Is Making YouTube Your Career Wisely Decided Without a College Degree?
Recently on a popular forum, a user posed a question: 'My parents said if I can get 50k on YouTube by next year, I don’t have to go to university. Would you help.' This raises an interesting conundrum: is it wise to pursue a career in YouTube without a college degree?
Limitations of YouTube as a Career
YouTube, with its vast potential, has certainly disrupted the traditional job market. Many creators have managed to live off their content, inspiring countless others to chase their aspirations. However, is it truly a sustainable career path, especially without a college degree?
Firstly, it is important to recognize that jobs on YouTube are heavily dependent on external factors. No company, despite its size or influence, operates in a bubble. A sudden economic downturn or changes in market trends can quickly dent the income of creators. Moreover, the very nature of content creation on platforms like YouTube is highly susceptible to changes in content algorithms and trends, both of which are beyond individual control. For instance, a shift in audience preferences or a change in the way platforms rank content can significantly impact earnings. Hence, making YouTube your only source of income can prove risky.
Your Support as a Backup Plan?
Many might argue that if you can establish a steady income on YouTube, you can use it as a support structure while pursuing higher education. Indeed, there are numerous examples of creators who have managed to balance YouTube work and education. However, these success stories often come with caveats. Staying in school while creating content requires a significant amount of time and energy, and success is not guaranteed for all. Moreover, the academic pursuit itself can be challenging, even for those with a dedicated content creation schedule.
Given that YouTube's income is not a surefire path to a stable future, the argument for pursuing a college degree as a fallback plan gains strength. A college degree offers more than just financial security; it provides a diverse set of skills, networks, and resources that can support you in various aspects of life and career. Even if you eventually switch to a full-time YouTube career, the experience and knowledge gained from higher education can be invaluable.
Opportunities to Combine Both Paths
It is worth noting that one does not have to choose between making YouTube their career or getting a college degree. Many creators successfully integrate the two, using their educational background to enhance their content and skills. For example, a psychology degree can provide a unique perspective in mental health content on YouTube, or a business degree can help in understanding and optimizing content for better revenue generation.
Multifaceted skills can also open up more doors in the entertainment industry. Being both a content creator and a knowledgeable individual with a college degree can provide you with a competitive edge in the job market. Moreover, educational institutions often offer programs tailored for working professionals, allowing you to gain a degree while working part-time or even having side projects like YouTube.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while YouTube offers incredible opportunities for young talents, it is wise to consider the long-term implications and potential risks. Making it your primary source of income without a college degree might be a risky move, as it lacks the stability and backup options that an academic qualification provides. However, combining YouTube with educational pursuits can offer a more balanced and secure future. For those who wish to pursue a career on YouTube, balancing work and studies can be a prudent strategic choice.