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DChen Life Update (May 2021) (Patreon)

Published:
2021-05-07 03:37:11
Edited:
2021-05-07 13:17:01
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

Videos

Content

[Don't worry! Despite this video being called "life update," nothing major is wrong or changing! Just trying something new.]

Since this Patreon feels like you all are supporting me personally, I thought I'd try making a video just sharing how things are going with me. I discuss what's been happening in my life lately and reflect on what might be next.

I have no idea if this content is any of any interest to people so if you enjoy it, would be grateful if you could leave a like/comment below (Otherwise, I probably won't make any more of these!). 

Thanks, as always, for your support.  

Links:

NYTimes piece with Tracy Letts quote

David's 2nd dose video

Side note: I'm on TikTok now!

Files

Dchen Patreon life update (May 2021)

This is "Dchen Patreon life update (May 2021)" by David Chen on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Comments

Corey

Very much enjoyed hearing your processing on this, Dave. Thanks for updating us. I do find this all incredibly relatable, and it helps me process my own thoughts on my own career/life options as well.

Ross K

Really enjoyed this, Dave. Living through the pandemic has been tough, but I have much appreciated your contributions throughout. Your mention of the addictive nature that forward movement in a corporate job brings - very true! 😆

natalia lopes

I think this is very relevant, and I identify in many ways. It seems to me more and more people are moving away from the idea of one big career, of being a specialist, or pursuing just one dream, to a new model where we can have many interests, be good at multiple things. make a living of them all... But I also think we don't have a cultural narrative of what is like to be successful like that. All our models and our stories are about being the best in one field, to master one skill. But I don't think that is the only way to success... or even more important, to happiness.

Wil Knoble

Listened to the whole thing and yeah, enjoyed/appreciated your words in reflecting your state of mind. It feels good to know I’m not the only one in this Covid limbo. I should have tons of sketches done. I should have plowed through my stack of books, I should have worked on writing. That lack of creative spark is troubling when it’s so much a part of your personal identity... it’s easy to get lost when you don’t feel like yourself. I’m one of many who support you, not only because of what you do, but because of who you are. It’s nice of you to share your thoughts... it helps us too. I’m nervous about not being able to get that spark back... It’s just nice, in this isolation, to feel like we aren’t alone. I hope it helps you as well... both of you. I’m a fan of truth and this video is just a good dude being honest about his feelings... and sharing them... nothing awkward about it. It’s admirable... and something that adheres a group into a community. I am a better person for having your contributions to creativity in my life. Sounds like cheesy bullshit - it’s not. I hope you too feel better and I look forward to the next thing David Chen does - no matter what it is.

Victor Fuentes

Thanks for sharing David. A lot of what you said definitely resonated with me. Would be down for a monthly video of this!

Eric Trapp

Really enjoyed this, Dave. We invest in you, not only for the content you create but, for who you are a person. As long as you remain comfortable doing it, I’d love to keep watching these updates. Your openness about your experiences throughout the pandemic have allowed a lot of us the time and space to process our own feelings and feel less alone with them. I personally resonated with a lot of what you said in this video. It’s a tough headspace to navigate, but it feels better I’m not the only one going through it. It’s greatly appreciated! I actually just read a NYT article about the feeling of “languishing” and it was quite validating. You may have read it as well, but if not I’d recommend it! Hoping for all the best for you and Joy. Also, try your best to not to tie the worth of your content and yourself to tiers on a Patreon page! I know that’s easy to say from the outside looking in, but we all support you because we dig you and what you’re doing. It may be that folks just can’t spare the money that month, and that’s no demerit to you or what you’re doing! Keep up the awesome work, man.

Michael Gray

Thanks for clarifying the life update! I'm all in for more personal David Chen updates. I've also been feeling stuck lately. With all the podcasts and videos you put out I just feel plain lazy in comparison! I've been running through Manoush Zomorodi's latest Zig Zag podcast project, which aims to align your work and your values. I don't think I've found a way forward for myself yet but it's an interesting exercise. https://zigzagpod.com/zigzagproject

Drew Bonner Music

David, I really enjoyed and appreciated this video. As a creator myself, I find it helpful to get a peek behind the curtain of what my favorite creators are thinking/doing. Covid has been a difficult time for me as well. I was in graduate school getting a masters degree in music and graduated into probably the worst job market imaginable. I relate to your thoughts about life being frozen. I regularly forget that it’s 2021. I almost didn’t apply for a doctoral program (that I ultimately ended up getting into) because I saw Fall 2021 as a start date and thought that I missed the deadline. I don’t know how to unfreeze time either. I’m hoping it’s like a snowball. Once it gets going, it will lead to more ideas, better execution, and a larger, more consistent output of material. Working with creative people used to always get me amped to do more, so I’m hoping that part of my personality hasn’t changed. I’m not sure if any of that is helpful or even interesting, but mainly just wanted to say that I appreciate you and everything you do. It’s inspiring. But also, do what you need to do to stay healthy. Nothing is more important than that. Cheers, Drew

Roy Rubin

Thanks for the update David <3 I'm sorry to hear about Joy, please let her know she's loved, and missed on your videos. Also, regarding your feeling of wanting to share without feeling like you're complaining - it sounds like you might actually benefit from speaking to a mental health professional. Just to unburden yourself with someone who'll actively listen and feed you back...

David Nedde

FYI, when I click on the video link, Vimeo can't find the video. If I go to Vimeo and look at your account I can't see the video either. YouTube is easier to deal with, honestly.

Trish

Thanks Dave. I like this kind of update, but also don't expect it. It's ok with me if you just follow your bliss, though I must admit, as a teacher and a writer, your comments about how hard it is to be creative right now (and get a good night's sleep!) really resonate for me. The NYTimes recently did a series of articles on this phenomenon, which they say has been very common in the pandemic: they call it "languishing" (the feeling of being stuck in place--as opposed to "flourishing"). Hang in there my friend. And thanks for the update.

Bob Sacamano

Love the updates Dave! Thinking of you and Joy ❤️

Dave Glanz

Dave, thanks for the update. I think it's great what you're doing, and look forward to our next Zoom hangout. Is Joy starting to feel any better?

Linda Abely

Thanks Dave Hope Joy is feeling better

Lisa Hawthorne

Thank you so much for sharing, Dave! I hope you're feeling a bit lighter getting it off your chest and thank you for bringing us close to your heart. While virtual hugs don't really cut it, please know that my heart goes out to you and Joy and I sincerely hope she recovers quickly and fully.

Matthew LaBerge

Love the update Dave, much of what you said resonates with me. I would welcome these updates!

Paul Young

Hi Dave, I think many of us (me included) feel that we wish we had more time and more drive to take on creative endeavors. Unfortunately after a long day of work, a commute, and family responsibilities, it can be very difficult to find any time to fulfill long lost creative dreams. Make no mistake, what you are doing IS INSPIRING because you make the time for it and you do what you do well. I think many of us patrons are living vicariously through you in a way. We may have regrets about creative endeavors unfulfilled, but you should pat yourself on the back, you're doing it.

Miles Rudy

I think it’s valuable to have an outlet for these kinds of frustrations and life obstacles, and as a supporter of course I’m always interested in hearing your thoughts and struggles. Been a fan of what you do for a long time, and the support of the Patreon isn’t just financial backing - it’s about giving you an outlet to express yourself in ways that might not fit in your other shows. This absolutely falls in that category. I hope you do more and that they’re helpful to you!

Alicia Chou

Thanks for sharing, David. While I'm not a creator, much of what you shared resonated with feelings I've had over the past year. Also made me think of the NYTimes piece on languishing/flourishing that Trish mentioned above. Wishing you the best and hoping Joy is feeling better soon as well.

Peter Miller

Loved the video, thank you for the bts look at what is going on in your life. Maybe another video later on what it is exactly you would like to see yourself doing beyond what you are doing now.

FilmWonk

Thanks for sharing. Hope your wife feels better soon. All I can say about that pandemic feeling of having a hard time staying motivated to make stuff, and think of new stuff to make...I hope you know you're not alone on that! I find that when I consider this in my own life, it's not just about whether and how many creative things I can produce, but it relates to my own broader struggle between competing impulses: cynicism about the corrupt and floundering state of our country, as well a sincere belief that finding some sort of common sense of mission and purpose is essential to get the country back on track (with a brief side order of wariness that the last time the United States found a sense of common purpose and mission in my own lifetime, that purpose was to start two wars in the Middle East). I still believe fundamentally that we - for the most inclusive possible definition of "we" - all need to figure out how to build something together, and that it must be something that'll provide a better life for ourselves and the next generations - and until we figure out how to do that, we'll continue to feel a steady background hum of political and existential malaise. I really do wish I could separate this from my desire to talk about TV and movies that I like (and I know you've talked about this struggle as well), but...I can't, and I don't particularly want to try. Because if the art we discuss is nothing more than a distraction from the state of the world, it feels like a shallow action on my part to attempt to engage with it as seriously as I do. But if art is political - and it always is - then I continue to believe that discussing what it says about the culture that produced it is valuable. Anyway, I hope that wasn't too much of a digression, but suffice to say, a 15-minute ramble (as you described it) about how you're not quite sure what you're doing here is fine by me, reminds me you're human, and I hope you found it to be a helpful exercise.

Jay Martinez

It works now! Thanks. NOT boring. Haha. I appreciate the honesty portrayed in the video. I don't think there is any reason to feel like you are being "complain-y". It WAS interesting to get a peek at where your headspace is. I hope you have a good week off and are able to make some headway in thinking about the paths you outlined.

Geoff Evans

Nice update, Dave! It's always nice to hear different points of view of how people are handling COVID-19. Forward our regards to joy, and we hope she is back to 100% soon! <3

Celeste Benavides

Dave, thanks for sharing your life update. I hope joyofnapping gets to feeling better soon, she is lucky to have you looking after her with so much love and care. I can relate to feeling stagnant during the pandemic; recently I have begun to feeling this way in my career. I recently took time to critically think about the things that make me happy at work and then figuring out how I can do more of that. It’s important we recognize what’s happening right in front of us and talk through those feelings and experiences so others feel open to share as well. I truly appreciate all the stuff you share on the socials and hope for all the best for you and Joy.

Hui-Min Chen

Just here to support. Appreciate any content you put out ;) And they have always been great!

Dan Flanegan

Thank you Dave for being so open. This touches on so many things that continue to bounce around in my mind relating to my own experiences as an entrepreneur and an aspiring creator. I'd love to chat some day in person, over a coffee or lunch about all this. In the meantime, I'm here to support your journey and want you to know that I feel most of us don't just support you in hopes of getting great content, but because we want to be along side you on that journey.

Gary Yarbrough

Appreciate these updates, I like your candid discussion on your personal goals. I personally really found helpful your piece on not getting into the podcasting program you were striving for. It’s always interesting, and something I’ve appreciated and keep thinking about is how you never know what someone is going through.

Tony C

quit that fucking day job we fucking love you. just doubled my subscription.

Iain Clarke

Shame Joy is suffering. Looking after her is WAY more important than entertaining our ears, even if we miss it.

Iain Clarke

Now I am at the end - some of my favourite CR's have been the Pandemic diaries you and Joy did last year. I was almost sad when normal content resumed! I really hope you carry on for a long time, and that the pandemic easing juices you to take some of those creative ideas off hold.

Kendrick Martin

I've struggled with with processing my own struggles when it seems that a lot of other people in the world have it way harder then me, but it helps to remember that our pains and struggles are all personal and it doesn't invalidate either of them to acknowledge both of them. Thanks for sharing Dave; good on you for taking care of your loved ones.

Curtiss Prickett

So sorry to hear that Joy struggled health-wise after the second vaccine shot. I'm one of the lucky few that had very minimal side effects. Please keep us posted on how she is doing. I have also struggled creatively this last year. I have felt cut off in a way I have never experienced in my life. Much of my creativity comes from human interactions and not being able to be in an office and bounce ideas off people whenever I want was devastating to me. Zoom calls just don't do it any justice. So, you're not alone Dave! I do have to say that the content you have been putting out has only gotten better this year! Considering your full-time job, I am constantly astonished at the volume of work you put out. I'm so glad that I am able to support you on Patreon. Keep your head up! You're doing great work and I look forward to what comes next.

Connor Rock

It’s been a bit since I’ve taken the time to comment, but with this video and your most recent Culturally Relevant with Joy, I was eager to reach out and respond. So much of what you shared here I relate to. The thing I wanted to say is that I am so incredibly grateful for each and every thing you put out. You put words to and validate so many of the things I’m feeling currently and I truly appreciate that. To tell you the truth, life for me lately has been pretty difficult recently, but knowing I’m not alone in certain anxieties and the depression that’s been enhanced this last year, means so much. I am back at work, in hospitality, wearing two masks, even though I’m fully vaccinated. Working through understaffed shifts and guests who treat us like hot garbage and act as if the pandemic hasn’t changed literally everything around us, including norms they might expect at a hotel. On top of a major surgery for my husband, life’s just pretty overwhelming at the moment. Think you for being a source of good and authenticity on the internet. And for making me and so many else, feel a little less alone.

Mads Olsen

I can only speak for myself, but I don't care what type of content you put on here. I'm not here for specifically the vlogs or the movie reviews or the interviews, etc. I'm here because I enjoy your content. If you want to vlog about the pandemic, I'm pretty sure I will find your perspective interesting, and the same goes for all the other content you create. I like your perspective on things, and even if the patreon had no patron-only content, I would still gladly support your creative work. I'm very sorry to hear you and Joy have been dealing with health issues, both physical and mental. I hope it gets better, for both of you.

Christopher Yee Mon

I know how you're feeling and the best I can say is to enjoy the journey no matter if it's not where you want it to go. Wanting to make a movie is important and gives you purpose and you should work towards that, but even if that's not what you end up doing, that you get to put some time engaging in the creative exercises that are fill you up even a little bit and with people who fill you up as well. I experience this as well, with my half-assed attempts at entrepreneurship. Still don't have a business up and running, but I'm learning a lot along the way. Also I don't mean to be reductive, but I think this was also the lesson in the Pixar movie Soul. That you're not a failure if you didn't succeed at your dreams, as long as you enjoyed your experience.