" I mean, when I went to go get a loan as a creator, when I went to get a loan from the bank, I was in escrow for 90 days. The bank wouldn’t give me a loan when I tried to buy a house, because they didn’t understand how I made money. They said, ‘Send us your pay stubs from your job.’ I said, ‘ What are pay stubs?’ because I didn’t have a job. "
- Jack Conte

In the given statement, a creator describes their struggle with traditional financial institutions when attempting to secure a loan. The speaker encountered significant difficulties because banks expected conventional employment documentation like pay stubs to verify income, which were not applicable to their situation as an independent worker without formal employment.

The deeper meaning of this quote highlights the challenges faced by modern creators and entrepreneurs who operate outside the traditional job market. These individuals often rely on alternative sources of income that don't fit neatly into standard financial assessment criteria used by banks. This disconnect can lead to financial hurdles, such as difficulties in obtaining loans or mortgages, which are crucial for personal and business growth. The statement underscores the need for a more flexible and understanding approach from financial institutions towards independent workers and creators.

The quote is attributed to Jack Conte, an American musician and entrepreneur known for co-founding Patreon, a platform that allows artists and content creators to earn sustainable incomes through direct support from their fans and followers. His experiences reflect broader issues faced by many in the creative economy who seek traditional financial services but find themselves at odds with outdated banking practices.