Some really great stories here. Mine is really boring. I was a software dev./architect for 23 years and have been a bus driver for three.
You should try branching out hut don’t lose your networking and don’t let your skills slip until you know for sure you don’t want to go back. (or perhaps can’t go back because AI is doing everything for us)
Find the motivation. Probably already stated here. You have to WANT to do it, be doing it for yourself in addition to whatever else the big motivating factor is.
For me, it was not losing my family and wanting to not feel like shit both physically and mentally all of the time. I wanted it though. I’ve seen a lot if people fail and the one thing in common is that they are always doing it because someone told them to.
I am super naive when it comes to just about everything and especially this. I never comment on HN because of this and because I know I’ll get flamed by the people on HN (but here goes this one time).
I was curious though how easy it is to make a claim on a video and started the process on a video from one of my favorite creators. I did NOT finish but found that it is surprisingly easy just to start a claim.
I (kind of) understand why Google/YT has created such an easy arbitration process once a claim has been made because they don’t want to deal with the legal headache, and the associated costs, with having to get in the middle if everything.
What I don’t understand, and am hoping someone can explain to me without flaming me, is why they don’t make the process to START a claim a little more complicated.
The way it is setup now, I could create a fairly anonymous (yeah, I know) Google account and then make a claim on just about any random YT content. There is no process at all to identify ME.
As an example, if I want to market a mobile app in an app store, I have to provide proof of my business name, tax status, business license (if applicable in my local jurisdiction), etc.
As another example, if I want to start a retail store that sells the Nintendo Switch, in order to buy the units at the “wholesale” price, I have to provide documentation of much of the same for marketing a mobile app plus I have to sign agreements that I won’t sell the units for a price outside the range dictated by the manufacturer.
Lots of process involved in these two examples.
Why does Google not require verification of at least being some sort of a real entity? Is it again just too much headache (i.e. work) to do so? Is it because that would be too exclusive and on this end of the spectrum they are actually defending the little guy by allowing anyone to lay claim to something?
Thank you, btw, to the OP for introducing me to this channel. She has a very ‘interesting’ personality and some intriguing content.
So, how about we all start using this thread to list alternatives? That is the problem for me. I agree with this post completely but finding good alternatives is really difficult. It doesn’t feel like there are any.
I stopped using Amazon entirely a few years ago. I haven't replaced Amazon with another single vendor. I just search for the product and best prices, which are often better than Amazons. So I buy from wherever.
Is it slightly more work than just going to Amazon? Only a bit (e.g. payment takes more work if you haven't shopped there before). But it's often faster to find what you want at a better price than via Amazon itself.
Change scenery and surround yourself with people. That advice about finding a hobby is good because if you can find one that involves other people, it is a great way to break the ice. I struggle with everything you mention and more on a regular basis. I am sorry you are dealing with it.
