The video editing industry is changing fast — and not always in ways that make sense. Recently, I found myself back on the job market after working full-time with a YouTuber for over two years. It wasn’t a performance issue; the investors behind the channel had to cut costs, and unfortunately, my role was one of the first to go.
Losing a job in any creative industry can feel personal. But instead of spiraling, I decided to document what I’ve learned, what I’m trying, and what advice I’d give to other editors in the same boat.
My Background in Video Editing
I had the rare opportunity to work behind the scenes on a growing YouTube channel that surpassed 500,000 subscribers. My responsibilities included:
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Full editing of long-form and short-form video content
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Managing a team of 3–4 voice actors
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Hiring and supervising an assistant editor
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Implementing workflow tools like Notion, Frame.io, and Discord
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Increasing viewer retention through motion graphics, pacing, and storytelling tweaks
That job taught me more than any classroom ever did. I learned how to grow an online audience, build efficient editing pipelines, and use content strategy to drive engagement and revenue.
The Job Hunt Struggles Are Real
Since being laid off, I’ve applied to dozens of jobs on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and YTJobs. I also tried Fiverr, but so far it’s been more spammy than helpful. I even considered working in a factory just to bring in income — that’s how hard the freelance world can feel when you’re starting over.
Here’s the current reality:
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Fiverr/Upwork is extremely saturated, often undercut by editors charging $5/hr
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YTJobs is unorganized, but worth checking
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Corporate gigs are an option — many businesses want to “go viral” but don’t know how
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Networking (yes, the word we all dread) is where most real opportunities come from
What I’m Doing Differently Now
I’ve realized that depending on one client — even a big one — is risky. Now I’m focusing on diversifying and building a client base that includes creators and businesses.
Here are a few steps I’m taking that might help others:
1. Rebuilding My Portfolio
I’m creating a demo reel that showcases the YouTube channel growth I contributed to — including stats like “Helped scale a channel from 0 to 500K subscribers” and “Produced content generating over 5M views per month.”
2. Targeted Outreach to Agencies
I’m reaching out to video production companies and marketing agencies with a simple pitch and a reel on standby. One user on Reddit gave great sales advice: walk in, introduce yourself, and offer your editing support honestly and confidently.
3. Exploring Real Estate and Corporate Video
Real estate firms and high-end media companies often outsource — but some prefer U.S.-based editors for higher-quality results. I’ve even offered free demo reels to local agents to get my foot in the door.
4. Learning Assistant Editing and Post Workflow
I’m diving into the more technical aspects of post-production (like preparing deliverables for color and audio) to expand into agency or broadcast-level work.
Lessons from the Community
These are some common takeaways from fellow editors:
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Build multiple income streams — freelance, contract, small business work
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Sales and relationships matter as much as your reel
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Motion graphics can elevate your editing and help you stand out
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Don’t rely on Fiverr or Upwork early on unless you can get verified or niche down fast
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Track your wins — numbers, milestones, and testimonials help future employers see your value
Final Thoughts: To Fellow Editors Feeling Stuck
If you’re in the same boat — recently laid off, overwhelmed, or questioning your future in video editing — you’re not alone. Yes, this industry is competitive. Yes, it’s changing fast. But with the right strategy, connections, and persistence, there’s still a career path here.
Here’s what I’m holding onto:
🎯 Skill still matters.
🎯 There are clients who will pay fairly.
🎯 You only need a few “yes” responses to change everything.
If you’re an editor, creator, or business owner looking for someone who knows how to grow channels, manage teams, and turn raw footage into binge-worthy content — let’s connect.