Everything is OK!
Added 2023-02-18 16:20:32 +0000 UTCI've been getting a lot of messages checking if I'm OK. Top reasons for worry:
* Lizzid peeple kidnapped me
* Abducted by aliens
* Fell into Mel's Hole
* In Strict (but fair) Lord Hecklefish's dungeon
* Government finally got to me
None of these are true (yet). This past week, my parents *and* my in-laws *and* my brother have been staying with us. They're getting on in years and this might be the last time we're all together so I decided to take a few days off to spend time with everybody. I've missed a lot of time with family over the years because I'm always working. I'm trying to do better.
And I reluctantly admit that I've been experiencing burnout. When I started doing "this", I thought YT burnout sounded ridiculous. How could you burn out from making YouTube videos?? Turns out: you can.
BUT... I had a lovely week and I'm feeling a little refreshed. Not completely, because entertaining a house of full of people is difficult for an anti-social introvert like myself. But I have persevered!
AND... I cheated. I didn't *completely* take the week off. I wrote a new episode and two new Hecklefish adventures (I mean sponsor ads). So we're back to our regular schedule this Thursday. (We'll be talking about Nikola Tesla's most destructive weapons)
The fact that you checked in warms my little heart. You really are appreciated.
I'll be here, on email or on Discord today if you need anything.
--AJ
Comments
Ever thought dong eposode on Q Anon conspiracy?
Brian Caylor
2024-07-29 23:53:38 +0000 UTCI enjoy the show but hate the ads as they interrupt the flow. If you could delete them for Patreon that be great. Or put them at the very beginning and or end. Thank you!
h0tline.actual
2023-06-05 17:54:47 +0000 UTCWe just joined and wanted to say that me and my wife absolutely love your channel. We look forward to your upload like it’s the number one show on TV! Lol
Jerry Mancini
2023-05-16 22:47:46 +0000 UTCTake your time and do what's best for you. I want as much material as you can provide, but your sanity and well being comes first man.
Kyle Trail
2023-05-04 18:43:31 +0000 UTCGlad your ok. Its ok to take time off. Put together a few "best of" clips shows and use them when youre needing to take time off so algos show a new episode but much less work for you
Flamboyance (Travel with)
2023-03-03 05:59:59 +0000 UTCYou've worked so hard to get here man. Take a minute and enjoy your success. We're all here and we're not going anywhere.
Vincent Anzelone
2023-02-23 16:05:07 +0000 UTCI don't want this sound like guilt tripping or anything, but yours is currently my favourite YT channel… and I am properly addicted to YT. I hope you get through your burnout. It's a horrible thing to be burned out by something one loves to do. If there's any way I could help I wish I could. =)
Ivari Tölp
2023-02-23 14:57:55 +0000 UTCSo glad you took some time for you and your family ❤️ At the end of the day they are all that matters. We will always be here when you get back no matter what the YT algorithm tells you. Thank you for all your amazing content!!
Christine Atanasio
2023-02-23 01:47:01 +0000 UTCenjoy yourself glad to know your alive lol
Melanie Holan
2023-02-23 01:16:51 +0000 UTCI literally just joined this patreon just to see if you were ok! Glad you are getting some much deserved personal time. YOU are appreciated!
Dustin McCollum
2023-02-22 19:28:05 +0000 UTCthis is my first comment on the first patreon account I have ever joined... never felt moved by a channel like I do the Why Files. Thank you AJ and HF for a balance that I needed very much.
B.C. Schoening
2023-02-22 13:44:42 +0000 UTCI love to rewatch anyway 🙂 so I absolutely agree
Kellyeve Hammond
2023-02-22 07:19:43 +0000 UTCFamily time is precious, however it is also exhausting. I am glad to hear that you are feeling refreshed. Whilst we all love new content, nobody wants that content to come at the price of your heath AJ. Much love and care to you and yours from the Gold coast in Queensland Australia 🙂
Kellyeve Hammond
2023-02-22 07:18:16 +0000 UTCI’d say I miss you but there Is SO MUCH content in your archives I think I handle you taking a few days off - and heck! You’ve earned it AJ!
David “Kiwi” Keller
2023-02-22 04:23:41 +0000 UTCWe appreciate and love you, enjoy your time off. Stay blessed in the love and light.
Jim Jim
2023-02-21 14:31:08 +0000 UTCThat’s awesome AJ! I’m glad you got that family time in! Your health and family should always come first. IMO… Thank you for all your hard work for sure to keep us entertained and informed! Much Love and God Bless You! LQJ
Luis Quezada
2023-02-21 03:29:59 +0000 UTCrespect
imoutnigga
2023-02-20 18:29:31 +0000 UTCIt's a common story, I did as well.. I am now dedicated to helping people avoid/manage burn out now, especially creatives. Rest up and allow for more downtime than you think. Your health is most important. You have a loyal following who will understand ♥️
Don Pre-Jo
2023-02-20 16:09:59 +0000 UTCTake care mister ❤️❤️❤️ In 2005 I got myself burned-out doing creative work. It was so much fun that I didn’t even notice the fact that rest might be needed, since my self employed creative dream had been realised, but then it hit and I was out of the game for good two years 🥳 Thankfully it all turned out positively, but was no fun to deal with❤️ Take care and know that you’re appreciated 🙏🤓
Ingi Jensson
2023-02-20 08:25:17 +0000 UTCI really hope you take all the time you need to avoid burnout. ♥️
Ivari Tölp
2023-02-19 21:13:49 +0000 UTCAwesome! Happy to hear you are safe and was able to spend time with the family!
Robert Urbanski
2023-02-19 19:07:03 +0000 UTCI hope you’re having a great time. Be it YouTube or traditional TV, production takes time. Seasons are a good idea, and creators need breaks like we all do. I think this insatiable need for new content will subside in the next few years. As YouTube adapts to being a destination rather than a distraction machine. Keep on keeping on.
Sendrius Telt
2023-02-19 19:00:45 +0000 UTCFull house! Enjoy the time with your family while you can AJ, it's something that should never be taken for granted! We'll be here for the next video but for now, have a great break! The world really does need "more people like you"!
Plinkster
2023-02-19 15:46:39 +0000 UTCI had seen the YouTube post not too long after the exorcism short you posted, so I was chill. However, I appprecate you checking in for folks that didn't see it. Glad you got family time too. Based solely on you and your lovely wife, it must be a veritable beautiful people get together! I know you worry about the algorithmic imbalance time off creates, but you need to know you can take time off and unwind. We (your loyal base) will be here when you get back and the algorithm will return as the more flighty folks on YT ravenously devour the content you so skillfully deliver. Make sure you recharge your batteries fully very soon. Nobody wants you to burn out. Hecklefish wouldn't be nearly as effective without your solid straightman to brush up against. You can only stand so much Costello, without the grounded Abbott keepin' it real. Thanks for your efforts and keep it up, but remember Ferris Bueller's sage words, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Vince In Houston
2023-02-19 15:39:11 +0000 UTCYou're a very warm hearted individual, probably one of the kindest I've ever known of. I think most of the worlds issues could be solved if there were more people like you.
Shawn Grant
2023-02-19 15:36:54 +0000 UTCEnjoy your free time AJ. Family is important. Hope you are all doing good and have had a great time together. Looking forward to the next video ❤
laura lewis
2023-02-19 13:06:13 +0000 UTCEnjoy your time off. You’re the best. This show rocks.
Glennerd
2023-02-19 08:31:31 +0000 UTCGlad to hear your okay, enjoy your family while you can. But remember your are missed. By the way looking forward to Jenn’s channel also.
Jessica Kelsey
2023-02-19 03:46:34 +0000 UTCdon't worry, we'll all be here when you get back. Cheers!
Whiskey Tango-Foxtrot
2023-02-19 02:32:17 +0000 UTCTake all the time you need. There are things more important than work and I get it. Will be here excited for the next round of episodes whenever they arrive!
Mike McLoud
2023-02-19 01:47:12 +0000 UTCGlad you are taking care of yourself. Enjoy your time with the family.
Qodi Qaster
2023-02-19 01:29:26 +0000 UTCkinda suprised you didn't have one on the can. good for you tho. ~peace
Darren Simon
2023-02-19 01:16:15 +0000 UTCGlad you and Jenn are doing ok... We dig the family thing and the need for a few days of downtime.. best channel on YT by far my man.... peace brother....
MikeT57
2023-02-19 00:43:52 +0000 UTCThat’s so cool to hear! Thank you for telling her about my channel (even though she already knew about it), I appreciate your efforts to lend your support!
All Canadian Reptile Girl
2023-02-18 23:12:52 +0000 UTCOK OK OK.... but, no more missing our weekly fix!! A loyal friend once told me, the same boiling water that turns the egg hard softens the potatoes. What does this mean, family 1st but don't miss your Thursday broadcast . No using chatgpt for your scripts 😆
Eric Kimmel
2023-02-18 23:04:35 +0000 UTCMy only concern was that you took a balloon ride over the past week in order to take a break and relax. I'd imagine that part of the YouTube burnout is expectations. This is an example. A year ago you could take a week off and no one would notice. Now, all 1.5 million of us were slowly fanning out across the nation, stopping at every Applebees, asking, was AJ here?
MikeD
2023-02-18 22:43:11 +0000 UTCI did check out your channel after hearing about it from AJ. My niece knew of you as well. She has a boa. So I was steering her your way, but she told me she knew of you. So congrats on your channel and its growth.
Paralyzed Power
2023-02-18 22:33:26 +0000 UTCFamily first. I’m sure family was one factor that set you down this road. Your true fans get it. You are definitely one of the most dedicated “YouTuber who makes time to celebrate, and get to know your fans. I’m sure I speak for most of the fans. You’ve earned it.
Paralyzed Power
2023-02-18 22:29:34 +0000 UTCI know we will all be waiting with anticipation if you were to take more time off. Be safe, return when you can.!!!
Michael L Journey
2023-02-18 22:27:38 +0000 UTCGood man! Take her handy lad and don't over do it. Take more time for yourself brother.
Reconnect Gaming
2023-02-18 21:59:04 +0000 UTCGlad you got some R&R. I work too much also.
Michael Carragher
2023-02-18 21:37:09 +0000 UTCAJ, when you mentioned on the after show last week that your parents and in-laws were visiting, I thought to myself “he really needs to take a week off for that”. I was very pleased when a new show didn’t materialise. And you should take a vacation every now and then - there’s no point earning the big YouTube bucks and not getting to spend them!
Mick Mac
2023-02-18 21:22:04 +0000 UTCEnjoy your time. I wish I'd taken more time off when I was working and successful. Although it's led to a lot not time of now, I van Jeter get those missed events with Family.. I wasn't worried though, I actually had the aliens look in on you and they told me you where held up with the Family!
Kevin Via
2023-02-18 20:19:03 +0000 UTCPerhaps you need a change of pace. Since we'll never be able to "prove" a lot of the stuff you might cover, perhaps you can go after one odd sounding topic that has been proven true.
Kazren
2023-02-18 19:57:15 +0000 UTCStretch out the schedule and don’t burn out! Your content is much needed and appreciated!
David y Cari
2023-02-18 19:47:36 +0000 UTCLizard people need to recoup long live Heckle Fish !
robert geoffroy
2023-02-18 19:43:01 +0000 UTCDude, an episode including your family would be awesome! Maybe they could shed some light on what the heck happened to Hecklefish to make him the way he is! ;)
Brains Ironically
2023-02-18 19:25:48 +0000 UTCGlad you got time with your family and a bit of a break from work. You are always appreciated!!
DBS PURGE
2023-02-18 19:01:56 +0000 UTCEveryone deserves time off, and I'll admit that a tiny part of my brain was worried that Lockheed was involved
Mike Willis
2023-02-18 18:54:51 +0000 UTCGlad you're ok! Taking a break is important, YT burnout is real. It's so much more work than people realize, eh?
All Canadian Reptile Girl
2023-02-18 18:32:28 +0000 UTCWas concerned too. Checked on Discord. Glad you are taking the time off!
Sherry Washburn
2023-02-18 18:31:49 +0000 UTCI know you have though of this but you should take a week off every 6 months. To get a head, do a week were the episode is 12 min and also release a show. Also if possible get another episode and short in the can so in 6 months when you take a week off you will have something to release. Anyway We all know you need to off, if you are an introvert (as I am), I need to recharge every night away from people. So do so, we understand, hell maybe The Mrs can Host for a week, Ahhhhhhh Take care
John Edgeworth
2023-02-18 18:20:41 +0000 UTCGlad everything I'm ok. Take as much time as you need. Can't wait to tune in on Thursday, best wishes
Matt
2023-02-18 18:17:42 +0000 UTCGlad everything is well! Have to stay fresh, enjoy it!
Todd
2023-02-18 18:04:08 +0000 UTCOkay, I know AJ didn't write this because only Hecklefish calls 'em "Lizzid people." Something is up, you guys!
Natalie Graham
2023-02-18 18:03:46 +0000 UTCGood Morning/Afternoon/Evening AJ, Whenever you are reading these words. I am grateful that to hear that the top five reasons to worry about that you listed above are not true and that you, Jenn and Gino are taking care of your parents and Jenn's Parents. As I get older I realize now the time I missed being present when my parents were alive and in my life. Being a single son with Italian parents I took care of Mom and Pop and towards the end of either lives. I hope you, Jenn and Gino wind down with self-care for all of you. I am amazed that you wrote/created a new Episode and two new Lord Hicklefish (bowing before my Lord H.) sponsor ads. Thank you for the Energy, Passion and Love into creation of the Why Files.
John DeSantis
2023-02-18 18:03:37 +0000 UTC“Family values”, the ultimate Intelligence community’s weapon. Lol movie “Conspiracy Theory” if the intelligence community were a family we’re the uncle no one wants to talk to. Lol
Mark william lane
2023-02-18 18:03:30 +0000 UTCMental health holiday. That’s a good thing. We will be here for the return of Hecklefish and his human pet.
Neal Goggins
2023-02-18 17:46:57 +0000 UTCI don't think anyone would blame you if you took a month off you deserve it
BLÀCKBEÀRD
2023-02-18 17:38:42 +0000 UTCSpoil them!
Reverend Joshua Jackson
2023-02-18 17:37:20 +0000 UTCWise move sir burnout is real and family time is very important.
rachel dunscombe
2023-02-18 17:36:50 +0000 UTCGlad you got some good time off!! Not gonna lie, it was rough not having a Why files this week, I got the shakes on Thursday night, went back and rewatched some favorites and that set me right 😁. Kidding aside The Why Files is my absolute favorite content on any platform
Ryan Gallant
2023-02-18 17:24:41 +0000 UTCGood for you! Your family comes first. Your are extremely talented. You do what you need to do. Looking forward to your next episode. Love you work dude!
Raven Slader
2023-02-18 17:23:43 +0000 UTCAlways important to take time for yourself to recharge. We'll be here when you get back.
Chris O
2023-02-18 17:16:23 +0000 UTCKnow that you matter and are appreciated... Love you man, and you too Heckelfish
Calvin Lujan
2023-02-18 17:14:05 +0000 UTCDAMM! I put money of the Lizzid People!
D. Cummins
2023-02-18 17:10:39 +0000 UTCWell earned time off! We all would rather see you take time off than get burned out on YT.
Nicholas A Preator
2023-02-18 17:10:30 +0000 UTCWe just love you so darn much, AJ. We miss you! So glad that all is okay and that you’re busy with family. Lots of us don’t have families with whom to be busy, so take your time. We’ll be here to support the channel when you come back. Fear the CrabCat!
DS_the_RN
2023-02-18 17:07:40 +0000 UTCFirst off, glad you and Lord Hecklefish are safe! My and my kids were starting to worry! Agree with the comments on here saying to take as much time as you need. Family first, always. We’ll still be here, supporting you and the channel.
Derek Kleinbauer
2023-02-18 17:04:20 +0000 UTCTake all the time you need! I'd rather have a break in episodes than having the show disappear altogether from burnout!
Tunos
2023-02-18 17:01:59 +0000 UTCWe are glad you are fine and taking a well deserved break. Love your work. We will just rewatch some of your past episodes .
Myra Kness
2023-02-18 16:55:51 +0000 UTCPlease take whatever time you need I have a say can take care of anybody else and lets you take care yourself first. Again I'm not a writer so! And, they're not included
The Fat Bastard
2023-02-18 16:54:38 +0000 UTCSo glad the Lizzid people didn't get you! Take time for you and keep yourself healthy (mind, body and spirit)...and know that you are so appreciated for the great gift you have given all of us...Hecklefish! 😉
Mellie
2023-02-18 16:51:17 +0000 UTCSounds like something Hecklefish would say after imprisoning someone in his dungeon. Better to take a break when you need it, than to start hating the process! Enjoy your time together
Adrian Kemp
2023-02-18 16:49:51 +0000 UTCReally glad to hear that you are ok. I was wondering if something had happened to you, though the fact that you have been uploading a video a week takes a lot if work amd you definitely need the time off. Hope you got a good rest and look forward to the next video whenever you are ready
Hitesh
2023-02-18 16:48:20 +0000 UTCHey AJ, I remember you told us you had family coming by this week. Good to see you took some "AJ" family time. It is part of being a healthy peasant for your Lord Hecklefish! lol Thanks for the update :0)
Steven MG
2023-02-18 16:47:35 +0000 UTCThanks for the update, still suffering withdrawal from the missing episode though (Lol). Of course, if the government did get to you, this is the type of message they would make you put out. Blink twice if you're really ok.
Kevin Heidler
2023-02-18 16:47:22 +0000 UTCAfter watching your videos and seeing how quite a few people "disappear" after their encounters with the government, I admit it was a bit worrying when there was nothing on Thursday. I did learn via the reddit page that you were just taking some time off and I was relieved and gladdened. You're working your butt off AJ, you deserved a rest. Hope you and the Mrs. enjoyed the time off.
Jason Knight
2023-02-18 16:46:16 +0000 UTCThanks AJ. Was starting to get worries too. Glad to know you’re fine and (quite) well. We’ll diligently wait for the next show. Get time to recover, we’ll be here when you get back.
Damien Gautron
2023-02-18 16:36:22 +0000 UTCGlad you’re having some downtime, especially with the relatives it will do you good
jcp 83 Plevin
2023-02-18 16:34:17 +0000 UTCGood judgment. As someone told me when I started my career “Your family always comes first. If you died on the job they’d step right over you and keep going. Nobody is indispensable at work, but you are indispensable to your family”. It was wise advice and I see you’re an adherent to this philosophy. Good on ya!
Shush388
2023-02-18 16:33:15 +0000 UTCThis reads scripted. Are you ok? Reply twice if they are holding you against your will??? Glad to hear you enjoyed some downtime.
Dave & Jeanne Sheber
2023-02-18 16:29:13 +0000 UTCLife is short enjoy your family and if you’re feeling some Utube burnout then maybe slow it down a bit….that’s the great thing about self employment…you call the shots! 😁
jeri
2023-02-18 16:28:00 +0000 UTCAlways take this time. It's kind of ludicrous the expectations on content creators these days. TV shows take months or even years off without complaints (or dropping of subscriptions), and there's no reason content creators shouldn't be able to do the same without people screaming "where's my content?!". Do what thou wilt, AJ, you're one of the best.
Brian Sovryn
2023-02-18 16:26:33 +0000 UTCEnjoy your family & break away! Can't wait to hear about Tesla next week! Thank you for all you and Hecklefish do for us, you two make my Thursdays a whole lot better. Cheers!
Keri Kidd
2023-02-18 16:26:23 +0000 UTCFamily comes first! 🇬🇧❤️
julian faulkner
2023-02-18 16:25:41 +0000 UTCI am glad you took the time. I remember you said you had family visiting. Look forward to your return!
Nancy Z
2023-02-18 16:25:39 +0000 UTCGlad to hear the men in black haven't paid you a visit. I think I speak for so many when I say id much rather see you taking breaks than see you close the doors because you're too burnt out. Take the time you need and be with family those moments wont come again. We will be here when you return.
John and Melissa Jett
2023-02-18 16:25:24 +0000 UTCTake all the time you need AJ. We will always be here for you.
Noah Laughton
2023-02-18 16:24:52 +0000 UTCFamily time is most important. Enjoy every minute because you never get this time back❤
Tess
2023-02-18 16:24:45 +0000 UTCTake the time to rest when you can. Work isn't everything, but family sure is.
David Alan Gay
2023-02-18 16:24:43 +0000 UTCYour continued existence pleases us, fellow human. 👽🛸
Derek H.
2023-02-18 16:24:38 +0000 UTCIt's good that you had a break 👍
WKC 852
2023-02-18 16:23:38 +0000 UTCyour productivity is ridiculously respectable. no elaboration, just leaving this here
kelsey
2023-02-18 16:22:44 +0000 UTC👍
David & Christine Butler
2023-02-18 16:22:29 +0000 UTCI’m going to increase my Patreon membership for the coming month. Love you guys ❤️
Mark P
2023-02-18 16:22:09 +0000 UTCYou’re the best, AJ! Glad you’re taking some time with your family 😊💗
SpookiestBecky
2023-02-18 16:22:05 +0000 UTCGlad to hear your ok
Forrest Fritch II
2023-02-18 16:22:05 +0000 UTCSo glad you took the time, boss 🥰
Victoria
2023-02-18 16:21:44 +0000 UTCHecklefish in knife attack headlines…
Mark P
2023-02-18 16:21:19 +0000 UTC😀
Cara Jones
2023-02-18 16:21:14 +0000 UTC
