Johnny Carey: A cautionary tale of not achieving formal education

Seth Walsh

Seth Walsh

The man in the mirror is my only threat
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Eggs in one basket. No backup plan. Defiance, pride and ego.

I don't know if any of you know about the YouTuber "Johnny Carey". Used to make super interesting and entertaining videos back in 2018-2019. GOAT level, one of my favourite creators.

The guy had it all ahead of him. Now - he's a FOREX scammer aged 26.


This deep dive is far worse and far more brutal than the 1STMAN one, but serves as a reminder that not going through college, whilst not picking up blue collar work and developing trade skills (not the "trade skills" you're thinking about), but genuine certifications in any trade that can be considered non-financial or blue collar.

@forevergymcelling @piec @Foreverbrad @chadintraining

1743170148761
1743170168469
1743170197507



Timeline of Johnny Carey’s Rise and Fall

2015–2017: The Rise

  • Activity: Launched YouTube with comedic skits, gaining traction for relatable "London roadman" humor.
  • Mindset: Energized, creative, driven by validation from growing fame.
  • Key Factor: Authenticity resonated with audiences; no backup plan considered.
2018–2019: Peak Fame

  • Activity: Collaborations, sponsorships, and peak earnings (~$100k/year).
  • Mindset: Confident but complacent; identity tied to being an "internet personality."
  • Key Factor: Relied solely on YouTube; ignored diversification.
June 2020: Personal Crisis

Admission to the breakup deeply affecting him (Sep21)
Video timestamped above
  • Event: Devastating breakup with long-term girlfriend.
  • Impact: Emotional anchor lost; creativity and mental health declined.
  • Key Factor: Suppressed trauma, leading to impulsive decisions.
2021–2022: Plateau and Decline

  • Activity: Stagnant content; views dropped as audience aged.
  • Earnings: YouTube revenue halved (~$50k/year).
  • Mindset: Anxiety, denial, refusal to adapt (e.g., ignored TikTok trends).
2023–2024: Desperation and Scam Pivot

  • Activity: Shifted to promoting forex trading on TikTok/Telegram.
  • Tactics: Sold "get-rich-quick" signals, unlicensed financial advice.
  • Key Factor: Fear of irrelevance and financial panic overrode ethics.
2025: Current State


1743170308531


Here’s a likely timeline of Johnny Carey’s trajectory, starting from 2015. It’s a mix of known facts, logical inference, and psychological analysis based on how these influencer arcs typically unfold.



1743170630288

2015–2017: The Rise


Age: Late teens
Activity: Starts uploading skits and “UK roadman” comedy, often filmed in public with mates.


Core Influences:


  • Riding the early wave of UK YouTube’s golden era (KSI, Chunkz, etc.)
  • Buzz from authenticity: being working-class, funny, streetwise—mass appeal
  • Pure creative energy, ego validation from growing views, finally “being seen”

Psych State: Energized, ambitious, high on momentum



1743170660181

2018–2019: The Peak


Activity: Channel takes off. Collaborations increase. Sponsorships come in. Possibly reaches highest income during this time.
Personal life: Has a long-term girlfriend; likely his support system and emotional anchor.


Core Influences:


  • Confidence and security from success
  • Feels like he’s on a real career path
  • Loyalty to his audience and sense of "I made it out"

Psych State: Stable, but the pressure starts mounting quietly—how long can this last?



1743170724266

June 2020: Breakup with Girlfriend


This is the psychological turning point. He posted about it at the time, and fans noted how devastated he seemed.


Core Influences:


  • Losing his emotional anchor
  • COVID isolation, limited distractions
  • Self-doubt creeps in; questioning identity, worth

Psych State: Depressed, untethered. Channel activity might dip or shift in tone.



1743170702338

2021–2022: Content Plateau


Activity: Skits feel repetitive; engagement drops. Fewer collabs. Audience aging out.
Income: Declining or inconsistent. YouTube AdSense and brand deals becoming unreliable.


Core Influences:


  • Algorithm punishing older formats
  • Difficulty adapting to newer trends like shorts or TikTok
  • Others from his circle are evolving or thriving (Chunkz, Niko), amplifying his sense of stagnation

Psych State: Anxious, stuck in a rut, pride prevents asking for help






Late 2023: First Forex Mentions Begin


Activity: Starts dropping subtle references to trading, passive income, “investments.” Possibly experimenting behind the scenes already.


Core Influences:


  • Panic about long-term viability
  • Exposure to hustle/crypto/forex influencers
  • Desire to regain control and income, fast
  • Enticed by the illusion of "easy money"

Psych State: Rationalizing risky behavior; ego and survival instincts merge




Early 2024: Full Pivot to Forex Grifting


Activity: TikTok and Telegram promotions ramp up. Uses old fame to build trust. FCA issues a public warning.


Core Influences:


  • Financial desperation becomes primary driver
  • Fear of being irrelevant supersedes integrity
  • “If I don’t do it, someone else will” mindset justifies the scam

Psych State: Internally conflicted but numb. Leans into deceit as a coping mechanism.



2025 (Now): Crisis Mode


Activity: Channel growth stagnates. Daily YouTube views barely pay bills. Social media focus becomes scattered, less authentic.
Reputation: Quiet backlash growing. Name no longer carries respect it once did.


Core Influences:


  • Burnout, guilt, and anxiety
  • Isolation from former peers/friends
  • Living off fumes of past relevance
  • Too deep in the grift to stop without losing face

Psych State: Fragmented identity. Survival mode. Still chasing validation—but hollow now.




1743170600499


Summary: What Drove the Change?


  • Emotional trauma (breakup, lost sense of self)
  • Financial pressure (unstable income, lifestyle mismatch)
  • Fear of irrelevance (ego identity tied to being "somebody")
  • Lack of purpose or reorientation (never built a backup plan)

Johnny Carey didn’t just “fall off”—he drifted, slowly, without a guide. He likely didn’t intend to become the guy he is now, but fear and pride are powerful accelerants when mixed.



Given what we know—and assuming no major redemptive pivot—the most likely trajectory for Johnny Carey is:




⚠️ 1. Gradual Irrelevance


His YouTube growth is already stagnating. Once daily views dip below a threshold (~10k/day), the channel becomes functionally obsolete from a revenue standpoint.


  • AdSense will barely cover rent or bills.
  • Brand deals will dry up (especially if his name becomes associated with scams).
  • Engagement will fall off as the younger audience ages or moves on to TikTok-native personalities.

Unless he reinvents himself or finds a niche with longevity, he’ll slowly disappear from public consciousness. That’s already happening.




💸 2. Escalating Risk & Grift


He’s now in what’s called a "scam loop"—a downward spiral where:


  • Past scams burn trust
  • That reduces income
  • So he doubles down on worse scams to make up for the shortfall

This could lead to:


  • More aggressive forex/promo schemes
  • Fake “mentorship” programs or “exclusive” online courses
  • Affiliate deals with shady platforms
    Eventually: permanent platform bans or even legal consequences.



🤷 3. Attempted Rebrand or Pivot (Unlikely, But Possible)


He could try to:


  • Pivot into a new niche (e.g., podcasting, fitness, redemption arc)
  • Build a business behind the scenes (event organizing, clothing brand, etc.)
  • Go full-time into TikTok content—but that window’s shrinking

But without formal education, skills, or a credible network, the bar is high. And more importantly, his public trust is eroding—making any rebrand hard to believe.




🧠 4. Mental Health Crash / Withdrawal


This is the wildcard—but a real possibility.


  • When the money dries up, and the attention disappears, the identity collapse hits hard.
  • If he hasn’t built emotional resilience, he might withdraw entirely, delete his accounts, or suffer a public breakdown.
  • Some influencers end up returning years later under new names, or working normal jobs under the radar.



🏚️ Most Probable Endgame (If Nothing Changes):


Within 2–3 years, Johnny Carey is largely forgotten by the mainstream, possibly operating small scam communities under burner accounts or trying to relaunch something with the little clout he has left. He won’t be “cancelled”—just irrelevant and broke, clinging to past fame.


Without new skills or a complete mindset shift, he’s headed for financial instability, social isolation, and likely resentment toward the very audience that once lifted him up.



Lessons to Learn from Johnny’s Downfall

  1. Education & Backup Plans Matter
    • Johnny had no qualifications; his entire self-worth relied on YouTube.
    • Lesson: Always build transferable skills. Education provides stability when trends fade.
  2. Emotional Resilience > Clout
    • His breakup triggered a spiral he never addressed.
    • Lesson: Therapy and self-awareness prevent self-destructive pivots.
  3. Avoid External Locus of Control
    • Blamed algorithms instead of evolving.
    • Lesson: Take ownership of reinvention; don’t wait for luck or shortcuts.
  4. Ethics Over Quick Cash
    • Scamming fans destroys trust permanently.
    • Lesson: Sustainable success requires integrity.
  5. Financial Literacy Is Non-Negotiable
    • Burned through YouTube earnings, then turned to scams.
    • Lesson: Invest in stable income streams (e.g., real estate, index funds).

Johnny’s YouTube Earnings Estimate (2025)

  • Views: ~241M total (plateaued at 1.3M subs).
  • Monthly Revenue: 1,000–1,000–3,000 (AdSense only).
  • Sponsorships: Minimal (brands avoid scam-adjacent influencers).
  • Forex Scams: Unclear but risky (likely short-term gains, long-term legal/financial fallout).

Future Outlook: A Likely Tragedy

Without intervention, Johnny faces:

  1. Irrelevance: Fading into obscurity as YouTube income dries up.
  2. Legal Risks: FCA investigations or lawsuits from scammed followers.
  3. Mental Health Collapse: Isolation and guilt could lead to severe depression.

Psychological Burden Over Time

Girlfriend acted as an emotional anchor. 2018-2019 was absolute peak. He even opened up about mental health struggles over this period. The guy was a king. Inspiring in many ways, still had so much potential.
  • Peaks: 2020 (breakup), 2024 (FCA warning), 2025 (crisis mode).

Final Thoughts

Johnny Carey’s story is a stark reminder: potential means nothing without purpose, preparation, and principles. His fear-driven pivot to scams highlights the cost of neglecting emotional health and ethical grounding. For viewers and creators alike – build a life that doesn’t crumble when the views stop.

PSA Takeaway:
Chase fulfillment, not clout. Invest in yourself, not illusions.




MOST IMPORTANT PART :feelswow::feelswow:
1743171040825



What to Avoid (and What He Didn’t):
Avoid tying your identity and income to fleeting trends without diversification; Johnny failed to build skills, savings, or ethical revenue streams outside YouTube. Avoid suppressing trauma and fear—he ignored his post-breakup spiral, doubling down on grifts instead of seeking growth.

Practical Considerations He Ignored:
He should’ve invested in education, therapy, or stable assets (e.g., property, index funds) during his peak earnings. Instead, he prioritized short-term clout, assuming YouTube fame would last forever.

Why He Missed the Downward Spiral:
Ego blinded him—he dismissed declining views as a "phase" and refused to adapt. Fear of irrelevance warped his judgment, making scams feel like survival, not failure.

Why It’s Morally Reprehensible:
He’s exploiting vulnerable followers—many young or financially desperate—by selling false hope through unregulated forex schemes, knowing his "advice" lacks expertise and risks ruining lives. Trading trust for quick cash isn’t hustle; it’s predation.



Thank you.
 
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  • +1
Reactions: Yliaster, maximum cope31, Debetro and 2 others
Still made more in his peak years than I can make in a lifetime of wagie.
 
Still made more in his peak years than I can make in a lifetime of wagie.
Highly doubt he kept it all. Seems like he likely lost a lot "trading".

The holidays, car and clothes he bought are not assets.

Where he is now says EVERYTHING.



Huge lesson to be learned. He is a good case study. Likely never invested earnings. Now he's a FX scammer. Absolute bottom of the barrel and pure desperation. He has lost his identity, emotional control, and moral compass.

And I am here to flag a warning that not having any formal education is a HUGE BARRIER in life. 1STMAN is another example of exactly this.

Something he could have done was recognised when his YouTube earnings and metrics were dropping, and using the proceeds to invest in another entrepreneurial endeavour.

But it seems crisis and a lack of practical considerations for the future caught up to him.

I would wager that he has no stability, little savings, and no direction in life - and is clinging onto the remnants of the past, which is gone.

His only career credential is his online presence, and he is using it for malpractice.
 
  • +1
Reactions: chadintraining
Nov23 hair transplant

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Last edited:
Eggs in one basket. No backup plan. Defiance, pride and ego.

I don't know if any of you know about the YouTuber "Johnny Carey". Used to make super interesting and entertaining videos back in 2018-2019. GOAT level, one of my favourite creators.

The guy had it all ahead of him. Now - he's a FOREX scammer aged 26.


This deep dive is far worse and far more brutal than the 1STMAN one, but serves as a reminder that not going through college, whilst not picking up blue collar work and developing trade skills (not the "trade skills" you're thinking about), but genuine certifications in any trade that can be considered non-financial or blue collar.

@forevergymcelling @piec @Foreverbrad @chadintraining

View attachment 3600427View attachment 3600428View attachment 3600429


Timeline of Johnny Carey’s Rise and Fall

2015–2017: The Rise

  • Activity: Launched YouTube with comedic skits, gaining traction for relatable "London roadman" humor.
  • Mindset: Energized, creative, driven by validation from growing fame.
  • Key Factor: Authenticity resonated with audiences; no backup plan considered.
2018–2019: Peak Fame

  • Activity: Collaborations, sponsorships, and peak earnings (~$100k/year).
  • Mindset: Confident but complacent; identity tied to being an "internet personality."
  • Key Factor: Relied solely on YouTube; ignored diversification.
June 2020: Personal Crisis

Admission to the breakup deeply affecting him (Sep21)
Video timestamped above
  • Event: Devastating breakup with long-term girlfriend.
  • Impact: Emotional anchor lost; creativity and mental health declined.
  • Key Factor: Suppressed trauma, leading to impulsive decisions.
2021–2022: Plateau and Decline

  • Activity: Stagnant content; views dropped as audience aged.
  • Earnings: YouTube revenue halved (~$50k/year).
  • Mindset: Anxiety, denial, refusal to adapt (e.g., ignored TikTok trends).
2023–2024: Desperation and Scam Pivot

  • Activity: Shifted to promoting forex trading on TikTok/Telegram.
  • Tactics: Sold "get-rich-quick" signals, unlicensed financial advice.
  • Key Factor: Fear of irrelevance and financial panic overrode ethics.
2025: Current State


View attachment 3600431

Here’s a likely timeline of Johnny Carey’s trajectory, starting from 2015. It’s a mix of known facts, logical inference, and psychological analysis based on how these influencer arcs typically unfold.



View attachment 3600442

2015–2017: The Rise


Age: Late teens
Activity: Starts uploading skits and “UK roadman” comedy, often filmed in public with mates.


Core Influences:


  • Riding the early wave of UK YouTube’s golden era (KSI, Chunkz, etc.)
  • Buzz from authenticity: being working-class, funny, streetwise—mass appeal
  • Pure creative energy, ego validation from growing views, finally “being seen”

Psych State: Energized, ambitious, high on momentum



View attachment 3600446

2018–2019: The Peak


Activity: Channel takes off. Collaborations increase. Sponsorships come in. Possibly reaches highest income during this time.
Personal life: Has a long-term girlfriend; likely his support system and emotional anchor.


Core Influences:


  • Confidence and security from success
  • Feels like he’s on a real career path
  • Loyalty to his audience and sense of "I made it out"

Psych State: Stable, but the pressure starts mounting quietly—how long can this last?



View attachment 3600449

June 2020: Breakup with Girlfriend


This is the psychological turning point. He posted about it at the time, and fans noted how devastated he seemed.


Core Influences:


  • Losing his emotional anchor
  • COVID isolation, limited distractions
  • Self-doubt creeps in; questioning identity, worth

Psych State: Depressed, untethered. Channel activity might dip or shift in tone.



View attachment 3600448

2021–2022: Content Plateau


Activity: Skits feel repetitive; engagement drops. Fewer collabs. Audience aging out.
Income: Declining or inconsistent. YouTube AdSense and brand deals becoming unreliable.


Core Influences:


  • Algorithm punishing older formats
  • Difficulty adapting to newer trends like shorts or TikTok
  • Others from his circle are evolving or thriving (Chunkz, Niko), amplifying his sense of stagnation

Psych State: Anxious, stuck in a rut, pride prevents asking for help






Late 2023: First Forex Mentions Begin


Activity: Starts dropping subtle references to trading, passive income, “investments.” Possibly experimenting behind the scenes already.


Core Influences:


  • Panic about long-term viability
  • Exposure to hustle/crypto/forex influencers
  • Desire to regain control and income, fast
  • Enticed by the illusion of "easy money"

Psych State: Rationalizing risky behavior; ego and survival instincts merge




Early 2024: Full Pivot to Forex Grifting


Activity: TikTok and Telegram promotions ramp up. Uses old fame to build trust. FCA issues a public warning.


Core Influences:


  • Financial desperation becomes primary driver
  • Fear of being irrelevant supersedes integrity
  • “If I don’t do it, someone else will” mindset justifies the scam

Psych State: Internally conflicted but numb. Leans into deceit as a coping mechanism.



2025 (Now): Crisis Mode


Activity: Channel growth stagnates. Daily YouTube views barely pay bills. Social media focus becomes scattered, less authentic.
Reputation: Quiet backlash growing. Name no longer carries respect it once did.


Core Influences:


  • Burnout, guilt, and anxiety
  • Isolation from former peers/friends
  • Living off fumes of past relevance
  • Too deep in the grift to stop without losing face

Psych State: Fragmented identity. Survival mode. Still chasing validation—but hollow now.




View attachment 3600440

Summary: What Drove the Change?


  • Emotional trauma (breakup, lost sense of self)
  • Financial pressure (unstable income, lifestyle mismatch)
  • Fear of irrelevance (ego identity tied to being "somebody")
  • Lack of purpose or reorientation (never built a backup plan)

Johnny Carey didn’t just “fall off”—he drifted, slowly, without a guide. He likely didn’t intend to become the guy he is now, but fear and pride are powerful accelerants when mixed.



Given what we know—and assuming no major redemptive pivot—the most likely trajectory for Johnny Carey is:




⚠️ 1. Gradual Irrelevance


His YouTube growth is already stagnating. Once daily views dip below a threshold (~10k/day), the channel becomes functionally obsolete from a revenue standpoint.


  • AdSense will barely cover rent or bills.
  • Brand deals will dry up (especially if his name becomes associated with scams).
  • Engagement will fall off as the younger audience ages or moves on to TikTok-native personalities.

Unless he reinvents himself or finds a niche with longevity, he’ll slowly disappear from public consciousness. That’s already happening.




💸 2. Escalating Risk & Grift


He’s now in what’s called a "scam loop"—a downward spiral where:


  • Past scams burn trust
  • That reduces income
  • So he doubles down on worse scams to make up for the shortfall

This could lead to:


  • More aggressive forex/promo schemes
  • Fake “mentorship” programs or “exclusive” online courses
  • Affiliate deals with shady platforms
    Eventually: permanent platform bans or even legal consequences.



🤷 3. Attempted Rebrand or Pivot (Unlikely, But Possible)


He could try to:


  • Pivot into a new niche (e.g., podcasting, fitness, redemption arc)
  • Build a business behind the scenes (event organizing, clothing brand, etc.)
  • Go full-time into TikTok content—but that window’s shrinking

But without formal education, skills, or a credible network, the bar is high. And more importantly, his public trust is eroding—making any rebrand hard to believe.




🧠 4. Mental Health Crash / Withdrawal


This is the wildcard—but a real possibility.


  • When the money dries up, and the attention disappears, the identity collapse hits hard.
  • If he hasn’t built emotional resilience, he might withdraw entirely, delete his accounts, or suffer a public breakdown.
  • Some influencers end up returning years later under new names, or working normal jobs under the radar.



🏚️ Most Probable Endgame (If Nothing Changes):


Within 2–3 years, Johnny Carey is largely forgotten by the mainstream, possibly operating small scam communities under burner accounts or trying to relaunch something with the little clout he has left. He won’t be “cancelled”—just irrelevant and broke, clinging to past fame.


Without new skills or a complete mindset shift, he’s headed for financial instability, social isolation, and likely resentment toward the very audience that once lifted him up.



Lessons to Learn from Johnny’s Downfall

  1. Education & Backup Plans Matter
    • Johnny had no qualifications; his entire self-worth relied on YouTube.
    • Lesson: Always build transferable skills. Education provides stability when trends fade.
  2. Emotional Resilience > Clout
    • His breakup triggered a spiral he never addressed.
    • Lesson: Therapy and self-awareness prevent self-destructive pivots.
  3. Avoid External Locus of Control
    • Blamed algorithms instead of evolving.
    • Lesson: Take ownership of reinvention; don’t wait for luck or shortcuts.
  4. Ethics Over Quick Cash
    • Scamming fans destroys trust permanently.
    • Lesson: Sustainable success requires integrity.
  5. Financial Literacy Is Non-Negotiable
    • Burned through YouTube earnings, then turned to scams.
    • Lesson: Invest in stable income streams (e.g., real estate, index funds).

Johnny’s YouTube Earnings Estimate (2025)

  • Views: ~241M total (plateaued at 1.3M subs).
  • Monthly Revenue: 1,000–1,000–3,000 (AdSense only).
  • Sponsorships: Minimal (brands avoid scam-adjacent influencers).
  • Forex Scams: Unclear but risky (likely short-term gains, long-term legal/financial fallout).

Future Outlook: A Likely Tragedy

Without intervention, Johnny faces:

  1. Irrelevance: Fading into obscurity as YouTube income dries up.
  2. Legal Risks: FCA investigations or lawsuits from scammed followers.
  3. Mental Health Collapse: Isolation and guilt could lead to severe depression.

Psychological Burden Over Time

Girlfriend acted as an emotional anchor. 2018-2019 was absolute peak. He even opened up about mental health struggles over this period. The guy was a king. Inspiring in many ways, still had so much potential.
  • Peaks: 2020 (breakup), 2024 (FCA warning), 2025 (crisis mode).

Final Thoughts

Johnny Carey’s story is a stark reminder: potential means nothing without purpose, preparation, and principles. His fear-driven pivot to scams highlights the cost of neglecting emotional health and ethical grounding. For viewers and creators alike – build a life that doesn’t crumble when the views stop.

PSA Takeaway:
Chase fulfillment, not clout. Invest in yourself, not illusions.




MOST IMPORTANT PART :feelswow::feelswow:
View attachment 3600456


What to Avoid (and What He Didn’t):
Avoid tying your identity and income to fleeting trends without diversification; Johnny failed to build skills, savings, or ethical revenue streams outside YouTube. Avoid suppressing trauma and fear—he ignored his post-breakup spiral, doubling down on grifts instead of seeking growth.

Practical Considerations He Ignored:
He should’ve invested in education, therapy, or stable assets (e.g., property, index funds) during his peak earnings. Instead, he prioritized short-term clout, assuming YouTube fame would last forever.

Why He Missed the Downward Spiral:
Ego blinded him—he dismissed declining views as a "phase" and refused to adapt. Fear of irrelevance warped his judgment, making scams feel like survival, not failure.

Why It’s Morally Reprehensible:
He’s exploiting vulnerable followers—many young or financially desperate—by selling false hope through unregulated forex schemes, knowing his "advice" lacks expertise and risks ruining lives. Trading trust for quick cash isn’t hustle; it’s predation.



Thank you.

Johnny has been living in a house where all his siblings and parents have stable jobs. Johnny has been travelling since November 2023, to places such as Thailand, UAE etc.

With friends (fair weather friends), who may be unemployed.

The FOREX scam thing is what triggered me to make this thread. Currently Johnny is not a force for good.

Hopefully he sees this and gains self awareness, confronts his insecurities, his trauma and fears, and starts building.


The implications of having no private property and no stable income are massive. They literally determine your wealth accumulation over the course of your life, and your long term life outcome.

Please do not fall into the trap of cognitive dissonance, or inauthenticity for the sake of self-protection.
 
Learnings?:

Protect your main source of income like your life depends on it - because it does.

Johnny was 20-21 and earnings relatively stable income, far far in excess of anyone else, and probably well within the top 1% of earners for his age bracket.

Always invest in assets. Always be adaptable, and be equipped to change with conditions.

I may make a thread on NEETs going on semi-perpetual "lads holidays", and the tragic effect it has on long term life outcome. I feel it's very important.

Also might make a thread about one's moral degradation's correlation with self-circumstantial degradation paired with lack of awareness, planning and real life role-model-esque influence(s).


@forevergymcelling thoughts?
 
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Watch him closely in this video:

Full psychological breakdown.


Pre-2015: Early Formation


  • Working-class London background
  • Likely experiencing social mobility limitations
  • Development of comedic persona as survival/differentiation mechanism
  • Early indicators of seeking external validation

2015-2017: Initial YouTube Rise
Psychological State: Hopeful, energetic, validation-seeking

Key Characteristics:

  • Authentic "roadman" comedy resonates with UK youth culture
  • No formal career backup plan
  • Identity entirely tied to emerging internet personality status
  • Riding wave of UK YouTube creator ecosystem (KSI, Chunkz era)

2018-2019: Peak Influence Period
Peak Metrics:


  • Approximately $100,000 annual income
  • Stable long-term relationship
  • Collaborative network within creator community
  • Maximum social capital and perceived future potential

Critical Psychological Turning Point: June 2020 Breakup


  • Emotional anchor completely removed
  • COVID isolation intensifies psychological vulnerability
  • Begin of identity fragmentation process
  • Suppressed trauma becomes primary internal narrative

2021-2022: Decline Phase
Trajectory Indicators:


  • YouTube revenue halves (~$50,000)
  • Content becoming repetitive
  • Audience aging out
  • Algorithm pushing him towards irrelevance
  • Growing anxiety about professional sustainability

Late 2023: Pivotal Transformation
Critical Decisions:


  • International travel (leaving England in November)
  • Hair transplant (November, age 25)
  • First serious forex/trading content appearances
  • Psychological defence: Maintaining appearance of success

2024: Full Grift Mode
External Manifestations:


  • FCA warnings about financial schemes
  • TikTok/Telegram forex promotion
  • Aggressive monetization of remaining personal brand
  • Complete ethical compromise

PROJECTED TIMELINE: 2025-2030


2025 (Current State):


  • YouTube revenue: $1,000-$3,000 monthly
  • Sporadic forex scheme income
  • Increasing platform distrust
  • Social media presence becoming scattered

2026 Projection: Initial Consequence Phase
Likely Developments:


  • Potential platform-wide bans
  • Reduced forex scheme effectiveness
  • Increasing legal scrutiny
  • Family potentially withdrawing financial support
  • Growing social isolation

2027: Critical Restructuring Point
Potential Scenarios:


  1. Complete Professional Collapse

  • Total platform ban
  • No viable income streams
  • Potential return to UK
  • Forced career reset

  1. Partial Pivot

  • Attempt at podcast/alternative content
  • Reduced but existing online presence
  • Minimal monetization capabilities

2028-2029: Survival Mode
Psychological Landscape:


  • Severe identity crisis
  • Potential mental health intervention required
  • Likely experiencing:
    • Depression
    • Social disconnection
    • Financial instability
    • Loss of previous social networks

2030: Potential Redemption or Marginalization
Most Probable Outcomes:

  • Working entry-level job
  • Completely detached from previous internet persona
  • Possible relocation
  • Rebuilding personal identity from scratch

Deeper Psychological Analysis:


Root Causes of Trajectory:


  1. Lack of Structured Education

  • No formal qualifications
  • Limited transferable skills
  • Reliance on performative economic model

  1. Emotional Trauma Unprocessed

  • 2020 breakup as fundamental identity rupture
  • No therapeutic intervention
  • Developing complex trust issues

  1. Masculinity Performance Mechanism

  • Hair transplant as external validation symbol
  • Forex schemes as power restoration attempt
  • Constant performance of "success"

  1. Economic Precarity Survival Strategy

  • Scamming as last-resort economic mechanism
  • Exploiting remaining social capital
  • Psychological rationalization of unethical behaviour

Comparative Sociological Context:

  • Raised on promises of internet meritocracy
  • Lacking traditional economic safety nets
  • Caught between old and new economic paradigms
  • Experiencing rapid social mobility volatility

Predictive Psychological Model:

Without significant intervention, Johnny is likely to experience:

  • Continued social marginalization
  • Potential mental health crisis
  • Eventual complete personal brand erosion
  • High-risk economic survival strategies

Intervention Recommendations:

  1. Comprehensive psychological counseling
  2. Skill retraining programs
  3. Structured financial rehabilitation
  4. Social network reconstruction
  5. Ethical re-alignment strategy

This analysis transforms Johnny's narrative from mere personal failure to a complex sociological case study of digital age economic vulnerability.
 
BUMP.

Thoughts?
 
BUMP. People need to read this.
 
Who the fuck is this faggot?
 
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Who the fuck is this faggot?
Used to be a top YouTuber in 2018-2019. Genuinely funny vids.

Now he's an expat in SEA, scamming, grifting, coping.

Link between him and 1STMAN is no higher education after secondary school.

Clinging to internet persona and ego.


Very interesting. Basically over for him. And he had it all - so much potential.
 
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I’ll reply when I’m back from the gym
 
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Eggs in one basket. No backup plan. Defiance, pride and ego.

I don't know if any of you know about the YouTuber "Johnny Carey". Used to make super interesting and entertaining videos back in 2018-2019. GOAT level, one of my favourite creators.

The guy had it all ahead of him. Now - he's a FOREX scammer aged 26.


This deep dive is far worse and far more brutal than the 1STMAN one, but serves as a reminder that not going through college, whilst not picking up blue collar work and developing trade skills (not the "trade skills" you're thinking about), but genuine certifications in any trade that can be considered non-financial or blue collar.

@forevergymcelling @piec @Foreverbrad @chadintraining

View attachment 3600427View attachment 3600428View attachment 3600429


Timeline of Johnny Carey’s Rise and Fall

2015–2017: The Rise

  • Activity: Launched YouTube with comedic skits, gaining traction for relatable "London roadman" humor.
  • Mindset: Energized, creative, driven by validation from growing fame.
  • Key Factor: Authenticity resonated with audiences; no backup plan considered.
2018–2019: Peak Fame

  • Activity: Collaborations, sponsorships, and peak earnings (~$100k/year).
  • Mindset: Confident but complacent; identity tied to being an "internet personality."
  • Key Factor: Relied solely on YouTube; ignored diversification.
June 2020: Personal Crisis

Admission to the breakup deeply affecting him (Sep21)
Video timestamped above
  • Event: Devastating breakup with long-term girlfriend.
  • Impact: Emotional anchor lost; creativity and mental health declined.
  • Key Factor: Suppressed trauma, leading to impulsive decisions.
2021–2022: Plateau and Decline

  • Activity: Stagnant content; views dropped as audience aged.
  • Earnings: YouTube revenue halved (~$50k/year).
  • Mindset: Anxiety, denial, refusal to adapt (e.g., ignored TikTok trends).
2023–2024: Desperation and Scam Pivot

  • Activity: Shifted to promoting forex trading on TikTok/Telegram.
  • Tactics: Sold "get-rich-quick" signals, unlicensed financial advice.
  • Key Factor: Fear of irrelevance and financial panic overrode ethics.
2025: Current State


View attachment 3600431

Here’s a likely timeline of Johnny Carey’s trajectory, starting from 2015. It’s a mix of known facts, logical inference, and psychological analysis based on how these influencer arcs typically unfold.



View attachment 3600442

2015–2017: The Rise


Age: Late teens
Activity: Starts uploading skits and “UK roadman” comedy, often filmed in public with mates.


Core Influences:


  • Riding the early wave of UK YouTube’s golden era (KSI, Chunkz, etc.)
  • Buzz from authenticity: being working-class, funny, streetwise—mass appeal
  • Pure creative energy, ego validation from growing views, finally “being seen”

Psych State: Energized, ambitious, high on momentum



View attachment 3600446

2018–2019: The Peak


Activity: Channel takes off. Collaborations increase. Sponsorships come in. Possibly reaches highest income during this time.
Personal life: Has a long-term girlfriend; likely his support system and emotional anchor.


Core Influences:


  • Confidence and security from success
  • Feels like he’s on a real career path
  • Loyalty to his audience and sense of "I made it out"

Psych State: Stable, but the pressure starts mounting quietly—how long can this last?



View attachment 3600449

June 2020: Breakup with Girlfriend


This is the psychological turning point. He posted about it at the time, and fans noted how devastated he seemed.


Core Influences:


  • Losing his emotional anchor
  • COVID isolation, limited distractions
  • Self-doubt creeps in; questioning identity, worth

Psych State: Depressed, untethered. Channel activity might dip or shift in tone.



View attachment 3600448

2021–2022: Content Plateau


Activity: Skits feel repetitive; engagement drops. Fewer collabs. Audience aging out.
Income: Declining or inconsistent. YouTube AdSense and brand deals becoming unreliable.


Core Influences:


  • Algorithm punishing older formats
  • Difficulty adapting to newer trends like shorts or TikTok
  • Others from his circle are evolving or thriving (Chunkz, Niko), amplifying his sense of stagnation

Psych State: Anxious, stuck in a rut, pride prevents asking for help






Late 2023: First Forex Mentions Begin


Activity: Starts dropping subtle references to trading, passive income, “investments.” Possibly experimenting behind the scenes already.


Core Influences:


  • Panic about long-term viability
  • Exposure to hustle/crypto/forex influencers
  • Desire to regain control and income, fast
  • Enticed by the illusion of "easy money"

Psych State: Rationalizing risky behavior; ego and survival instincts merge




Early 2024: Full Pivot to Forex Grifting


Activity: TikTok and Telegram promotions ramp up. Uses old fame to build trust. FCA issues a public warning.


Core Influences:


  • Financial desperation becomes primary driver
  • Fear of being irrelevant supersedes integrity
  • “If I don’t do it, someone else will” mindset justifies the scam

Psych State: Internally conflicted but numb. Leans into deceit as a coping mechanism.



2025 (Now): Crisis Mode


Activity: Channel growth stagnates. Daily YouTube views barely pay bills. Social media focus becomes scattered, less authentic.
Reputation: Quiet backlash growing. Name no longer carries respect it once did.


Core Influences:


  • Burnout, guilt, and anxiety
  • Isolation from former peers/friends
  • Living off fumes of past relevance
  • Too deep in the grift to stop without losing face

Psych State: Fragmented identity. Survival mode. Still chasing validation—but hollow now.




View attachment 3600440

Summary: What Drove the Change?


  • Emotional trauma (breakup, lost sense of self)
  • Financial pressure (unstable income, lifestyle mismatch)
  • Fear of irrelevance (ego identity tied to being "somebody")
  • Lack of purpose or reorientation (never built a backup plan)

Johnny Carey didn’t just “fall off”—he drifted, slowly, without a guide. He likely didn’t intend to become the guy he is now, but fear and pride are powerful accelerants when mixed.



Given what we know—and assuming no major redemptive pivot—the most likely trajectory for Johnny Carey is:




⚠️ 1. Gradual Irrelevance


His YouTube growth is already stagnating. Once daily views dip below a threshold (~10k/day), the channel becomes functionally obsolete from a revenue standpoint.


  • AdSense will barely cover rent or bills.
  • Brand deals will dry up (especially if his name becomes associated with scams).
  • Engagement will fall off as the younger audience ages or moves on to TikTok-native personalities.

Unless he reinvents himself or finds a niche with longevity, he’ll slowly disappear from public consciousness. That’s already happening.




💸 2. Escalating Risk & Grift


He’s now in what’s called a "scam loop"—a downward spiral where:


  • Past scams burn trust
  • That reduces income
  • So he doubles down on worse scams to make up for the shortfall

This could lead to:


  • More aggressive forex/promo schemes
  • Fake “mentorship” programs or “exclusive” online courses
  • Affiliate deals with shady platforms
    Eventually: permanent platform bans or even legal consequences.



🤷 3. Attempted Rebrand or Pivot (Unlikely, But Possible)


He could try to:


  • Pivot into a new niche (e.g., podcasting, fitness, redemption arc)
  • Build a business behind the scenes (event organizing, clothing brand, etc.)
  • Go full-time into TikTok content—but that window’s shrinking

But without formal education, skills, or a credible network, the bar is high. And more importantly, his public trust is eroding—making any rebrand hard to believe.




🧠 4. Mental Health Crash / Withdrawal


This is the wildcard—but a real possibility.


  • When the money dries up, and the attention disappears, the identity collapse hits hard.
  • If he hasn’t built emotional resilience, he might withdraw entirely, delete his accounts, or suffer a public breakdown.
  • Some influencers end up returning years later under new names, or working normal jobs under the radar.



🏚️ Most Probable Endgame (If Nothing Changes):


Within 2–3 years, Johnny Carey is largely forgotten by the mainstream, possibly operating small scam communities under burner accounts or trying to relaunch something with the little clout he has left. He won’t be “cancelled”—just irrelevant and broke, clinging to past fame.


Without new skills or a complete mindset shift, he’s headed for financial instability, social isolation, and likely resentment toward the very audience that once lifted him up.



Lessons to Learn from Johnny’s Downfall

  1. Education & Backup Plans Matter
    • Johnny had no qualifications; his entire self-worth relied on YouTube.
    • Lesson: Always build transferable skills. Education provides stability when trends fade.
  2. Emotional Resilience > Clout
    • His breakup triggered a spiral he never addressed.
    • Lesson: Therapy and self-awareness prevent self-destructive pivots.
  3. Avoid External Locus of Control
    • Blamed algorithms instead of evolving.
    • Lesson: Take ownership of reinvention; don’t wait for luck or shortcuts.
  4. Ethics Over Quick Cash
    • Scamming fans destroys trust permanently.
    • Lesson: Sustainable success requires integrity.
  5. Financial Literacy Is Non-Negotiable
    • Burned through YouTube earnings, then turned to scams.
    • Lesson: Invest in stable income streams (e.g., real estate, index funds).

Johnny’s YouTube Earnings Estimate (2025)

  • Views: ~241M total (plateaued at 1.3M subs).
  • Monthly Revenue: 1,000–1,000–3,000 (AdSense only).
  • Sponsorships: Minimal (brands avoid scam-adjacent influencers).
  • Forex Scams: Unclear but risky (likely short-term gains, long-term legal/financial fallout).

Future Outlook: A Likely Tragedy

Without intervention, Johnny faces:

  1. Irrelevance: Fading into obscurity as YouTube income dries up.
  2. Legal Risks: FCA investigations or lawsuits from scammed followers.
  3. Mental Health Collapse: Isolation and guilt could lead to severe depression.

Psychological Burden Over Time

Girlfriend acted as an emotional anchor. 2018-2019 was absolute peak. He even opened up about mental health struggles over this period. The guy was a king. Inspiring in many ways, still had so much potential.
  • Peaks: 2020 (breakup), 2024 (FCA warning), 2025 (crisis mode).

Final Thoughts

Johnny Carey’s story is a stark reminder: potential means nothing without purpose, preparation, and principles. His fear-driven pivot to scams highlights the cost of neglecting emotional health and ethical grounding. For viewers and creators alike – build a life that doesn’t crumble when the views stop.

PSA Takeaway:
Chase fulfillment, not clout. Invest in yourself, not illusions.




MOST IMPORTANT PART :feelswow::feelswow:
View attachment 3600456


What to Avoid (and What He Didn’t):
Avoid tying your identity and income to fleeting trends without diversification; Johnny failed to build skills, savings, or ethical revenue streams outside YouTube. Avoid suppressing trauma and fear—he ignored his post-breakup spiral, doubling down on grifts instead of seeking growth.

Practical Considerations He Ignored:
He should’ve invested in education, therapy, or stable assets (e.g., property, index funds) during his peak earnings. Instead, he prioritized short-term clout, assuming YouTube fame would last forever.

Why He Missed the Downward Spiral:
Ego blinded him—he dismissed declining views as a "phase" and refused to adapt. Fear of irrelevance warped his judgment, making scams feel like survival, not failure.

Why It’s Morally Reprehensible:
He’s exploiting vulnerable followers—many young or financially desperate—by selling false hope through unregulated forex schemes, knowing his "advice" lacks expertise and risks ruining lives. Trading trust for quick cash isn’t hustle; it’s predation.



Thank you.

Johnny’s “holidays” are a delusional facade—he’s running from reality, not living a dream. With no skills, savings, or work ethic, his scams will implode. When the grift money dries up (and it will), he’ll crash into homelessness, addiction, or jail. No 9-5? No future. Pride kills faster than poverty.



HERE'S THE BLACKPILL TRUTH: Watch how fucked up he is in all his videos (he is coping so so hard) :feelswow:


Infinite lads holidays to numb the pain.



Brutal Truth:
Johnny’s obsession with his looks—bleached teeth, forced tan, and designer knockoffs—is a pathetic masquerade to compensate for his hollow core. He’s a working-class kid cosplaying as a self-made millionaire, but his genetic lottery didn’t include generational wealth, connections, or the discipline to build real stability.

What’s Holding Him Back:
1. No Education/Plan B:
He bet everything on YouTube fame, a volatile career he didn’t insulate with skills, savings, or humility. No degree = no fallback. No hustle outside clout = no escape hatch.

2. Olivia’s Exit:
She wasn’t just a girlfriend—she was his lifeline to reality. Her departure left him emotionally bankrupt, doubling down on vanity and scams to fill the void.

3. Socioeconomic Self-Sabotage:
His “luxury” aesthetic (cheap Rolexes, rented villas) is a cringe performance for an audience he’s scamming. He’s not “living wealthy”—he’s digging a debt grave to mimic a class he’ll never belong to.

4. Ego Over Evolution:
Refusing a 9-5 isn’t pride—it’s delusion. He’d rather starve in Bali than admit he’s just another grifter with a fading tan and emptier bank account.

Why It’s Over (Unless He Changes):
His looks are fading, his scams are failing, and his audience is bored. When the veneer cracks, he’ll be left with no money, no skills, and no identity beyond a bad punchline in the “influencer graveyard.”

Final Line:
You can’t veneer your teeth and your life. Johnny’s ‘wealth’ is a Snapchat filter—once the app closes, all that’s left is a broke, broken man who traded dignity for delusion.”

He is making an estimate of $500-1k per month off his YouTube uploads currently in 2025. High probability he has no savings, no skills, no identity, and lives permanently in a crisis he needs to cope with.

No long term stability — once making in excess 100k GBP per month at 19-20 years old, with a stunning GF. His actions determined everything. His ego lead to his demise.



2018-2019
1743266052623
1743266064380
1743266098776
1743266172946



2025
1743266216674

1743266295775





@forevergymcelling @6ft4 @chadison

How do you think it is possible to descend this hard?


100k GBP a month at 18-19, with a very attractive girlfriend, to dead broke scammer 4-5 years later. Hopefully he gets back on track and course corrects, humbles himself, gets off drugs and stops surrounding himself with "party island NEET fairweather friends".

He needs to build a career, stability and surround himself with role models.


I think:


Lack of self awareness
Ego getting in the way of practical considerations for the future
Heartbreak
Grappling with increased feelings of irrelevancy
Drug abuse
NEETdom
Shame
Lack of formal education and career path


There is no roadmap to becoming a YouTuber. The algorithm will never forgive you. It can give you everything, and change in an instant. It rewards consistency over creativity - probably a reason why most YouTubers burn out and turn to podcasting, events, investing etc.


I also have a belief that "social class / socioeconomic status" is engrained in some people's genes. Even with the "money", some people cannot break out of their destined path - and so, they can't create a path conducive with building wealth and stability.

It is extremely brutal, but I think it's true.


Happy to debate anyone on the social class pill anytime. I think there's a genetic component to social class that people are oblivious to. I think it exists.
 
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To summarise:

Low IQ
Low Sentience
Inadequate looks
Deano with a keeping up with the Jonases mentality

Any money this kid made was always gonna get spent on utter garbage

Also if he were better looking with more options, he wouldn't have been so upset about losing his gf. She's low class as fuck and is easily replaceable.

If I were earning 100k a month, I'd never work a day in my life again
 
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read every word
 
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To summarise:

Low IQ
Low Sentience
Inadequate looks
Deano with a keeping up with the Jonases mentality

Any money this kid made was always gonna get spent on utter garbage

Also if he were better looking with more options, he wouldn't have been so upset about losing his gf. She's low class as fuck and is easily replaceable.

If I were earning 100k a month, I'd never work a day in my life again
He was pretty looksmaxxed in his prime and probs had options. I see tons of girls thirsting over him in the comments of 2018-2019 vids.

I don't think his looks were the main problem tbh. Maybe a bit of a heightpill in there but by no means are looks his biggest problem. His issue was long term planning really. Also tried to fraud class. Which is something that needs to be discussed on here, way more.

Now he's right where he belongs. On thailand trips with Deano incels.

Absolutely fucking brutal. Had the potential to never have to worry about anything again - but his defiance blocked his growth and evolution.
 
We're living in the era of Success Porn


Routine
 
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