Life Update - I'm Not Doing Well

Thanks for listening, friends. Look out for the Selena Gomez movie review - it's gonna be a doozie.

▼▼▼▼ BE MY FRIEND ▼▼▼▼

[CharlotteDobre]

Girl posting daily content is hard! I have a good team behind me that runs like a machine and the content I’m making is different from yours. I could never post every day if I edited myself, I let them have complete creative control. Don’t be hard on yourself! If you ever wanna chat about this, don’t hesitate to reach out.

[opheliamunroe]

Whenever I notice a creator isn't as active I just rewatch old videos. It lets them know we're still here and still enjoying their content even if they aren't posting every week or SEVERAL times a week. If you like a creator the best thing you can do is treat them like a real person.

Jamie I hope things look up for you soon. I hope you get the rest you need and I'm sorry things aren't going well for you mentally.

Sending my love and support
XxxxX

[lizbiz]

Your mental health comes first. Please take care of yourself, we'll be here when you're ready. 💜

[dianeeby-baker]

From an old lady, almost 63 who obviously went through, what? half my life without all this... (nevertheless became a techi freak and love all kinds of art) you will NEVER please everyone, there are people out there who are just mean or jealous or love drama. YOU ARE ENOUGH! NOONE CAN DO IT ALL! Those that appear to, have help. You do what makes you happy and what you enjoy and what you have time for. Trust me when I say, when you get to be my age you will not say I wish I had worked more...

[OliviaSmiles]

Hey Jaime! I’m the flight attendant fan you ran into recently in O’Hare; you were such a doll and I’ll remember meeting you for the rest of my life. Im sorry you’re feeling stuck/worn out/overwhelmed. It seems like the hamster wheel of life just keeps turning, whether our feet are under us or not. I hope you’re able to somehow find a balance or a way to release the pressure as it builds up. We’ll watch whatever content you are able to create, and support you during the times that you can’t. Sending you the kindest wishes ❤️

[budderandjillytoons]

The title should have been "I am doing well" because this level of honesty, self-awareness, and realism it's rare and priceless, and will be something you can build on as you make a healthier schedule for yourself.

[CTrax]

All locking arms and circling around Jamie's camp... we must protect her at all costs!

[lynniec]

Girl, the monotone voice, the deadpan delivery ....it's a mood, and it's unique. Don't change a thing.

[blizzair]

I’m kind of shocked people think you don’t post here enough; you post all the time! And I would still watch even if you didn’t. Some of my favorite creators make like 3 videos a year.

Take care of yourself. I can’t imagine the pressure of trying to come up with new ideas, write about them, film them, edit them, all on a consistent basis. You’re putting in work. We appreciate you ❤

[colezlifeunfiltered]

Also can we all just praise Jamie for always being so transparent about everything that's going on behind the scenes! I wish more YouTubers were like this.

[AtAuntOlives]

Hi Jaime, I’m a manager/project manager for a team of production designers and technical content creators and I can empathize with you on a personal and professional level. I love your content and have always appreciated the production value! I know for our work, we are consistently trying to balance our professional quality vs. scalability vs. profitability. It’s a constantly changing formula and it can be exhausting. If you were on my team, here are some things I’d tell you in a one-on-one.

1 - Thank you! I love your content and you have filled many of my rushed mornings with a bit of levity and nostalgia. I’m happy to have found your channel!

2 - No one in an audience “deserves” regular content from any artist or creator. You’re not a graphic artist, architect, hired musician, or some other type of professional providing a contracted service. Art/content should be viewed at the discretion, context, and timing of the creator. No matter how much we in the audience want your obviously entertaining content, you don’t owe it to us. I’m grateful for the work you’ve done and the enjoyment it’s brought me! Also, similarly, we don’t need/deserve an explanation video 💛 I am glad if this helps you connect with your audience or creates space for whatever you have (or don’t have) next in your channel.

3 - Starting and slowing, pausing, or discontinuing a project is a normal part of any business life cycle. It shouldn’t be viewed as a failure if your original intentions weren’t met. I’ve been a project manager for 10 years and have two professional project management certifications. Not a single project I have ever worked on has gone exactly to scope. Life is far too complex for that. Resources, funding, timing, risks, quality constraints, priority, etc are constantly changing. It is normal to learn as you go and adapt your plan to your current situation. From what I can see, you’ve tried several different varieties of content and continue to innovate. This is great! It will keep your brand, content, and audience fresh. It is also probably unrealistic to produce all of them at the same level of quality you would like. It is totally appropriate to experiment and then focus on the ones that are a priority to you.

4 - Sounds like a combination of platform and algorithms contribute greatly to the profitability/sustainability of your business. It is normal, ok, and appropriate to prioritize content that does well with these conditions (and therefore keeps your business running). You aren’t a sellout if you focus on content that performs well or use business practices that allow you to scale the amount/type of content you produce, or to have a sustainable work/life balance. E.g. hiring editors. Imagine if the same person was performing and editing every TV show we watched! We’d have like…no TV.

4 - No one is creative 100% of the time. That’s totally normal and OK. That’s why late shows and news shows literally have teams of writers…and multiple hosts, and bands to banter with, and guests. The burden of being the creative personality is spread around. If you want to put out content that requires less creative bandwidth, I’d happily watch you put on makeup or anything like that 😊 I’ve also really enjoyed this video and the Ozempic video where you are just talking about something that matters to you. Not sure what the stats say, but these have been the most engaging for me.

5 - What shitty assholes people are leaving these comments! I’m so so sorry 😔 And YouTube for the approach to copyright infringement and fair use! How demoralizing. I so feel I’m missing out as a viewer too.

Thank you Jaime again! I so hope this part of your life resolves into something that is realistically challenging, fulfilling, and sustainable for you.

[Chamomile]

You are basically writing, producing, directing and acting in your own tv show!! Its amazing you do so much.

[theadventuresofabirdandafi]

As someone who was sobbing in her bed with two toddlers sobbing on top of her in a dogpile not two hours ago, I appreciate your vulnerability so much. It made me feel much less alone tonight.

[chasemorrisette]

I've lost my husband in March. I've been in a spiral and i found your channel, i've watched everything of yours. You've been such a bright light in my life. I love your content so much. Your movie reviews help me forget the pain and struggle I'm going through. Thank you for everything you do. Take care of yourself and please know that your work doesn't go unnoticed, it is helping people. Even if it feels like it doesn't matter, it does. I'm not here for specifics, like your reviews. I'm here for you. Your personality is why I watch. I don't feel sad with you. I would wait a month for your next video bc it gives me something to look forward to.

[pushinguproses]

Jaime: I’ve been on YouTube for about 13 years. I understand how hard it is, but I need you to hear me: you put out a LOT of content, faster than any other creator I watch. So when you say “I can’t do it fast enough”, that breaks my heart. Please don’t drown in this pressure, because as YouTuber to YouTuber, you do amazingly. Some of the best creators out there, my favorites, don’t post for months (Drew Gooden comes to mind, HBomberguy, etc), and they still find success. Sometimes I post one video a month, and yeah, obviously I get less hits, but it’s not enough to drag my channel down. I do understand having a block; I find the copyright claim issue to hinder my creativity, it’s SO deflating. Every video of mine gets clocked and it drains me every time. I appeal every time and I’ve never not won, so that’s become a part of my routine now. It sucks, I hate it, it gives me anxiety every time. In terms of comments: don’t be afraid to blacklist certain words. The comment section should be a welcoming place for viewers, so if you need to moderate it like that, do it. Most of the time, when I feel the way you’re describing, it means I need to recharge, especially if I am blocked. Sometimes my brain is just overstimulated to the point where I feel like I need to do everything, so I do nothing because it’s compounding. I think your idea of taking a day off, a REAL day off, it great. Remember: willpower is overrated, you gotta FORCE IT. Force yourself to take a day, stay in bed, get some comfort food, and watch dumb movies. It will help if you commit to it and not guilt yourself into working (something I am a pro at these days.) Reach out if you ever need anything or just want to talk shop. <3

Edit: Wow, I say “every time” a lot in this post. This is what happens when you have burnt out creator brain.

[katherinegetchell]

New subscriber here: my 2 cents for what it’s worth.

1. I’m sorry this is so overwhelming and complicated. You explained the situation very clearly. These seem like tough situations without clear solutions.

2. 100% agree about not changing your style by “editing less.” At the end of the day, you’re making content you’re proud of.

3. As a new fan, I’ve been watching your back catalog. You’re really talented, funny, and relatable. Im sorry you get scary and hateful comments. So uncalled for.

Wishing you the best as you navigate everything ❤

[RibsIsTouchin]

Just because you chose this job doesn’t mean you should just be able to handle the cancer that people can be. I’ve watched you for years and laughed and copied makeup looks and fallen asleep to your movie review playlists I’ve made and appreciate you so much. This may not be a helpful message, but you’re appreciated! So very much. Thank you for being Jaime French. No one else can be you! ❤️💜 I’m sorry I can’t help you more. I really really would! Thanks again.

[abramova.a_style]

From the moment I discovered you, I couldn't figure out why that extremely talented woman (who's the funniest woman alive) isn't a top YouTube with millions of subscribers. Still, now I see that the most gifted people are the ones who doubt themselves the most and come through tough times. Jaime, we love you, and you're one of the best people. Knowing you and enjoying your art is such a blessing, and despite being pretty big already, your big moment is ahead. You're amazing, and you deserve all the love!

[JenSpen]

I come here for the QUALITY of your videos, NOT the QUANTITY. I know my one little comment isn't going to change how you feel overall, but I hope you know that there are those of us who know that the work you and your team puts in consists of long hours and unending editing! Many think it is as easy as recording, saving, and uploading, but that's the bare bones. And your editing is BRILLIANT, whether you do it yourself or you've inspired your team to do it.... you and your team are absolutely amazing. I never understood the opinion that youtubers have to do a certain amount of content to be a "real youtuber." Nonsense!! I follow so many channels for so many reasons, but one reason that NEVER factors in is quantity of content. Period. Hang in there! So many of us just want to laugh with you. ♥

[erinquirk]

Imagine what a world it would be if quality over quantity would be valued on social media. You have been one of my favorites for years. Sending hugs.