$5,000 a month

“I used to work in a courtroom, reading charges to people and selecting juries. Through the years, I also dabbled in media, was hired for commercials and films and worked on a home shopping network. My niece was a YouTuber, and when I appeared on her show, she told me people would ask for more of ‘Auntie Jillian.’ She encouraged me to set up my own channel, but I wasn’t interested in it. She set it up anyway (YouTube.com/ user/AskAuntieJillian), and 11,000 people subscribed—even though there weren’t any videos.

“I decided to give it a try, and I started to interview people. I never expected that people would want to watch a woman of my age with older kids, but I quickly discovered that people were more interested in my life and family, so when I made that shift, the channel took off.

“Most of the videos I create are of my family—what we’re doing and problems that come up, and sometimes we’re the butt of the joke. I also post videos about vlogging, cooking, travel, current events and positivity.

“I make money with Google Adsense as well as paid sponsorships. For example, I worked with a car dealership, a hair-care brand and a family video game. Brands reach out to me, but I only work with those I believe in.

“I love connecting with people and talking about everyday issues and showing people my life. I make around $5,000 a month doing this—money that pays the bills, including my children’s college tuition, goes back into the business and is used for travel.”

Jillian Danford, 50s, Toronto