An Unexpected Hiatus: What Happened and What’s Next

So, I went into a bit of an unplanned hiatus…

Long story short, I had planned to take a short break after my “A Day in the Life” video. It was the most set-up I’ve ever had to do for a video, so it took a lot out of me creatively. I also knew I had other obligations coming up, thus no time to shoot new content.

But what happened was my husband and I both got COVID. So that’s how my August started!

---

August 2022 (What happened)

Thankfully our COVID symptoms were pretty mild (mine more than his). But it still managed to be both very restful and extremely exhausting at the same time. By then, I knew my short break would be longer than I planned. However, at that point, I didn’t expect it to turn into a hiatus yet.

Thankfully we both tested negative by mid-August, just in time to push through with a mini-vacation we planned 2 months previous. We planned to go with two of our friends and have a little “staycation” of sorts. I was looking forward to it since I was hoping to test the waters (literally & figuratively) for a travel vlog.

I guess it could’ve been a “chill with me at the lake/cabin,” but is that interesting enough? What if I didn’t get enough variety of B-roll shots? Do I just throw all my B-roll shots together and hope for the best???

These were only some of the MANY questions running through my mind.

So I found myself stuck in the planning process, in case you can’t tell.

Eventually, I had to remind myself that my main purpose for my first 100 videos was to just learn. I wanted to have the time to get used to the technical aspects of filming and editing. Storytelling, pacing, and settling on a niche will come later, with more experience.

I set that goal exactly so I wouldn’t feel too overwhelmed to even start in the first place.

So I allowed myself to take a step back and take a breather. 

September 2022 (Hiatus)

Well, the best I can say about my September was that it happened. If you ask me now what I did, I have absolutely no clue, but whatever it was, it left me exhausted. I didn’t even have much scheduled in my calendar, until the last week of September, so it beats me.

If I had to guess what happened, our bodies were probably still getting back to normal after COVID. So I figured I might as well lean into my impromptu hiatus and let my body recover.

I didn’t film the appointment itself. The main reason was that I wanted to do it for myself, and just be in that moment. Instead of worrying about lighting, framing, & sound. I’m glad I did since I felt I was able to give my entire attention to the process.

Before the appointment, I was on the fence about making a review or after-the-fact video to talk about my experience. But the results were surprising enough that I ended up shooting that video. Ironically enough, it’s what sort of broke me out of my hiatus.

Although I set myself the goal of editing my first-ever travel vlog first!

But for the most part, September felt like I just blinked. By the time I opened my eyes, it was over.

October 2022 (Coming out of hiatus)

During my hiatus, I had the time to rethink my priorities and what’s next for me. Not to mention I had to be honest with myself about what I was capable of doing, rather than what I hoped to be doing.

My domain renewal fee also came up, and I got tired of paying for something I wasn’t using. So I decided to do something about it.

I’m also turning 30 this October. So I’ve been thinking about where I’m at in life, and where I want to still go from here.

I re-evaluated my goals and checked in with myself if I was moving towards my goals or not. After looking at both my short-term and long-term choices, and whether they were helping me move forward or holding me back.

I know I’ve mentioned this in previous videos, but my end goal is that I want to work remotely. Preferably for myself, doing freelance work. What can I say? I prefer to be in charge of my own time.

I’m not 100% sure yet if my YouTube channel will take off or not. Whether it will grow to be a brand, or simply a vehicle for exposure & opportunities. But either way, I wanted to have a blog ready as both a foundation and a reference.

Maybe someday I’ll sell T-shirts or mug designs here. Perhaps this blog will just be my resume, and act as a sample of my writing style & quality.

What’s next?

I know multiple roads can lead to where I want to go, so for now I’m having a little fun. Also a dose of anxiety, but whatever. I’m exploring my options and what’s next for me and my website.