Chapter 1: The Shifting Landscape of Success

The traditional path to success is changing, and a university degree is no longer the only route.

In the mid-20th century, America experienced a surge of economic prosperity as the war ended and consumerism took hold. People were eager to spend the savings they had accumulated, leading to an economic boom and a rise in employment opportunities. Fast forward to the current era, and a four-year college degree has become a prerequisite for over 60% of job postings.

This shift has made it insufficient for job seekers to be simply diligent and adaptable; those qualities are often overshadowed by educational requirements.

I experienced this firsthand when I applied for a receptionist role that asked for a two-year college diploma, despite offering a wage of only $17.50 per hour. This situation highlights a growing trend among younger generations who are creatively navigating their careers without conventional qualifications, finding ways to take charge of their professional destinies.

With platforms like YouTube, almost anyone can turn their aspirations into reality, though it requires significant effort. Success demands consistency, confidence, hard work, ambition, and, occasionally, a bit of luck.

This is precisely how two YouTubers transformed my understanding of success. They are already worth millions, and they achieved this by the age of 25 without attending college.

The Rise of Sam and Colby

You may be familiar with Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, who have gained immense popularity on YouTube. They began their journey in 2014 as teenagers, initially making waves on Vine, the short-form video app that ended in 2016. Their Vine stardom attracted over a million followers, and their transition to YouTube has only amplified their success.

Sam and Colby currently boast over six million subscribers, and their channel continues to grow at an impressive rate of approximately one million new subscribers annually. Their success, however, is not merely a result of chance.

Hard Work Yields Results?

Sam and Colby, known for their engaging horror-themed content, have explored various genres throughout their careers. Their channel, which focuses on paranormal investigations, evolved from their "XPLR" (explorer) brand, showcasing their adventures in abandoned buildings and ghost towns in Kansas.

They have launched the XLPR Club, designed for those eager to embrace life to the fullest. While many YouTubers utilize platforms like Patreon for paid content, Sam and Colby have streamlined this process through their own club.

In addition to merchandise, they have been involved in several podcasts, collaborated with numerous creators, and co-authored a bestselling fiction book about their adventures, indicating their ambition to continue expanding their brand. In 2019, their hard work was recognized with a Teen Choice Award and a Streamy for Overall Action or Sci-Fi.

Their relentless dedication to their craft is evident. While their peers may be entering the workforce after college, Sam and Colby have carved their own paths to success. Although they now have support for editing and public relations, they initially managed everything themselves, demonstrating a commitment to their careers that is clear in their output.

So, what sets them apart in a sea of paranormal investigation videos? Their unique approach, which involves immersive and daring content, keeps viewers engaged. Whether sneaking into abandoned places—an act that led to their arrest in 2019—or exploring haunted sites, they go above and beyond to captivate their audience. This dedication to delivering high-quality content has been key to their popularity.

The takeaway? Genuine ambition and hard work can significantly impact one's journey to success. If you dedicate yourself to mastering your skills and producing top-notch work consistently, success is within reach.

Sam and Colby have openly discussed their lack of formal education and seem disinterested in pursuing it further. This trend could inspire many of us who are uncertain about our career paths, especially those who graduated with degrees that did not align with their passions.

The Value of Education in Today's World

As I researched the evolving perception of education, it became evident that its importance is waning. Many employers now prioritize experience, work ethic, and cultural fit over formal degrees. While some professions will always necessitate specific educational credentials—such as engineering—the reality is that success doesn't solely hinge on possessing a diploma.

Although becoming a YouTube star is an unlikely goal for most, pursuing success on a smaller scale is entirely feasible. The current job market, especially with the rise of remote work, has become more accommodating for individuals without formal education. A degree can serve as a ticket to exclusive opportunities, but hard work can open doors too.

If you have a dream, pursue it with determination. Success requires effort, and with today's resources, you can forge your own path. Take, for example, the Medium platform: your success here directly correlates with your skills and dedication.

Tim Denning is a prime example of this; he consistently produces high-quality content while actively engaging with his audience across platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.

In contrast, I find it challenging to publish even two posts weekly due to my responsibilities. However, I recognize that increasing my output and fostering engagement, similar to how Tim and the YouTubers do, could lead to greater success.

While I may not achieve the same level of success as Sam and Colby, it’s encouraging to know that, with hard work, I can carve out my niche, irrespective of my educational background.

To borrow Yoda's famous words, "Do or do not; there is no try."

So take action—embrace the journey and explore the vast world of opportunities available to you.