Living in vibrant London after nine years in the quaint charm of Cambridge feels like being dropped into a whirlwind of excitement and expenses. Suddenly, my social calendar is brimming, much like the bustling streets around me. The biggest leap, however, has been setting up the studio. This fancy new office, with its heaps of natural light and space, stands as a commitment—both exciting and terrifying—to my creative journey. Renting this space costs an eye-watering £13,000 a month with VAT, a price tag that hovers over every decision, making the stakes feel real and the leap substantial. There’s a newfound thrill in having saved this corner of the city exclusively for creativity, where the initial buyer’s remorse is quashed by the potential for ROI—(return on investment, if you will) from turning dreams into reality.
This foray also means no more filming from the comfort of home, adding a degree of separation between work and living spaces. It’s a huge lifestyle change spurred by the realization that, ironically, the traditional nine-to-five isn’t so bad. The appeal lies in routine, a fixed place to arrive at and leave from, keeping work life distinct from personal life. As grand as this setup is, significant changes are afoot. There’s a team hustle as personnel grows from eight to nearly twenty. Each role, each salary elevates the pressure. There’s this balance to maintain between manageable costs and growth, as the team expands to fill voids in expertise—a necessity when juggling even more projects like the Part-Time YouTuber Academy.
Hiring surges have their quirks, like having 19 people when a YouTuber’s convention had me questioning the necessity. But as reality sinks in, the business grows, and it’s the behind-the-scenes complexities that require more hands. Each team member now eases the load—whether it’s folks dedicated to the YouTube Academy or dedicated videographers whose contribution is yet to be finalized. The essence of this team dynamic isn’t just numbers on paper; it’s creating a support system capable of handling growth. More specifically, it’s about building an agile environment where creativity flourishes, free from mundane admin nightmares.
Speaking of creativity, there’s been a notable addition: The Deep Dive Podcast, a dream realized. It’s a fledgling project where beautifully candid, long-form chats with intriguing guests offer perspectives I relish. It’s a platform that shifts focus from myself to the stories of others—echoing the transition seen in giants like Tim Ferriss. This shift promises longevity, moving away from a self-focused narrative to one enriched by fascinating dialogues with others offering value. The fun lies in these conversations, keeping up the zest in creating content without the pressurized, often rigid structures of other life forms.
The future holds reimagining the studio space into a filming haven, laden with greenery and pastels that resonate comfort. This studio isn’t just an office; it’s the heartbeat of endless possibilities, where ideas brim, and stories come to life. Although seemingly mundane, the vision involves turning bare walls into an inspiring backdrop, much like the stories born within its confines.
Among these evolutions, there are constants, like The Part-Time YouTuber Academy, lining up its fourth cohort. Having evolved over a year, it’s remarkable to see it reach over $2 million in revenue—a testament to creative expression transforming into financial sustenance. That said, one can’t shake the fear of relying too heavily on one cornerstone. Like any wise endeavor, diversifying is key. Thus, new courses are developing alongside a massive pile of moving boxes labeled “potential.”
This momentum prompts reflection on the ultimate goals for both content and life. Medium and long-term planning wrestles with ambition and practicality, each vying for dominance. Aspirations transform from abstract “more” to structured visions, peppered with concerns over balancing niche content versus varied interests. It’s a tug-of-war between what does well statistically and what provides personal satisfaction—a perennial conundrum for many creative spirits.
Organizational design comes into play—designing a team structure that aligns with overarching aims without suffocating individuality. Clarity is crucial in mapping out roles and responsibilities within a young, savvy team still learning the ropes. This organization isn’t just corporate jargon; it’s a cornerstone of sustaining creativity amid exponential growth.
The traditional concept of success morphs from revenue targets to intangible, enriching benchmarks. Meaningful work, fun, and profitability are the trifecta driving each day. All the while, the ebb and flow between medicine and creation prompts introspection—opting to focus on teaching due to its fulfilling nature. Although the prospect of putting aside a medical career is daunting, the pull of passionate teaching outweighs unfinished résumés and societal expectations.
The essence of this journey? Balancing ambition with authenticity, revenue with creativity, and growth with groundedness. Each challenge faced is also an opportunity, woven together like a novel chapters, each a testament to self-discovery in uncharted territories. While business coaches prompt numerical targets, filling a life with contentment, curiosity, and growth feels far more rewarding. The overarching message remains: chase the journey, not just the destination.