OVERCOME NON-CREATIVE PERIODS?

Selassie: For me personally it is peace, quiet, some other hobby and travel. Just be offline for a few days and inspiration will come.

Patra Bene: I am most inspired by my surroundings, the people I spend time with and ordinary situations that happen in my life. But the people who can "kick" me the most are the aforementioned people. Either the fans and their positive reactions and enthusiasm, or Lucka, who repeatedly kicked me out of bed when I didn't want anything and wanted to give up.

Duklock: Following my favorite creators that got me started making content the way I do today. I get some new ideas and try to adapt them to my community.

Lady Zika: As I already mentioned, I don't experience very uncreative periods, but if there is a moment when I don't have ideas in my head, then I try to relax and relax. Inspiration can really be drawn from everywhere. I can be enriched by a good movie, book or music that makes me think of random connections. Sometimes I just need to walk down the street and observe people, environment and objects. I remember how I was traveling outside of Slovakia and during a routine visit to the store I noticed eggplants on the shelf. It was a very crazy idea, but I tried to make a video about it. However, if I were here in Slovakia, it would probably be more difficult for me to realize such a detour. That's why traveling is also a great inspiration for me.

DO YOU THINK THAT THE JOB OF YOUTUBER IS MORE PRONE TO BURNOUT COMPARED TO OTHER TRADITIONAL JOBS?

Selassie: What job? After all, YouTube is not a robot :D.

Patra Bene: Depending on what you mean by traditional work. If we are talking about working behind the cash register or some office work, then I think there is less chance of burnout. I think creative jobs are more prone to burnout. Singers, photographers, writers, designers and a bunch of other professions where a person has to come up with something himself and does not follow tables and regulations.

Duklock: Definitely. Many people don't know what it's like to regularly create content for such a huge audience. It requires training and strong nerves.

Lady Zika: In a way, yes, but it depends a lot on the specific creator. I know several YouTubers who couldn't continue, either because of the mentioned burnout or other problems. Since it is a creative activity, not everyone is ready and set for it.