You’d Be Surprise At How Much YouTube’s Grandest Stars Make (Hint: Up To 8 Figures)

Gone are the days that we rely on MTV to show as the latest music hits. Nowadays, with a stroke of the keyboard, we can just browse our favorite music video and play it on the loop. This was made possible by a website called YouTube.

Since its inception, YouTube has paved way for local stars like Justin Bieber or Ryan Higa to emerge in the worldwide scene. It is surely incredible that the founders named Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim created it about a decade ago. In 2006, Google bought it for US$1.65 billion – a price that we currently know as a serious bargain! Good move for Google indeed.

As the rise of the visitors coming to YouTube increase, the revenue of the renowned YouTube stars also increase. Personally, I am curious to know their yearly earnings. With the combination of the recent data available, here are the estimate yearly earnings of YouTube’s brightest. But bear in mind that YouTube takes 45% of the ad revenue. And, these numbers exclude that.

4. SMOSH

The comedy tandem behind the SMOSH is consisting of Anthony Padilla and his friend, Ian Hecox. They usually do amusing sketches, lip-sync videos, or just about anything funny they find on the web. This attracted 20,686,912 subscribers with about 4 billion total views! If you are shocked with those numbers then, brace yourself as they make an estimate of US$336,000-$5.4 million yearly.

3. BLUCOLLECTION

In 2010, BluCollection ToyCollector‘s maker had created children-friendly videos in English, Portuguese, and Español. These children-friendly videos are purely unboxing, trying out, and reviewing of toys and play sets. Interestingly, his collection of videos had attracted about 2,158,228 subscribers and a total of over 3 billion views! Well, those numbers added to an estimate of US$585,200-$9.4 million yearly earnings.

2. PEWDIEPIE

One of my all-time favorite YouTubers is PewDiePie. Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg (real name) lives the life he dreamt. He is making money on doing what he wants: playing video games. With the most number of subscribers on the list (37,436,585 subscribers), PewDiePie’s humorous commentary videos have garnered about 9 billion views! It has been estimated that he makes about US$896,100-$14.3 million yearly.

1. FUNTOYZCOLLECTOR (Previously: DISNEYCOLLECTORBR)

A channel filled with videos of a simple premise: to unbox and demonstrate the toys made by Disney, Pixar, and so on. With a staggering amount of 4,774,148 subscribers and a total of over 6 billion views, FunToyzCollector proves to be one of YouTube’s elite. She has an estimate of US$1 million-$16.6 million yearly.

How Does One Get There?

In 2014, New York Times did a case study of a full-time YouTube channel creator named Olga Kay. Olga has nearly a million subscribers to date. And, at that time, she has earned about US$100,000-$130,000 per year. Her earnings are brought by the combination of advertising, sponsorships, and merchandising. Her channel cost include hiring an editor that is paid about US$500-$700 a week.

To put the advertising revenue in perspective, a video with ads makes about US$7.60 per 1,000 ad views. That is a down rate compared to US$9.35 per 1,000 ad views in 2012. Furthermore, YouTube gets 45% from the total ad revenue.

With the diminishing rates of ads and all the effort put into production, Olga shares to New York Times that: “But we think if we were coming to YouTube today, it would be too hard. We couldn’t do it.”

Although being a YouTube star is a viable career, it may not be for everybody.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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6 Highest Paying Jobs In The Field Of Technology (IT)

With the increasing global concern for cyber security across companies, there has been an ongoing demand for Information Technology (IT) Professionals. In fact, recent study showed that the five highest income-earning sectors in Singapore include Information Technology alongside Banking and Finance, Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Semiconductors.

Salary.sg, a website dedicated to relay information on career and jobs, used the Ministry of Manpower wage date and excluded the bonuses and profit-sharing to generate the monthly gross wages of over a hundred jobs in Singapore. Looking at the IT sector through a microscope, here are the 6 Highest Paying Tech Jobs In Singapore based on the 2014 data by Salary.sg:

6. NETWORK AND SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Network and Systems Engineers can earn about S$4,000-7,000 a month.

They are tasked to oversee functionality, security, and design of the computer systems. To keep the internal and external company databases running smooth, they are responsible to look to how information is shared both internally an externally.

5. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Application Development Consultants can make about S$5,000-7,000 a month.

They are tasked to consult with the program managers, senior consultants, and clients to understand information requirements, operational procedures, and transaction processing. Basically, they are responsible for designing fresh software applications from the concept to completion.

4. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TESTING IT

Testers can earn about S$6,360 a month.

IT Testers are tasked to check for system bugs or other concerns in the new software to ensure that the company standards are maintained or that the product integrity is preserved. They examine a program by going through its typical uses and noting down the observable problems.

Image Credits: Bob Mical via Flickr

Image Credits: Bob Mical via Flickr

3. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SPECIALIST

IT Security Specialist can make about S$6,385 a month.

IT Security Specialists are tasked to analyze the security breaches that have or may occur. Then, they must repair and strengthen the system against these breaches. Simply put, their work focuses on the risks to the security of valued company information or data.

2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGER

IT Project Manager can have a paycheck of about S$8,320 per month.

A bachelor’s degree and significant years of experience is usually required for this position. IT Project Managers are tasked to manage and coordinate with the staff to oversee various computer-related assignments for the company.

1. CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) can earn about S$10,648 per month, on average.

CTOs are tasked to play an important role in setting the company’s direction, development, and future growth by supporting all information and technology-related operations. With your growing years of experience and educational background in tech, you too, can be the CTO.

Image Credits: Chad Kainz via Flickr

Image Credits: Chad Kainz via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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How to make the best out of your last $300?

Experts estimate that more than 90% of the diseases are stress related. And rapid aging is probably another negative by-product of sustained elevated stress levels. While eradicating anxiety and stress altogether in fast-paced Singapore may be unrealistic, indulging in therapeutic treatments and one’s favourite hobbies can certainly help to manage stress.

Continuing from the article “How to maximise your life with a $3,000 paycheck”, this article is the last in a five-part series and it will zoom in to the ways of deriving the ultimate satisfaction and gratification from life with the last 10% or $300 of a $3,000 salary.

Image credit: taxisingapore.com

Image credit: taxisingapore.com

1. A short getaway to Johor Bahru

While it is a well-known fact that JB is a shopping and food haven, many may still feel that it is not worth a hassle to beat the checkpoints and commit to the distant travel. However, depending on one’s schedule and opportunity cost, the huge cost savings are hardly resistible. Indeed, food, accommodation, wares and massage services are priced at a steep discount to those in Singapore, especially when the favorable exchange rate persists. Therefore, it may be more sensible and economical to shop in the foreign land to maximize your spending power.

Image credit: outlet.com.sg

Image credit: outlet.com.sg

2. Go online shopping

Being economically vibrant and prosperous is honorable, but it is not without its costs. Prohibitively high rental and labour costs in Singapore have created much hardship for local businesses, and consequently, the consumers who have to bear the inflated price tags. However, it pays to be technologically savvy. The major growth spurt of online retailers has simply thrived on a low-cost but high-quality principle. Furthermore, online businesses are easily accessible, which enables effortless comparisons. And it is precisely this unmitigated flow of information that heightens competition and further drives down our bills. So, time to hitch on to this modern trend if you haven’t!

Image credit: appleandradish.com.au

Image credit: appleandradish.com.au

3. Learn a fun skill

Learning is limitless. By continually expanding your knowledge and skills, you gain others’ respect while becoming an increasingly invaluable asset to their lives (and of course, you are the greatest beneficiary of your own abilities). It does not have to always be intellectual. It could be an indispensable skill that most people overlook. Thankfully, this gap is plugged by LessonsGoWhere, an online marketplace that brings exciting and enriching lessons covering a diverse blend of 9 categories from baking to photography to an aspiring community. Who knows if one day, the new skill may even change your entire course of life and carve out a rewarding career niche?

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Common Career Mishaps Young Employees Make

On your first full-time job after graduation, you are bound to make minor to costly mishaps. Keep in mind that it is okay to make these mistakes especially at the beginning of your career. It helps you to learn and as you bounce back, you will be tougher than you ever were before.

On that note, here are the Common Career Mishaps Young Employees (In Their 20s) Make

1. WAITING GAME

First on the list is the irrational belief that you will magically land your dream position without any ounce of effort. No matter how skilled you are, you need to search for the job yourself. Some people maybe lucky as companies personally look for them after they graduated, however what if you are not one of them? Worry not. By working hard, you can achieve your goals and so much more.

And, once you are accepted for the job, do not forget to dress for the part. There is no right or wrong way to dress except if the company provides the uniforms. Nevertheless, the best thing for you to do is to wear conservative or non-revealing clothes in the first few days then adjust from there.

2. NEGLECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

Resources and connections play a huge part especially in the business, marketing, and advertising world. Being able to keep in touch with your fellow graduates will help a lot. As young professionals, it will benefit you to attend networking events to increase your knowledge about the working environment. Also, having access to job opportunities at a young age is indispensable.

3. FAILING TO NEGOTIATE

Being fresh to the “working scene”, you may be prone to underrate your worth. This is why it is important to evaluate your skills, education, and experiences. Find out the average salary per year through PayScale.com. It provides salary information for a particular position from its global online database. For example, the average pay for a Sales Representative at Pharmaceuticals is S$46,006/year.

And, if you already got the job yet you feel underpaid and overworked, ask for a pay raise. If you do not ask then you would not get it. Realize that your bargaining strength is all in your head. You can do it!

4. LEAVING A JOB TOO SOON

There is nothing inappropriate with leaving a job unless you have not taken everything into consideration. When faced with a difficult situation at work, young employees often think that quitting will solve it.

You may be away from your annoying colleague but you are faced with unemployment and debt. Is it really worth it to quit? In this situation, it is best to weigh-in the benefits and consequences of your future actions first.

5. LETTING YOUR INFLATED EGO AFFECT YOUR CAREER

Your huge ego can translate in your Resume/C.V., your interview, and your actions. Instead of only boasting your strengths, find the skills that can help the company to improve and put it in your Resume/C.V.

Lastly, do not overestimate your abilities because you are merely starting a journey. Ask politely if you do not know how to solve an issue. This simple gesture can save the company hundreds of dollars.

Image Credits: Sara Ashley via Flickr

Image Credits: Sara Ashley via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

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Things To Do If You Feel Underpaid And Overworked

In 2014, a research showed that 61% of Singaporean employees felt that were underpaid and overworked compared to the existing market rates. To put that in perspective, that is about 6 out of 10 employees. As the increase of talents from all around the world rise, satisfaction of pay and loyalty to the company will be tested. Now, if you feel that you are underpaid and overworked then, here are the 3 things you shall consider doing…

1. ENHANCE YOUR WRITING SKILLS

Your potential can be assessed by how well you construct proposals, e-mails, and reports. Poor writing skills can cost more money or inadvertently offend others especially the valued clients. Proper grammar along with being direct is very important when responding to your superiors and to your clients. Brush up on your English skills by watching free tutorial videos on YouTube.

2. SPEAK UP MORE

Did you know that Narcissists (i.e., overly self-involved individuals) give out a better impression of themselves in the workplace because of their outspoken nature? They like to brag about their tasks and achievements hence, they are perceived by the bosses to be smarter and to have more initiative. But we all know that geniuses that are extremely quiet exist and are often overlooked (e.g., snob in promotions or pay raise).

To assert yourself more, try to join Public Speaking Workshops. In fact, there is an on going deal for a 3 Hour Public Speaking Workshop at GROUPON for only S$15. Grab it now, as it is valid until June 2015 only.

3. ASK FOR A RAISE

Living in Singapore with a deeply rooted Asian culture, it is usual for us to be silent and underrate our worth. Hence, it is not surprising how many people hardly negotiate pay at interview. During employment, they fail to negotiate a pay raise too. But, if you do not ask then you would not get it. You are more valuable than you think; otherwise, they would have fired you a long time ago. Realize that your bargaining strength is all in your head. You can do it! 🙂

For detailed ways to negotiate salary increase efficiently, read my other article here.

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