by Google
A few years ago, burnout 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 quit our jobs completely. Burnout at work is no excuse. Selassie, Patra Bene, Duklock and Lady Zika have also experienced the symptoms of burnout firsthand, and it was not a pleasant experience.
Burnout syndrome is a consequence of work overload. A person then reaches a state where they cannot recover from overwork, insomnia sets in, they see the world in black and white, they lose enthusiasm for work and they end up in a kind of downward spiral. These are the basic symptoms of burnout. How is it possible for a person to find themselves 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, while constantly reminding them of them. Do you think that such a boss does not exist? Not only does it exist, but you are in daily contact with it. It is the internet, the most demanding employer today. And since Slovak YouTubers know very well what it means to work for such an employer, we asked about their experiences with burnout.
HAD YOU EXPERIENCED A PERIOD WHEN YOU FELT LESS CREATIVE AND HAD MORE HARD TO COME UP WITH NEW VIDEOS?
Selassie: Yes, I have experienced it several times since I have been creating videos. The last time was this summer, when I had absolutely no desire to create for two weeks.
Patra Bene: Of course. Most often this happens during a period when nothing special is happening. For example, the time between Back to School and autumn or when I create something every day and my mind desperately needs a break. But I have to admit that lately I've been demotivated by YouTube itself, what's going on there and what videos are trending.
Duklock: Sure, that happens to everyone in this field.
Lady Zika: I wouldn't say it was a period, but rather a temporary setback. During my work, I was always trying to draw new ideas and inspiration from my surroundings and everyday life. So I didn't have a long break from creating videos. Since I'm studying creative direction, I know that sometimes I just need to think for a while, connect the dots and an idea will come spontaneously.
DO YOU EVER FEEL UNDER PRESSURE FROM YOUR FANS WHEN CREATING?
Selassie: Not anymore. I felt that way at first, 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 if it weren't for the fans, I wouldn't have what I have. 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 had that feeling mainly when my videos started to get more views, but I can now detach myself from it.
Lady Zika: I try to create videos that primarily entertain me, whether it's about form and content or subsequent processing. However, I'm open to change, which is why sometimes during livestreams or in person meetings I ask fans what they would like to see from me and if I like their suggestion, I include it in my work. Never by force, but out of my will and conviction.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU THE MOST AND HELPS YOU OVERCOME AN UNCREATIVE PERIOD?
Selassie: For me personally, it's peace, quiet, some other hobby and traveling. Just be offline for a few days and inspiration will come.
Patra Bene: My surroundings, the people I spend time with and the ordinary situations that happen in my life can inspire me the most. But the people mentioned above can "kick me up" the most. Whether it's the fans and their positive reactions and enthusiasm or Lucka, who often kicked me out of bed when I didn't feel like doing anything and wanted to give up.
Duklock: Following my favorite creators, thanks to whom I 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 mentioned, I don't experience uncreative periods very often, but if there comes a moment when I don't have any ideas in my head, then I try to relax and relax. Inspiration can really come from everywhere. A good movie, book or music can enrich me, when I think of random connections. Sometimes all I need to do is walk down the street and observe people, the environment and objects. I remember traveling outside Slovakia and during a regular visit to a store I saw eggplant 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, the implementation and such a detour would probably be more difficult for me to implement. That's why traveling is also a great inspiration for me.
DO YOU THINK THAT THE JOB OF A YOUTUBER IS MORE PRONE TO BURNOUT COMPARED TO OTHER TRADITIONAL JOBS?
Selassie: What kind of job? YouTube is not a robot :D.
Patra Bene: It depends on what you mean by traditional work. If we're talking about working behind the cash register or some office work, I think there's less chance of burnout. I think creative jobs are more prone to burnout. Singers, photographers, writers, designers and a bunch of other professions where you have to come up with something yourself and not follow tables and regulations.
Duklock: Definitely yes. Many people don't know what it's like to create content for such a huge audience on a regular basis. It takes 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 aforementioned burnout or other problems. Since it's a creative activity, not everyone is ready and set up for it.
Burnout is an insidious condition. It comes slowly, manifests itself only after a long time, but the consequences can turn a person's life upside down. Our Slovak YouTubers also felt certain symptoms. Burnout syndrome is particularly dangerous in jobs that require creativity. However, this is not the only type of profession where work overload manifests itself in this way. On the contrary, professions where we would not expect burnout syndrome are also at risk. Social workers, clerks, or postal workers face burnout at work just like our Slovak YouTubers. What makes them different is the type of burnout that threatens them. There are several of them. Overwork burnout, Underappreciation burnout, Powerlessness burnout or creative burnout that occurs when doing creative work. Whether you're a postal worker or a writer, burnout threatens many jobs, no matter how diverse they may be.
The most important thing is not to overwork yourself for a long time and not to ignore the symptoms of burnout. Slow down your work pace so that it's not at the limit of your strength and consult an expert on how to prevent burnout.
