Don't Follow Your Passion | 5 Minute Video

Should you follow your passion, wherever it may take you? Should you do only what you love...or learn to love what you do? How can you identify which path to take? How about which paths to avoid? TV personality Mike Rowe, star of "Dirty Jobs" and "Somebody's Gotta Do It," shares the dirty truth in PragerU's 2016 commencement address.
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Script:
There are only two things I can tell you today that come with absolutely no agenda. The first is “Congratulations.” The second is “Good luck.” Everything else is what I like to call, “The Dirty Truth,” which is just another way of saying, “It’s my opinion.”
And in my opinion, you have all been given some terrible advice, and that advice, is this:
Follow your passion.
Every time I watch the Oscars, I cringe when some famous movie star-trophy in hand-starts to deconstruct the secret of their success. It’s always the same thing: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have what it takes, kid!”; and the ever popular, “Never give up on your dreams!”
Look, I understand the importance of persistence, and the value of encouragement, but who tells a stranger to never give up on their dreams, without even knowing what it is they’re dreaming? How can Lady Gaga possibly know where your passion will lead you?
Have these people never seen American Idol?
Year after year, thousands of aspiring American Idols show up with great expectations, only to learn that they don’t possess the skills they thought they did.
What’s really amazing though, is not their lack of talent-the world is full of people who can’t sing. It’s their genuine shock at being rejected-the incredible realization that their passion and their ability had nothing to do with each other.
Look, if we’re talking about your hobby, by all means let your passion lead you.
But when it comes to making a living, it’s easy to forget the dirty truth: just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you won’t suck at it.
And just because you’ve earned a degree in your chosen field, doesn't mean you’re gonna find your “dream job.”
Dream Jobs are usually just that-dreams.
But their imaginary existence just might keep you from exploring careers that offer a legitimate chance to perform meaningful work and develop a genuine passion for the job you already have. Because here’s another Dirty Truth: your happiness on the job has very little to do with the work itself.
On Dirty Jobs, I remember a very successful septic tank cleaner, a multi-millionaire, who told me the secret to his success:
“I looked around to see where everyone else was headed,” he said, “And then I went the opposite way. Then I got good at my work. Then I began to prosper. And then one day, I realized I was passionate about other people’s crap.”
I’ve heard that same basic story from welders, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, HVAC professionals, hundreds of other skilled tradesmen who followed opportunity-not passion-and prospered as a result.
Consider the reality of the current job market.
Right now, millions of people with degrees and diplomas are out there competing for a relatively narrow set of opportunities that polite society calls “good careers.” Meanwhile, employers are struggling to fill nearly 5.8 million jobs that nobody’s trained to do. This is the skills gap, it’s real, and its cause is actually very simple: when people follow their passion, they miss out on all kinds of opportunities they didn’t even know existed.
For the complete script, visit www.prageru.com/videos/dont-f...

[@shadeburst]

They said, "Find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life." Darn right. That field isn't hiring.

[@Ashbringer36]

Sure it is. Just need to be more flexible with the passion, be passionate about an idea rather then a specific job and you'll definetely find it.

[@jjvs9]

i dont trust anyone that can't spell "definitely"..

[@Ashbringer36]

Joel I fail to see what my spelling has to do with my point.

[@morpheus7091]

That my friend is the called the business world. Nobody likes it, but it allows yourself to take care of yourself financially and then do what your passionate about. What lives style you want to have? vs what you want to do when you grow up?

[@Ashbringer36]

Mr Fantastic I'll take a neigh meager existance if it means not hating getting up every morning. Just have a concept, something you enjoy doing and be broad with it, you'll find something you enjoy.

[@douglasmartinez817]

"Never follow your passion, but always bring it with you" I like that

[@Mailisa98]

I like to say "You shouldn't have to follow your passion, but rather have it follow you."

[@SergioRodriguez-fs4rg]

They showed it yesterday to my little siblings on Teen Titans go

[@jeffk1722]

The word "never" seems a bit much, but I like that line. Still, I do think if someone has the freedom to pursue a passion they're actually good at, I'd say go for it; see if you can make it happen with persistence, then chase other opportunities if it doesn't pan out.

[@royalarmy1837]

Always bring your passion with you because it will find its way to bring the best out of you.

[@BeetoThePardonBeggar]

I want a #4, #6, and throw in a plastic doughnut.

[@ronnie_5150]

Chris Rock once said to tell kids, "You can be whatever you want, as long as they're hiring."

[@lettheworldburn2998]

There's a lot of Truth in jest.

[@nothing1more487]

And if you're into entrepreneurship: "...as long as they're buying".

[@lukacuturilo4992]

" Stop telling these kids they can be whatever they want! Maybe 4 of them can be whatever they want. The rest of these motherfuckers better learn how to weld! " Also Chris Rock 😀

[@nothing1more487]

@@lukacuturilo4992 or spreadsheets

[@Helltown66]

Sounds like capitalistic slavery to me

[@stevethomas760]

A Ironworker for 40 years. I can look at the Atlanta skyline and see memories of good friends and a decent paydays. When I was young I was self conscious about working in construction. Later I was very proud of my occupation, still am.

[@TomDobyMowerRepair]

hello from Mableton, i can see the skyline from Mableton Pkwy, fellow successful blue collar brother

[@stevethomas760]

@@TomDobyMowerRepair Tom, my second marriage was to a attorney and we went to some fancy parties and professional gatherings. Found out that people are people. We may do something different to put food on the table but folks are just folks. Some good, some not as good

[@exchequerguy4037]

There would be no corner office were it not for people like you. :)

[@stevethomas760]

@@exchequerguy4037 Funny you said that. I've got a friend who is a executive for a large accounting firm here in Atlanta. Went to his office one day. It was in a building that I help build. Yes, it was a "corner office".

[@samsam18200]

@@stevethomas760 I would do construction/ironwork but I'm massively afraid of heights! Could NEVER work on a sky scraper, let alone get in one that's already built. Especially with all this fake "Chinesium" steel flooding the market.

[@hereLiesThisTroper]

Never believe everything you see in the internet - Abraham Lincoln

[@fireprooff9922]

Sir I think you quoted this wrong. I am in no position the question your intelligence, but you see, the internet wasn't around during Lincoln's time. I believe this was a quote by someone more ''modern''.

[@fireprooff9922]

Tesla Haxz I know, my comment was a joke too.

[@hankfeller]

+Tesla Haxz (Tyler) ol youtube, everyones smarter than everyone.

[@hankfeller]

+Tesla Haxz (Tyler) thats the joke and it went totally over your head.

[@ShityDurPirate]

You have a shit sense of humor.

[@tsanderson4154]

Correction: Follow you passion if you actually have ability in that area.

[@DroloodMusic]

I think his point was that people think they have the ability when they don't, obviously if he could build houses as good as his grandpa he'd do it for a living, but he can't

[@strange-universe]

@@DroloodMusic right, it was a 5 minute explanation, not just a single statement for review. I have a passion for commenting, but I think it's going nowhere.

[@kewelaids2854]

What if you dont have that abilty in any area?

[@piratesephiroth]

Correction2: and if people want to pay you for doing that

[@bishhsasspusi2904]

Do anyone need roblox gamers? Just hire me.

[@nikol3258]

I think what he said at the end is what a lot of people missed “NEVER follow your passion, but ALWAYS bring it with you”

[@misteroz]

Indeed, I’ve made the mistake both ways!

[@destructoooo]

So, don't do what you like, but do the job you (probably) don't like with passion?

[@nikol3258]

@@destructoooo so I like nature I love tropical flowers and fruits I’d also love to be in a tropical landscape but that doesn’t mean I’ll sell everything I have to do that one thing instead I want to become a farmer and think of all the hard work that comes with digging thousands of holes putting in a watering system which you also have to research depending on what you’re growing but I also have to tend to my field and just because I’m interested in growing more high quality mangos like ice cream mango that doesn’t mean I devote my whole career on that you have to find a lucrative way to do things in your job which means starting with things you may not have to most interest in I still think people get caught up in the really extreme example he made of one ordinary guy going the complete opposite way cus sometimes people try to hard to blur the line between our free time and work but we all need both

[@destructoooo]

@@nikol3258 Balance is key, for money and well-being.

[@scottw5315]

@@destructoooo I would say always do your best at whatever job you have. You will find that excellence becomes a habit. That will pay huge dividends.

[@PassionFruitOfficial]

I feel like this is a bit misleading. I think the point that's simply trying to be made is think reasonably. Don't be blinded by "inspirational" quotes and media to throw your life away to "chase your dream". You simply need to be smart about it. realize your potential. Realize what you're good at, and go off of that. If you're good at something and it lines up with your passion then that's a bonus. I just think saying it like "don't follow your passion" is a little off, but the point remains the same; don't be blinded by the "chase your dreams" ideology, be smart and radical and don't make rash stupid decisions

[@funnyfisher7]

Hey yeah, that's a good point. :)

[@fattyusmcchubbs9200]

They know, it was phrased that way to get people confused and get more views. That’s one way to spread the message further.

[@funnyfisher7]

@@fattyusmcchubbs9200 Well said! :) I second that

[@christianaguilar2887]

Like to the los angeles to pursue a acting career and ending homeless

[@harryn3690]

Thank you for writing this Pfo

[@hanson666999]

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point being a damn fool about it." - W. C. Fields

[@awsomeguy001]

truth

[@PepperKatLancer]

audentes fortuna iuvat!

[@slrroute]

If at first you don't succeed Dust yourself off and try again You can dust it off and try again -Aaliyah

[@eyeroh5250]

"If at first you don't succeed, try try again. Step up to the mic and die again." -cannibal ox

[@R00k81]

Winners never quit, quitters never win, but those who never win AND never quit are idiots. - Despair.com

[@RoTenken]

This should be played in high school before senior year. I'd would save you a lifetime of bad decisions and heartbreaks.

[@iFuhvela]

Anthony Cruz they should show it earlier, I did just this what he said in the video and I love it, I do concrete work and people think in crazy for doing it. I love to work hard and that's just what I do, work is what you make of it and you can be happy doing anything, it's all about your outlook and the people you are with. I just wish more people knew this.

[@aybskirmish6217]

Anthony Cruz yes

[@RoTenken]

ImFuhvela Have you considered concrete jewelry? It's a college concept I worked on in marketing. It's low key, but it has sold. I gotta find the new links. Mail me if interested.

[@iFuhvela]

Sorry, but jewelry isn't something that interests me, mostly because I'm to busy as already.

[@iFuhvela]

Nikitas Sard Why do you say that? Having a job where you work hard and see the fruits of you labor in my eyes is one of the best jobs you can have. I find it very fulfilling and challenging and wouldn't trade it in for the world. Also the look on a customers face when they have a new patio or addition put on their house is priceless and one of the greatest feelings. Just because a job isn't "ideal" for you doesn't mean someone else won't love it.

[@orthopraxis235]

"Kids you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is - never try" - Homer Simpson. 😂😂😂

[@sirubisan698]

Trying is how you perform tho (at least for the first time)

[@mcdonalds1499]

I d say, "I love my passion but it ain't going to pay my bills".

[@Omkar3324]

Then do what pays the bill and follow passion when u get Time and be patient about the work that you like. Respect that work. If you respect the work, it will reward you. Dont fall for these buffoons.

[@Omkar3324]

World is survivalistic, you have to do the soul crushing job that you never wanted to do. But once you get the lead at the thing you like, you'd surf at good pace. Life's good.

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

"Employers are struggling to fill nearly 5.8 million jobs that nobody's trained to do." And for roughly 5.7 million of them they want "previous experience" for jobs that nobody's trained for, apparently oblivious to this inherent contradiction. By and large, today's employers are unwilling to do more than the bare minimum to train their own hires -- in other words, they want the rewards of a trained workforce without the investment. So now employers are chasing experience over aptitude. This is not a "skills gap" -- there are plenty of skilled people who would love a chance to demonstrate their aptitude -- this is a stalemate between employers who each expect the other to train their potential hires for them.

[@DBF68YT]

They're called "where's my corporate welfare?" Job Creators that want zero down, zero investment, zero training necessary hires with doctorates in particle physics and string theory unrelated to the position available that will work for $15/hr.

[@MartenFerret]

Just a note: "that" relates to objects; "who" relates to people.

[@SemperAugustusBubble]

Well said. It's always funny how people forget to mention that so many of those "job creators" really want someone else to create the jobs for them. They just want to profit off the existence of those jobs and take credit for them.

[@markzemlin2254]

Job listings go through the telephone game. The request to fill the position changes several hands who all add onto it while knowing little to nothing about the job. It then ends up in HR where a moron adds even more. By the time this bloated corps of a job listing goes out to the public the job looks nothing like what was needed.

[@AntiCitizenX]

It is not the responsibility of employers to build your skills for you, numb nuts.

[@SleepingZenitsu]

this all the rappers out there that keep handing out mixtapes at age 40

[@stephenoni2019]

hahahahahaha! great comment men!

[@NoFace-Killah]

like Viper XD

[@EarlRegent]

Why single out rappers? You saying the majority of people in the industry are rappers? Why did your mind take you there?

[@whipped2373]

+EarlRegent Because the mixtape meme is very common today and therefore appropriate. If he named every single profession in existence in the joke would it help ease your butthurt?

[@EarlRegent]

Whipped23 The children have arrived with their generic "burrhurt" nonsense. Word of advice, you will be taken more seriously if you don't employ such terms, especially right off the bat. I'm not entirely sure why rapping and mix tapes would generate any emotion on this end lol! A question which was not designed to be rhetorical is not a statement. Your assumptions are irrelevant. It was made because I noticed that many people waste their time pursuing these careers. It's as simple at that. I haven't come across mix tape memes. I certainly haven't seen it around everywhere. You might be exaggerating there.

[@only2sea]

It's hard to believe, but I grew up in Korea and chose to be a software engineer when everybody said that it's a really bad idea to be a software engineer. Many computer science classmates changed their major to medical or they found any jobs that are not software engineer. I ignored where everyone's heading and I like my decision.

[@MAXKENT-mh7lu]

"it's a bad idea," said AI

[@Elkington7]

As you get older, you'll eventually reach a point where passion is the only thing that keeps you going.

[@safir2241]

“Sucking at something is the first step at being sorta good at something” -Jake the Dog

[@wowulam7411]

well if 30 years you have been doing the trade yet you still suck gotta ask yourself some questions

[@titobungo01]

@@wowulam7411practice makes perfect, although I agree that some things just don't work out, but it's also pretty stupid to not improve to at the very least a decent level in a long time like that

[@mishaseka5813]

The fool is the precursor to the savior.

[@pneron2032]

That quotation was allegedly actually stolen from Pamela Anderson.

[@jixdahac]

@@wowulam7411 Every master was a disaster

[@czellner5894]

Mike nailed it. You can't pay the bills with a degree in Women's Studies!!!! Most college grads can't tie their shoes.

[@roastedmadadevlogs8800]

.-.

[@wissammer5014]

can you even do anything with a women's studies degree ?

[@Xeranx]

With a women's studies degree you can be a certified complainer and victim.

[@wissammer5014]

But do you need a PhD to be a professional victim ?

[@LeCommensale]

+merhi -- No.

[@startek119]

I followed my dreams and now I have a great job at a great company. The trick is to have a passion that isn’t useless

[@nickdavis965]

and one you are great at, one thing I wish this video said was also exploit the things you find you are good at, because if you can exploit that and find passion in it, you are set.

[@davidmichaels5045]

@@nickdavis965 well said, natural talent is everything when it comes to finding a job, in a nutshell stick to what you’re good at, spread the word.

[@rimmy9054]

Yep. I followed my passion, which was flying for a living. When I was young I couldn’t imagine doing anything else and ached to become an airline pilot. I entered the industry in 2000 during one of many downturns. I spent two years working the ramp at one airline until I finally found a job up in northern Canada. I loaded bags for another year up there until I finally got my big break flying as a medevac copilot. I’ve been through September 11th, the 2008 crash and now coronavirus. I’ve been laid off twice, with a third one likely coming. Each time, the profession has been pushed back just a little more. We work more and take home less than our predecessors and often with no guaranteed retirement. I know that’s no different than a lot of folks but it was a reasonably expected reward for “following my passion”. This is an industry that asks A LOT of its workers. Airlines and passengers alike benefit from the years of experience and technical proficiency of people who have been chasing this dream since childhood. The reward is a job in an incredibly fragile and highly leveraged industry where jobs that require years of sacrifice can disappear overnight, leaving you to start yet again from square one. Twenty years in, I’d say I have enjoyed the work and the people immensely, but I could have probably been happier and just as well off running a sewage truck and sleeping in my own bed every night 🤷‍♂️

[@scottw5315]

I started out like you dreaming of becoming a pilot but my passion was to be a fighter pilot. I managed to get to flight school as a Marine. I did well but the Marines needed more helicopter pilots so that's where I went. Like Mike said, I took my passion with me. I worked harder than most and succeeded more often than not. After about seven years, the Marines needed more jet pilots. I applied and was accepted. I went back to flight school. Once again, I did well but fighters were not in the cards for me. I was assigned electronic attack in the EA-6B. It was about the biggest disappointment in my life to not get a fighter after all I had been through. At that point, flying became more of a job and I began building a business on the side. After twenty years and I never intended to stay that long but each time in flight school meant a four year contract after wings, l left the service and went home to the business I had built on the side. I made far more money in business than as a military pilot though money was not the goal then it was the dream. I agree strongly with what Mike said about not focusing on a dream. Dreams are too ephemeral. I didn't get fighters but I largely fulfilled my flying dream while many thousands never got there. Attractive jobs mean that thousands upon thousands of very talented people are chasing just a few positions. You may never get there. Or, if you do it may not be what you thought it would be as was my case. If I had to do it over, I'd skip the military and focus on a business to achieve my financial goals. If you have the money you can afford to chase those dreams on your own time.

[@robs5252]

I loved woodworking when I was younger, and love music (playing piano and classical guitar). I also took architectural drafting in high school and enjoyed it. I remember talking to my dad one day when I was a teenager and telling him how I'd love to have a career in music - traveling the world playing the classical guitar. I asked him what his thoughts were, and he kinda gave the same advice - telling me the difference between work, job, career, passion. He told me that music probably wont put food on the table, pay the bills, or raise a family. So I ended up going to a trade school and getting a degree in architectural drafting, and I've had a successful career the past 21 years designing homes for some of the biggest builders in two states. What did I do with woodworking and music? I still did both - I actually combined them. I started hand crafting classical guitars as a hobby - just for fun. Designing homes pays the bills, and my evenings and weekends I spend in the shop building things out of wood, hand building classical guitars, and sitting in peace and quiet playing them. I tell my kids the same thing - keep your passion as a hobby - but learn a skill that will carry over into a job that will pay the bills.

[@1631631000]

Rob S what do you think of an electrisian?

[@markbollinger1343]

This is exactly what he is saying.

[@TheImaginativeKitty]

Potatoes69 w

[@GIboy1990]

Rob S that's awesome.

[@xyoopridex]

yeah that's my plan as well. I was forced to do engineering as college major and due to chronic depression, messed up my gpa and no internship and it's been 1 year since graduation and I've only been working as sales associate part time for few months. I've recently started studying programming as it can open doors to different areas and even carry over to other fields so I'm planning to get a job in that field. I love music as well but I decided not to go for it as you said, "it probably wont' put food on the table, pay the bills...etc". So right now my plan is to just do music and maybe post youtube videos while working programming job (although I'm still studying) and if some type of opportunities for music comes up where I can get a good job, I might switch over from programming to music fully or possibly get part time music job. I probably would've been able to get music as full time if I had started playing when I was young and had some promising opportunities to take advantage of but I'll do what I can do for now. Gonna be 26 next month.

[@BrothaJeff]

This is good advice. It's good for people that are not sure what to do with their lives. To look at things that can be good opportunities to make money. But for me my passion was drawing. I drew since I was a little boy. I never stopped because I loved it and I was passionate about it. I naturally got good at it over time because I spent so much of my time drawing. What kept me doing it was my passion for it. Today I am an animator I work at studios and for clients and I am building my own animation business so I can eventually work for myself one day. I think if you're really passionate about something. That passion can help you work at something to get good at it. If it's just a fleeting moment of passion that lasts a month and you get bored of it. Then that's not really passion. Things like singing are usually natural born gifts. But skills you can obtain with a passion for it are not a lost cause and can be harnessed into something that can help you become successful one day.

[@myfairjew]

Sometimes, even people that do know what to do with their lives and are passionate never gain access to the opportunity to make a living off of it. There are things that you can personally control to make these opportunities more accessible, but passion and even skill alone aren't enough to ensure success. That's why they say you always need a backup plan. Or several.

[@randomrealistictone2231]

Only if you can make your self noticeable. You can make a living from your passion

[@d3lfuego]

Damn. I'm at a sort of crossroads in my life and having trouble deciding where to solely focus my attention. My passion, or a good opportunity at a more stable career. I love to draw the same way you do and have dreamed of similar success since I was young, but not in the same way for the alternative. Any quick advice? Were you always determined to commit 100% to it?

[@BrothaJeff]

d3lfuego For me I thought the more stable way to make money with art was to go into the animation industry. My advice is if you really want to be an animator make sure you have lots of studios that are nearby or move to a city with lots of studios. I was lucky because I live in Vancouver Canada and it's an animation VFX movie production hub of north america. Vancouver and California have lots of studios. You wont make a lot of money to start but after 5 years things start going really good and you'll get tons of jobs and jobs on the side. If you find a group of passionate guys, you could start your own studio after working and getting experience. If I didn't go this route, I'm really not sure what I would do. I would probably still draw on the side and make comics or webcomics. But I am not sure what I would do for a living. Maybe be a mechanic. Or try to figure out what was in demand in my city and go for that. Right now though animators are in high demand in my city.

[@FM4AMGV]

the key is, you were good at it. problem is people are bad at things and try and get a job at something they're bad at because they like it.

[@mostawesomeflyer6164]

With everything in life: Balance is Key. Don’t be a blind idealist, but also don’t be a defeatist.

[@ronaldboulder308]

Survivor bias here: I followed my passion and literally got my dream job.

[@adriancastaneda1693]

I think this is a message coming from someone that didn't got his dream job. But is still a good advice for someone young, a freshmen about to enter college. If you think about, when you follow opportunity, you have everything in the world to continue your passion. Time, resources, information, contacts. I want to become a writer, and as much as I hate it, programming is a highly requested job in the world, it pays well and the demand is huge. By following that opportunity, I can follow writing without any concerns.

[@gotthumbs2235]

And yet...you can't tell us what it was? "Come on Man"

[@ajinkyapawar9665]

Good for you!

[@kamriesan]

@@adriancastaneda1693 hey, same. I'm an incoming college student and in high school, it broke me to realize that writing's not so much of a sustainable job to pursue. Nonetheless, I discovered I have a knack at programming, where the market's booming for opportunities. I'm taking up CS in August of this year. Perhaps I'll write books or freelance write in the future. But for my degree and financial security, at least, I still get to "write" code lol.

[@SA-be1bn]

​@@kamriesanThe programming field has a lot of geniuses. I grew up in a high-tech city and everyone who was descendants of software engineers was so smart.

[@TheTacticalMess]

Or follow your passion but don't let it govern your life to the point where you miss out on opportunity.

[@peacefulinvasion]

How bout follow your passion, but don't ignore opportunity.

[@AeonAxisProductions]

Teufel Hundenson if you truly have a passion then you would know it's almost impossible to change it

[@S314159265358979]

Kids can't know what passions they may discover simply because they don't know much. It may be inside a seemingly boring opportunity such as software engineering while your passion is flying. But those who follow reason and opportunity instead of chasing their passion, may quickly afford themselves their original passion too. I've learned it the hard way. At some point I just said myself these things and it worked well.

[@lovelyunknown]

There is so such thing as a hobby or side job. My father is in three bands.

[@manictiger]

Follow your strongest trait. Mine is spatial reasoning (and it's been that since I was 3). I'm a successful stock trader. It took awhile to get here, but I got here. Don't waste time trying to become something you're not. I'm a good musician, but my weakness in abstract reasoning means I should keep it as a hobby.

[@samueld77]

**Dislikes video** 4 years later: Gosh darn it! I can't find a job for my degree in Art History!

[@sinisacvetic1122]

But i'm good at being a film director, I like art and I'm great at understanding philosophy and left wing politics. Film is my passion! Should I not be a left wing film director even though I'm good at it??

[@impalabeeper]

I want to be a director but I've put that on hold. Switching over to a new career wouldn't be viable in my present circumstances as I have responsibilities. I guess +Siniša Cvetić if you are able to support yourself it's fine.

[@notsunkyet]

You mean your degree in "Feminist Art History about Lesbian Artists that Ride Tricycles while Juggling Fish" degree.

[@spencerpoore5805]

My mom majored in Art History, and now she manages the art, history, and music list at a major publishing company. And she makes bank!

[@Blowingmind]

so shes a construction worker?

[@redrumreverse964]

my uncle told me he regrets not doing what he actually wanted when he was younger, he worked as a welder despite being interested in physics and science he was a heavy drinker and died 2 months ago this hard nosed thinking of voluntarily making yourself suffer just "because it needs to be done" is stupid

[@Chris-zh5om]

Especially since Mike Rowe isn’t even a tradesmen. It rather a liberal arts major who cosplays as a blue collar worker

[@nicholaszamir6222]

It's not as simple as "don't follow your passion". It depends on what your passions ARE (not all are created equal) and your individual circumstances of how feasible it is to make a living out of your passion.

[@steelguard8371]

Yeah, I agree, I feel that both the feasibility of one's passions and their natural skill relative to the aforementioned passion play a large role.

[@lacey2906]

"Never follow your passion but always bring it with you" damn - that's pretty solid.

[@r011ing_thunder6]

It's like training your dog to follow you instead of you following it. The dog representing passion.

[@thestreetslayer]

its the "Dirty Truth"

[@nicolasarnold7210]

Very solid. The whole world could be rested upon it, it's so solid.

[@TheMacedonianGeneral]

The title is very misleading and may anger some people, like me. But as always, I come out of it a better person. Thank you PragerU and Mark Rowe.

[@mattyboy141]

Get click-baited!

[@ChrisTedoni]

You got triggered into clicking. Good for you.

[@thebutterflyNL]

+Jimmy Hustler ahhaha

[@HighLighterlines]

how is it misleading?

[@Lvl22Cowboy]

I think that was the point, did thesame to me

[@Iknowthismeme]

The “dirty truth” here is that if you have a passion, it means that you practice it a lot of time, otherwise it wouldn’t be your passion

[@theraccoonasaur3282]

Hello

[@franklind.roosevelt3984]

Hi

[@KarinZibrat]

I think people confuse passion with external factors. All of those 'American idol people' that dream of being famous, not thinking about actual work in the music industry, or people wanting to be entrepreneurs without an actual product/idea or ability to do so. That's not passion. It's the way they want to be perceived not what they really like or are good at (which is often connected, as we tend to like things that we're good at). I think passion is very important, as you are able to do a lot of hard work for something you're passionate for. And you can certainly find something you're passionate about in almost any job. But if you know before hand, even better. You can orient yourself easier, as we live in a day and age where we have many opportunities and we aren't limited by our local surroundings.

[@GreenDeemonll]

Well spoken, or written I guess!

[@JuandelaCruz001]

Einstein worked "passionately" on his equations at night WHILE working as a Swiss patent clerk as his day job. AFTER I've diligently planted and tended the wheat fields, what's stopping me from capturing it in an impressionist painting with colors ala Paul Cezanne? Pouring a hard day's work with both feet on the ground, at night I can still look-up at all the brilliant stars shining in the night sky in awe and wonder at all that majesty, right? Some are understandably upset with the message of this video. It's as if it crushes whatever dreams they want to pursue or develop. Others on the flip-side are the crusty, cynical types giving their "I TOLD YOU SO! Give it to 'em Mike!" spiel as a veiled sermon to the "naive". However, this shouldn't be the case. . . what Mike is actually saying is: GO WITH your passion, NOT be lead by it (listen to 1:29 - 42). If you only think of passion as your DESTINATION, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, Mike says to consider passion as your COMPANION. Passion makes you dream of empires, but it takes muscle/brawn to hammer the nail or lay bricks. Passion is a compass but not the wind in your sail!

[@VTdarkangel]

Well put

[@mrpopo4294]

I understand this video now

[@11moleman]

Definitely its called the pronged approach where you eventually hope to switch to your passion as your primary source of invome after a few years .. Problem is college students are used to wondering around their campus i. An artificial environment pontificating

[@idiot5214]

Preach

[@mrpopo4294]

***** Shut up maggot!

[@smiley-skeleton4598]

Dear cynical people and idealistic artists, I ask of you: "Why can't we have both?". I think of it like this: find a job that keeps a roof over your head and puts food on the table, but by all means set aside time for what you love doing. But maybe I'm just in the minority with this. :(

[@lmao2302]

That's a hobby.

[@michaelwilliamson2255]

You're confusing hobby with a job.

[@smiley-skeleton4598]

MICHAEL WILLIAMSON Following your passion doesn't need to involve making it your career. My point flew right over your head, didn't it?

[@michaelwilliamson2255]

Enigmatic Metamorphose Yes it did. Thanks for clarifying.

[@qaedtgh2091]

When your job drains you and you come home completely exhausted, and you have to spend your free time on the other obligations of life, there isn't time to gain mastery of your passions.

[@jonnyquest3110]

My passion was Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. It worked out quite well for me.

[@keroberos2781]

This is a strange video considering he portrays employers as victims of people wanting to do something they feel attracted to rather than a cog for them…

[@zeflerman6972]

@@keroberos2781 It's strange because this dude is some failed actor, and this video is just a product of that. Plus, this dude must be lying or weak-willed because he stopped trying to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps at 16 because he wasn’t automatically good.

[@NoneofYourbusiness-fq4dh]

I used to believe what this video said and did not follow my passion. NOW at 55 I am in graduate school and FINALLY doing it. Ignore this video! Follow your passion and if it doesn’t work out it will lead you to something else.

[@nelsonmandangu1518]

Absolutely do not ignore this video. In my opinion, you shouldn’t have a passion but instead have something you love to do, but be rational and logical in your approach to it. Never let your emotions control your rational side of thinking, or it could lead to problems. For example an athlete in his sport who sees no success at the age of 30, should start to look for a job. That doesn’t mean he cant love his sport, but he should rational in his approach to it. The way I see it is have and work on your passion, but also have another source of income or a realistic job, meaning do both. He says, in his opinion, never follow your passion which I disagree with. Instead have both rationality and do something you love.

[@jditsfights256]

I’m just gonna live by what the Joker says: “If you’re good at something, never do it for free.”

[@noobFPV]

@your mom ... and the votes are in : X X X

[@crazybamboo77]

@your mom then why yall kids ugly

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

Thats what i say to my aunt, she makes very good food

[@skipdiner9972]

I don't remember him saying that but I've also never played Persona 5

[@crazybamboo77]

@@skipdiner9972 👉🚪

[@Joeyblondewolf2]

I've always wanted to be an artist. But I played my cards right and did it as a side thing, while working a good job that paid my bills. While I build up my skill. Now I'm at a point where I can do art as a main source of income 😀 you just have to be smart about it.

[@oldmanjinkinsskyrim737]

Awesome dude!

[@HueMongussD]

Lets face it. You can't be all that successful if you're sitting around watching KZbin videos.

[@yifanwang7136]

@@HueMongussD why not

[@lucky-mud]

@@HueMongussD 5 minutes. You're telling me that successful people don't have 5 minutes to spare? I personally know 2 very successful people who have hours each day to do whatever they want.

[@HueMongussD]

@@lucky-mud No, not at all. I should've been more specific. "...sitting around all day watching KZbin videos" is what I meant. I assumed the implication was clear enough by saying "...sitting around..." I wasn't suggesting very successful people don't have 5 min or even a couple hours or so to sit on KZbin. I'm saying, a lot of these people on KZbin spend their life on here. Then complain about how bad they have it. PEACE!

[@GoreGutztheImpaler]

My father has been a tile setter for over 30 years. No one grows up wanting to set tile in bathrooms or lobbies. Whenever I drive with him, he often times passes by a building and he will go, "I did tile in that building you know. For thirty years you better know he has put tile all over the midwest. Often times when we go out to dinner after he comes back from the bathroom he will compare his work to whoever installed in that bathroom(mostly saying he could do it better) My father found passion in a job no one would bat an eye at.

[@D3NM0NT3UR]

I've followed my dreams, have reached them, and others might be able too. *However* it requires a lot of hard work and your dreams should be within reason. Reasonable dreams can come true!

[@mrshadrack8554]

This video is not about reasonable dreams. It’s about people dreaming to much and not coming to grips with reality. What was your dream? Let me guess.... nawww you just tell me.

[@D3NM0NT3UR]

@@mrshadrack8554 I see your point, which I've already stated myself in the original comment by saying "your dreams being within reason"... But you can try me; Guess what my dream is what came true, it's nothing fancy or extreme but still the job I've wanted my whole life so far

[@mrshadrack8554]

I V D I am clarifying what you said. No need to get all judge-mental. Anyways I hope you understand that we have to many people training to get jobs that we don’t need filled. Sure being a doctor would pay well. But we have to many doctors. We need to be trained to do more obscure jobs. And no I’m not guessing your dream because I stated that in my previous message.

[@D3NM0NT3UR]

@@mrshadrack8554 I'm not even close to being judgemental, just pointing out i already agreed unreasonable dreams probably won't come true. Enjoy your day! By the way: I'm a developer who creates mobile and desktop applications for businesses with a wide variety of projects.

[@mrshadrack8554]

I V D somebody being judge mental is entirely up to opinion. You cannot say for sure that I am wrong and nor can I. Anyways good day I guess.

[@genericasian5699]

I'm Asian, I already know this.

[@RibbonVintageGirl]

Generic Asian American Guy same

[@Shiro642]

underrated comment

[@thienvamai]

you don't have a choice

[@DesolationYT]

+Bui Duc Thien Depends where you live

[@chrisii1867]

asians dont have passions they take care of their families

[@DullTorpedoFilms]

He isn't saying give up your dreams, he's saying what you *think* is your dream might not actually be what you want. I've been making films since I was 9, and when I turned 12 I decided I was going to be professional filmmaker. I've worked my ass off, and have gotten really good at it. Through all the years of doing this not once have I thought of another option, done anything that makes me happier. Being on a movie set puts me in a euphoria that nothing has ever matched. Because of this I'm pretty damn sure I've found the thing I want to do, and I'm going all in on it. Find what you truly want to do, that thing that you know in your gut makes you the happiest, and don't let anyone tell you not to pursue it.

[@MURDR63]

But if you suck at filmmaking, don't do it. Find something else, and bring your passion with you. That's what he's saying.

[@DullTorpedoFilms]

MURDR63 I'm great at it, and even if I wasn't I wouldn't stop until I was.

[@MURDR63]

***** If you sucked at it and continued to do it as a hobby, great. If you sucked at it, but tried to make a career out of it, you'd be stupid. Sure, you can always improve, no one is denying that, but some people will simply never have the skills needed for some jobs.

[@DullTorpedoFilms]

MURDR63 I disagree.

[@MURDR63]

***** Well, it's not a matter of opinion. It's a fact. Some people simply cannot do certain jobs, no matter how much they try.

[@DanielBobke]

Scott Adams of Dilbert fame once said "Success fuels passion more often than passion fuels success." Absolutely correct.

[@isaacbrickman4341]

The problem of this is it probably discourages many people who are actually good at there passion that will make it into hobbies

[@JSTPPodcast]

No it doesn’t, it explains how “passion doesn’t = ability,” not “your passion is bad.” But also, even if you’re good at your passion, as it said, you may be heading in the same direction as MANY people who are BETTER than you at it, leaving open opportunities that you just didn’t see

[@pawneraser9022]

@@JSTPPodcast Your passion just tends to be what you're good at. Ive never met a passionate math nerd that sucks at math, reasons for not actualizing a dream come from faulure in other areas, like poor work ethic or laziness as well as low willpower. This is just vague conservative garbage that prager likes to excrete to sound more surly. Follow your passion, but dont forget to follow your senses as well and responsibilities.

[@JSTPPodcast]

@@pawneraser9022 it’s not about sucking at ur passion, u just may not kno there r other fields ur good at and maybe even enjoy. Ex. I want to be an engineer/architect but my brother thinks I should be a material scientist, if I do end up being a mat scientist I might find out I enjoy it and I might even be good at it

[@TheDoctor1225]

@@pawneraser9022 Wow. What a pointless comment, and laden with your obvious bias against Prager U and your broad-brush painting. While you're prattling on about "laziness" you may want to look in the mirror as you keep parroting talking points. You're a poster child for it.

[@pawneraser9022]

@@TheDoctor1225 What a pointless response to my comment. 'Bias' isnt an argument you bumbling mouth breather. Im not a journalist so you can't exactly screech this at me. 'Laden' I made one mention of prager, keep your non sequitur prose in your low capacity brain before it leaves it worm. And take care not to bookend with projections. Your brain heard me talk bad about Prager U and you got so offended that you landed this early stage dementia response in my notifications.

[@DJ_Force]

"Never give up!" says the lottery winner.

[@johnwick3846]

That's true. I hate it when people insist on constantly repeating this awful phrase.

[@DJ_Force]

@@johnwick3846 I used to see interviews with bands back from the 80s & 90s. When asked "what would you say to someone who wants to make it big?", the answer was always "Never Give Up." They never interviewed any of the 1000s of people just as talented, who never gave up, and never went anywhere.

[@ayoutubeuser7613]

I agree with you, but it is not wrong. It's just used wrongly. It's used for awful periods of time that were completely unsuccessful but "at least they followed their passion". What it actually should be used for is when you have a major failure after a very successful and happy period of time. It should be rephrased: Never give up on something *profitable*

[@DJ_Force]

The problem is that "never give up" is a positive way of saying "live in a fantasy world". You shouldn't give up on yourself, but you should give up on the impossible, and maybe also the highly unlikely.

[@adhdgamer9114]

I swear I’m 16 and there are some many kids who aren’t going to be ready for the hard truth when life kicks up so many kids saying I’m gonna be an NFL player but don’t have the grades to keep it up

[@hensomm]

I am someone with a lot of education and several degrees. I amazes me that people look down on tradesmen and craftsmen. Jobs we used to call "a good day's work". Trade schools and amazingly important for the future of our country and people, and those that work the 'dirty jobs' are the backbone.

[@masterplaya2587]

I bet you wouldn't want to do them

[@hensomm]

+master playa over the course of 8 years I worked in a factory, warehouse, greenhouse, landscaping crew, and a road crew. so I most certainly have.

[@TeslaHaxz]

+master playa not everyone is a whiney 1st world privileged baby, some of us still work the physically demanding jobs

[@hensomm]

+Tesla Haxz (Tyler) yes... no shit. reread my comment

[@TeslaHaxz]

+The1Mazzy why are you getting pissy with me?

[@kronos3366]

He’s got a point but I would say only follow your passion if you actually have the talent to do it

[@nonhereticalmanofculture5401]

I was dealing with this for years. Your advice is similar to my mom's. Now I realize I need to see my ability, not forcing my impossibility

[@tylorhill212]

I like how he finished it. Never follow your passion, but always bring it with you. Pretty clever.

[@leeminchung9]

I think I don't understand. "Never follow your dreams, but always take it with you". it just felt the same

[@finrodbrs]

I think he means this. Passion is, essentially, your drive to do your best in some activity. However, that drive can change very easily. For instance, most little kids change their minds on their chosen future careers almost daily. In short, their passions change. However, you can take your passion with you if you resolve to do your best at whatever job you take. This usually leads to prosperity.

[@arreola891]

I love that; "Never follow your passion, but always bring it with you".

[@njd9143]

So basically we're going to be forced to do jobs we hate for life and just pretend we like it, gotcha

[@Sam-dc9bg]

Pretty much lol. Nah don't go too extreme with it. These Boomers will tell you to "give up" before you are even 20 and to clean septic tanks for $$$$. There are many people out there wishing they had taken more of a risk when younger and at least attempted to attempted to figure out who they are as a person.

[@jamesfitzgerald1684]

I have a passion for teaching history and after I found a job and lost it after my first year, I am now studying to become a pastor. It's free and and there are lots of openings with not many people to fill them.

[@elevatoraoal561]

Wish I had this advice years ago. The morals and Ideas taught throughout my schooling was completely opposite to how the real world is.

[@Ak-hm8vs]

What do you mean?

[@exhibitless2386]

//Apollo// I same, would have saved me hundreds, maybe thousands of hours doing things im not cut out to do...

[@khan1dumvip]

//Apollo// I me too buddy. I'll watch it everyday feom now on because its never too late.

[@marthavera8682]

can you guys touch a little more on this? examples?thanks

[@kenim]

This is why the job market is filled with more of the same and excelent paying but not “dream jobs” like plumber and electricians are scarce.

[@RomanTheUTubeWatcher]

A fun quote seems to support this inspiring clip: "Dear Optimist, Pessimist, and Realist. While you guys were busy arguing over the glass of water, I drank it. Sincerely, the Opportunist." :)

[@nicolasarnold7210]

who said that?

[@IrrelevantPlease]

I think his name is Roman Yusfin

[@MrPingn]

Good one

[@Simouno]

The Egyptians taught us: you can't take your money with you, that's why you have to live following your passions and make everyday worthy of being lived

[@thedrinkinggamemaker9749]

That's rich, considering they buried the Pharaohs with a tonne of gold and jewellery

[@madisonaston9666]

This video made a real impact on me. Just because your job isn't necessarily your "dream" job doesn't mean you live a life lacking passion. Your passions are apart of you no matter what, as long as you work for something you believe in your passions will find you. Lately, I've been struggling with my ideas about the future like everyone else does from time to time. There's just so many possibilities, it's quite overwhelming. Does anyone have any advice?

[@TheSpicyLeg]

I am an electrician by trade. I also know carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and HVAC, though I don’t primarily do those trades. I’ve found that most people look at the trades and see ‘people who failed to make it in college’. That being in a trade means you screwed up, weren’t smart enough, or my favorite, lazy. To be good in a trade you’ve got to work hard, both with your hands AND your head. I am in a way, way, WAY more financially secure position at age 35 than most people who go to college. I’ve no student loan debt, I own my home with no mortgage, and I’m on track to retire comfortably at 60. I strongly encourage any young person to look into the trades. There’s always work, it’s fulfilling to build homes and businesses (very fulfilling to stop and look at what you’ve created at the end of the day!) and you will have great benefits. Not to mention great pay, I took home over 90k last year. Many unions offer apprenticeships in which you are trained on the job as well as classroom, and they’ll deduct the cost over time out of your pay so no need for loans.

[@TheKillerDeer]

Thank you! I am a college professor with four college degrees, and I would absolutely support my kids going into the trades.

[@the_redpyro4906]

I always love the attitude of those who don't understand trade work, especially the lazy routine. It truly is hilarious when you stop to consider the reality of trade jobs and the physical exertion in most of them.

[@mochamommyATX]

I have a trade too and now that I am in a position to hire, its frightening out there.

[@Waawaaweewaa_]

Jordan Breon god imagine being ok with wasting 40 years of your life. Actually imagine being so proud of it that you tell everyone online. What a sad life.

[@BornGam3r]

Shmeat Beater Unemployed college graduate with huge loan debt?

[@belstar1128]

My frends dream job is being a truck driver i think he will succeed.

[@qaedtgh2091]

cool dude

[@hanshintermann1551]

Hm, I am always a bit sceptic about that particular dream. It sound very romantic, but people will pretty soon have health problems because they spend even more time sitting than any office worker.

[@diarmuidosullivan7391]

betarage With the advent of self driving cars - probably not for long.

[@1631631000]

Diarmuid O'Sullivan yeah they made a self driving truck that deliverd shit

[@SuperWaterskiboy]

Diarmuid O'Sullivan self driving cars cannot be effective until every single automobile is automated in the same fashion and they can communicate with one another to avoid any destruction and damage. until that controlled environment exists theres no possibility of completely automating personal and business transportation.

[@Tryingtobe_matt]

Watching this a couple years later I’m following my passion and I’ve went through a lot of struggle but I’m making good money now when I wasn’t before . It’s about consistency and putting your business idea/service in front of people who actually want to buy your product so it has nothing really to do with not following your passion it’s just getting something in front of people that are actually going to need or want what you have to offer .I’m a photo journalist and people told me that industry is dead but I kept pushing forward ,cold calling late nights, photographing fire department first responders Etc. for free until they started to realize that you know they like my work . I don’t really think it has anything to do with following your passion or not it’s just consistency and showing up every single day to do what you want to do with your life versus listening to other people.

[@staryeyez4853]

Oddly enough I watched this while wondering why I'm not good in my field if work...of nearly 25 years. The thing is I brought my passion and it got me moved into a position I dont like and I'm not good at, I should have stayed put. What I'm good at doesnt pay as much, that's what's hard to ignore but I'm realizing that being happy and content with what I do is priceless.

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

I think this is good advice for those of us who either never had a career passion or have multiple passions and cannot choose. There is also the question of whether you are a "live to work" vs. "work to live person". If you are "live to work" you will have no problem putting in overtime or working 2 jobs while perusing your passion. If you are "work to live" you will likely be happy with a job that pays reasonably well but allows you time for a personal life, even if you aren't passionate about your job, as long as you don't hate it, you'll be happy. This is because your real passion isn't your career at all; it's your personal life. This is especially applicable in the arts. I know 3 people who make middle to upper-middle class lifestyles with careers in the arts and these aren't rich and famous stars. The trade-off is all 3 of them work 2 jobs and put on 60-100 hour weeks. One of them has 0 kids and the other 2 each have 1 kid. Good for them if they are happy, but these personal trade-offs aren't for everyone.

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

Oh, and this might just be coincidence, but the one with 0 kids is a woman and the other 2 with 1 kid each are men. One man is married to an accountant and the other is married to another artist. I think for anyone who is considering being a parent, you are wise to consider what effect your career choices have on parenting. Unfortunately, while unfair, this seems to affect women more than men.

[@clearmist7170]

You also have to take into account how much people spend for their upkeep. For instance, you could have a good job, but if you buy expensive homes and cars and live above your means, or spend almost as much as you make, then it doesn't matter how much more successful you are. Basically, you could work at McDonald's and live like a king and buy a home and car if you don't spend any money, and likewise, I've known people who make over $100,000 and don't own a home and prefer to spend all their money away. I think everyone should live however they want, and prioritize whatever they think is important to them. Some people like building a home and doing cheap simple things, other people prefer having luxuries and going on vacations and spending their money. There's no right way, as long as each person chooses what's right for them.

[@SwitchbackCh]

Thanks for this insight. I never really saw the angle of a passion being a career or a personal life before. As an aspiring artist, I often find myself lacking the sheer drive and tenacity that many successful artists have, and wonder if there's something very wrong with me. Still figuring things out, but this video and your comment were definitely a step in the right direction. Thank you for that.

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

Glad you took something away from my comment. Something else I should have mentioned is, there is nothing wrong with pursuing the arts as a hobby. It took me forever to realize that I enjoy my art more when I'm doing it just as a hobby for myself, rather than worrying about making a living with my art, and possibly creating art that fits other people's vision and not my own. Some people absolutely should pursue careers in the arts, while others should pursue hobbies in the arts. Neither one is better than the other. The only real tragedy is when someone abandons their art.

[@SwitchbackCh]

Yeah, agreed. I find even though I want to make money with my art, I always enjoy whenever I'm working on it personally or with friends and rarely enjoy making it as commission work. Though I would like to earn a living from it, plus I have rather big dreams and ambitions regarding them, this is definitely something for me to consider.

[@RADARTechie]

When I was 10, I wanted to be a biomedical engineer. I wanted to design the next artificial organ or limb. When I was 16 I still wanted to be one. 20, same. At 21, after working at blockbuster video, I realized that probably wasnt going to happen, and I didnt want to work dead-end jobs I hated, but paid the bills. I joined the navy. 9 years, 10 months, and 21 days later I had the experience and ability to troubleshoot and repair nearly any piece of electronic equipment(no matter if I had ever seen similar equipment) and think my way through most other problems. I may not be able to design a liver, but I can adjust the PRT of the radar that guides the plane in safely that carries the person who can. I am lucky enough to be able to say I love my job, but it wasnt handed to me. It took determination to be the best at what I do. Maybe one day I will be the best, but until then I will do my job to the best of my ability and always strive to do better.

[@archfriend]

People always want to make new things but they never think about maintenance on what we already have. It's people like you that save us from dying in rust and decay.

[@trickystyler]

Love that, you sir are an inspiration to us all. salute to you from Israel :)

[@wrednax8594]

I disliked this a few years ago. I now see how stupid I was.

[@strawberrypoptart5128]

What matters is that you realized your mistake.

[@bluedaylight1243]

Well, it is a very controversial topic but some people just not ready yet to know the truth

[@enjoyinglife9853]

Same. I have been following the path of opportunities instead of passion. More doors have opened up for me in the past 6 months than in the past 5 years.

[@thezarcfiles2857]

Congratulations. You’re awake.

[@theweb3182]

It's called maturity

[@HarryJohnson69]

holy shit, this is definitely top 3 advices I've ever heard in my life other two include: 1. Question everything 2. Masturbate when you're stressed

[@JesusSagastizabal]

Lol, those two advices were never given to me, but I have lived with them as mantras ;) I even question myself so many times. And no need to wait till you are stressed, it could be already too late to start lol

[@mr.sigfrid]

thanks

[@Subderhenge]

So if I'm stressed at work should I masturbate on the job?

[@strawberrypancake2866]

Subder Henge Yes!

[@TruthWillFreeYou]

Your first great advice will inevitably lead you to your second lol. Wait. You can get it up when your stressed? Suddenly I am feeling deficient and stressed.

[@reesefrench6571]

this is so true ive always wanted to become an attack helicopter but I know for a fact that will never happen:(

[@reesefrench6571]

+ᴶᴼᴺ KZbin Comments about what

[@AttackHelicopter64]

i feel you bro (

[@reesefrench6571]

+AttackHelicopter64 the struggle is real

[@user-vd2jk7dl3p]

But if you move to NY you can get someone you hate fined 250k for not calling you an attack helicopter. See , there is your opportunity that you can follow. :-)

[@BigGator5]

This comment thread is made of awesome and win.

[@Dr.Dipshit69]

Listening to Ariana grande and Lady Gaga saying to follow your dreams is like listening to a Powerball winner saying to liquidize all your assets and buy tickets

[@normietwiceremoved]

Alright Bo

[@jeykaegn7898]

Powerball winners didn’t get their money from liquidation, where as Ariana and Lady Gaga did become famous by chasing their dreams. So this is a horrible example.

[@andycopeland7051]

More people need to hear this message. I found opportunity in the opposite direction from which society pushes young people. And in that opportunity I found my passion as well as a career for life.

[@chloestone89]

I think better advice is to have realistic goals. My passion is science. I'm probably never going to work for NASA, but there's plenty of companies that will pay me to do science.

[@nodtomodley9114]

That's exactly what he's saying.

[@jenniferosborne7210]

Large disparities in the living you can make with an interest in science. Marine biologist $30K or chemical engineer $90+K. I think he is saying choose wisely

[@_KillerD_]

$90K is not ENOUGHT

[@eviltigz]

Batman!!! You can be Batman and solve things with science!

[@TheRealVsauce]

I have 3 STEM degrees ... I'm a 3x College Loser ... gl with thay

[@ronpaul8845]

I think the key here is being realistic while choosing to pursue things you are passionate about

[@oldmanjinkinsskyrim737]

Yeah, for instance: I know that getting a degree in screen writing in the best college isn't going to cut it to make it into the film industry. So instead of racking up student loan debt, I am going to a community college first then transfering to a public university called CSUN. This way I can learn skills in community college about how to manage money and have great credit, and I will still follow what I love to do at the public university.

[@carolynatkinson5456]

Spot on, I tried telling that to my husband for years, until he finally got the message after we filed bankruptcy.

[@USUXXSOHARD]

you sound like a bitch he should divorce you.

[@princealmighty5391]

You learn from your mistakes kid

[@carlosenriquecastanedaguti8130]

I saw this video 2 years ago and changed my perspective I had about passion. I tried to follow my passion several years ago but realized I didn't had the talent, plus I was broke. Then I focus myself on the opportunities I had, and now I'm financially stable and I'm much much more happy. Thanks Mike for the advice.

[@_Gaby_950]

That's lovely to hear. God bless you, Carlos.

[@alexnguyen8913]

"but... but... my women's studies major that will 100% totally get me a job..."

[@butlerproman]

What's sad about that is that a degree like that will actually lessen your job opportunities and future career prospects.

[@thothheartmaat2833]

womens studies used to be home ec.. now it just tells you not to take home ec.. so its just completely eliminating any kind of skill a woman could possibly have.. heres to all the useless women out there.. may you find a muslim husband who will put you in chains and have mercy on your insolence..

[@ythsh]

where opportunity meets passion, you will find success. If you happen to have talent as well, you will be the best.

[@jasonnandu]

Enoch H True. But if passion is complimented with hard work, you will meet success too. Just look at the oldest videos of popular KZbinrs.

[@4rmond]

Enoch H You could also say: where opportunity meets passion, you will be the best. If you happen to have talent as well, you will find success.

[@mrknarf4438]

Love this. Generations were raised on false premises, from a generation who grew up in a booming economy.

[@mattp.272]

The best career advice I’ve heard is take the job you can get and the work towards the job you want.

[@shawn_crabtree]

You're golden if you're good at your passion, and there is opportunity for it.

[@mackycabangon8945]

Shawn Crabtree i know. this account is my passion

[@dakotamew]

Like Computers :^)

[@TimeoutMegagameplays]

Im happy now.

[@NA-vz9ko]

That's called being lucky

[@NA-vz9ko]

Esse Cara It's also pretty rare.

[@safir2241]

Follow your dreams, but not off a cliff.

[@boyboi1855]

Nice

[@dominicstewart-guido7598]

Well said

[@dominicstewart-guido7598]

I have been playing piano for a number of years and I am passionate about it, and from what other people have told me, quite skilled. However, I'm not sure if I can get a stable career playing piano, which is why I am trying to go into engineering, robotics, and physics, which I am Also interested in. In the end, I will welcome oppritunities with an open heart and the goal of achiving the most finacial prosperity and happiness that I can. In other words, I will attempt I follow my passions while still ensuring prosperity.

[@dominicstewart-guido7598]

@Kevin Huang Interesting. There are plenty of career options that may be open to me in the near future, but music is definately one of the funnest.

[@dominicstewart-guido7598]

@Kevin Huang Yeah, I've been thinking pretty much the same things while deciding what to go to school for and what career I should launch into. Great to see confirmation from you that this is the right plan.

[@PsychicsRfake456]

for me I am working a normal everyday job and following my passion as a side hustle, If I can make it with my passion Then Great, if I fail .... no biggie the bills are still paid and there is food on the table.

[@jay_r9825]

That’s great to hear that’s how it should be done good luck with whatever that is

[@PsychicsRfake456]

@@jay_r9825 thank you

[@insight1428]

Seems like sound advice but sometimes you have to put all your time and energy into your passion for it to succeed. Lots of great artist would of gone unknown had they treated their passion as a hobby.

[@PsychicsRfake456]

@@insight1428 thats very true but for everyone who "made it" there is countless who have failed. I guess its up to the person if they want to take that risk or not

[@GreenDeemonll]

You guys got it, do what you love but stay realistic, then it's even more likely you will achieve that.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

Two phrases near the end that stuck: "While passion is way too important to be without, it is way too fickle to follow around" "Never follow your passion, but always bring it with you"

[@UNTHESUNTHESUNTHES]

Tl;dr Don't do what you want. Do what you do best.

[@qaedtgh2091]

The message was more: Go where the opportunity is, not where you want to go.

[@AjaxNixon]

Exactly. Opportunity doesn't mean just job availability, but it means if you have the genuine capability to do it. You should have both factors covered to consider it a legit opportunity.

[@UNTHESUNTHESUNTHES]

Shshsht don't say that, the right, part of the left and libertarians don't like to hear that.

[@matthewhay2038]

Koh but what I do best is what I want to do I can the 100m In close to 11 seconds and I'm only 16

[@matthewhay2038]

Toogit I'm trying to get faster so I can get a scholarship when I go to university

[@ZanzibarBreeze]

"I'm sick of following my dreams, I'm just gonna ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later" - Mitch Hedberg

[@davidhutchinson7888]

I used to follow my dreams. Still do but used to, too.

[@cellardoor199991]

Please READ: You can follow your passion and get good at it. You can also make a living at it. We now know that you can major in anything: Arts, Music, Film/T.v.production. I majored in film/TV production. I am now a proud audio-visual technician. I work stable jobs for over 40 hrs./wk doing setup and strikes for events. My brother, who is a musician, used to work at Guitar Center - 40 hours a week. My friend, who majored in Art, became a manager at a Michaels Arts and Crafts. Remember this.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I’m an IUEC Local 1 Journeyman in NYC. My passion is photography, but being an elevator mechanic allows me to pay the bills and raise a family, very comfortably, and I can still pursue my passion, without having to worry about making a paycheck with it.

[@jellyman1735]

My dream job is to sell propane and propane accessories.

[@jellyman1735]

@Megapoophoop It's a good job I'll tell you what.

[@meadcwlark4064]

do you guys not get the reference or am i here alone ?

[@deborahgonalez7892]

now that's a clean burning hell I tell you what

[@taylorowens3721]

Damn it Bobby!

[@legendgames128]

Hank, is that you?!

[@truebluekit]

And this, Mike Rowe, is why I respect you. Thank you.

[@BioTechEntertainment]

Just do your passion as a side project when you get home from work. While everyone else is at happy hour or wasting their paychecks on the weekends, you’ll be grinding on what matters most. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be hella worth it.

[@hrisi117]

Very, VERY well said 👌🏼

[@d.j.krider6727]

People's passions are usually something they are good at that. Other times they're things they believe they can do

[@warmgooeycookie5609]

Book incoming: So many people are misinterpreting this video... he isn’t saying passion is a bad thing. He’s saying the specific tasks we do in exchange for money (because we have bills) don’t need to be inherently ‘fun’ for us to have fulfilling lives. He’s not wrong when he says attitude is more important than the actual job... Ever see an angry athlete? A depressed Hollywood stars? A burnt out KZbinr? How about a happy FedEx guy? Jolly grocery bagger? Or genuinely satisfied maintenance worker? The man in this video is not saying it sucks to get paid for your favorite passed time, that’s obviously a great thing... he’s just saying the opportunity to work and self-sustain is a blessing in itself. A comment on this video stated someone was upset with their life because they are struggling to afford WiFi with their current job, that isn’t their passion.... think about how silly that is. He has everything to sustain life (food, clothes, shelter)... AND access to more information and entertainment than he’ll ever be able to retain, and still, he finds a reason to complain.... why? Because he isn’t “passionate” about his job. Again, it’s a matter of attitude... Not everyone needs to get paid for their hobby. I like video games and sports, if I really wanted to, I could have made an effort to do those things for money... I could have pursued that route... rather, I chose to earn money doing something else, and I get to play sports and video games in my free time. It’s great! Jobs that don’t fulfill you passions do not prevent you from doing your passions!! 😅 Final twist: The goal of most is usually fame or money, not a specific interest/hobby... people just lie to themselves... if you want to sing... no one is stopping you... what you really want, is a crowded stadium of people paying their “honest days wage” just to hear you sing... that’s different... If your passion is a ministry or outreach... there’s a ton of ways to help people... so your individual passion/interests should still take a backseat to the needs and opportunities in front of you... if you walk past a hungry man on your block because your more passionate about serving in Africa... admit you want to go to Africa and don’t hide behind “a passion to serve.” Lastly, if you want to be a surgeon, go study up and pass the tests... if you don’t work hard and get that education... please don’t operate on people. Passion only gets you so far. Do what you want... but know this: work is work and whether your passionate about it or not... we all gotta do the work of wiping our own butts before we get off the pot and get back to our passions... work is part of life... don’t let it get you down.

[@trueromani7262]

Really great comment. Perfectly clears up any doubts. Like he said in the beginning, if you do have a hobby that you're good at, by all means go for the passion.

[@avnishsingh6196]

I really appreciate the time and effort that you devoted the clarify the doubts of the people which floating all around in the comments section ❤️!

[@ronmiller7916]

Wow, someone else that feels the need to explain something that was clear as a bell to begin with. You need to be embarrassed, really embarrassed.

[@mactony4]

I wouldn't make video game since i know more of whats happening behind the scene and i loved them.

[@lets-getbrandon4192]

Warm Gooey Cookie Jesus man, write a book next time

[@nadivkaspi6211]

A key point he doesn't address is how one develops a skill. You don't just realize you don't have the ability to do something and give up. If you're passionate, you work at it. You improve because you WANT to do this, and that's an incredibly strong motivator. Maybe when he built that thing in woodshop, he should've though "Let me keep practicing, improving, and working." That is what makes skilled workers; practice. If you give up as soon as you feel incapable, you would never get anywhere.

[@justalittleturtle5600]

It's not about giving up to gain opportunity. He's not saying that. He's trying to say that you shouldn't let your *Passion* get in the way of great opportunities. Don't let your passion control you. Yes, passion is something that can motivate you to become a better you, but it can also become an obsessive leech, that drains away your happiness when things don't work out. I have a friend who's really bad a drawing. Really bad, and she knows this. She's been drawing for almost a decade now, trying to get better, taking advice on how to improve, how to draw more efficiently, how to draw *better*. But her improvement is little. And she suffers from that. Having to watch people who've never drawn before create something better than something that took her almost 10 years to do is incredibly depressing. At some point, she stopped being passionate, and started being obsessive. What's really sad is that she has an incredible talent for storytelling and writing. She's never failed to engross me when retelling an event or making up a story. But she doesn't realize her talent and has let so many opportunities pass by because she's obsessed with becoming a better artist. Mr. Rowe isn't saying give up your passion and give up on your dreams. He's saying make attainable goals, and when they don't work out, or there's an opportunity for you, don't let your dream or passion control you and miss that opportunity. Have a passion, have something to motivate you, but don't let it be your downfall because you've become obsessive.

[@marcusbenhurr]

I'd say you're watching too much anime

[@angeegee-gcabellogrande4639]

Thank you I would like to become a singer and I am average at singing but I practice and I did go to a music Academy for a few years and I do try to improve and I think I’m doing good but I’m also shy on Camera sometimes so I try to get over it by going on KZbin and if you two perks out that’s great because that’s one of my other options but if I can become better at singing and I make my dream come true that’s also a great thing my family and friends say I’m improving on everything singing and not being so camera shy and I could make a living off KZbin and I’m so happy I get to hear those words from my own family and friends because that was one of my dreams for a few years and if one day I can become a successful KZbinr I will be proud of myself because one day the same way some KZbinrs make me happy and make my day I would love to do that for someone when I’m older or even now it’s nice to hear the words you got me through so much pain or you make me feel so happy and I would love to do that for people One day and I know that if I don’t give up on my dream it could come true one day

[@zeflerman6972]

​@@marcusbenhurr Bro what? Any tradesman or artist worth their salt would say the same thing. Just because you aren't automatically good at something doesn't mean you give up, if you do that you will literally not succeed at anything.

[@zeflerman6972]

@@justalittleturtle5600 Yea but this video doesn't make that point (or doesn’t make it very good), he literally tells a story where he gave up first try at 16 because he wasn’t automatically master level in a trade. That story makes the point that you should just give up the moment you're not perfect at something.

[@ericstone8105]

I "followed my passion" for 25 years and they just booted me due to downsizing. Now I am struggling to figure out what else I can do because nobody is hiring a guy in his mid-40s for anything. Listen to Mike.

[@jackroth5110]

Always follow your passion. Figure out how to make it meaningful to your customers.

[@Cleron_O_Andarilho]

"If you are good in something never do it for free"

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

THAT should be the real PragerU video. I'm an independent musician and too many young artists/bands who are just starting out are willing to play for free. NEVER do that.

[@Cleron_O_Andarilho]

@@djjazzyjeff1232 PragerU video is conservative, he is right about somethings, but sometimes just have to follow the "conservative ideology".

[@ltcajh]

Forest Frost Wrong! It is more blessed to give than receive.

[@theendurance]

How much you want? Uh...half

[@marcoscabrera7044]

@@theendurance 😂

[@no-bozos]

My father owned a window cleaning business. He retired at 47-years-old. Think about it.

[@jimnicholas7334]

@Human Resources "You can't always get what you want~"

[@leonardo3ro310]

Yet he will never be renembered by anybody and will dissapear whitout nobody knowing his name in the next centuries

[@llewodcm20]

@IT'SME yep almost anyone can retire early in that fashion. Just keep expenses low pre and post retirement

[@Rosie82333]

A job that a monkey could do

[@analogaudiorules1724]

@@leonardo3ro310 That's pretty much everyone, people will be remembered for what they do if they contribute this this useless burning dumpster fire known as humanity, but people will never know the actual people and who they are, just a name and possibly a face and what ever useless thing they contributed the this world which is running on borrowed time anyway, the eventual heat death of the universe is inevitable. Humanity is nothing but a stupid contradiction.

[@airliner7478]

It amazes me how much you can learn from people who (literally) clean up people's crap for a living.

[@sprint429]

It’s like the young fish in the movie Soul who says to the older fish, “this is water; what I want is the ocean.” The older fish said beforehand, “that’s what you’re in right now.”

[@David-hd5ry]

I gave up on my passion years ago when I was a kid because my parents told me to and because they came up with this exact same speech 25 years ago. Today I’m in my middle age, I feel miserable and practically have nothing. Even paying for internet access so that I can watch this guy talking on KZbin is hard at the moment. So I lost both my passion and any kind of stable job. Therefore I would say... don’t listen to anyone. Don’t listen to the people who tell you what to do or what not to do. Be realistic about yourself. I believe there are people in two extremes. Those who will tell you shoud not follow your passions and those who will falsely say that you can be a God. Don’t trust any of them. I will never repeat the same mistake again. Though it’s too late by now...

[@DCmicrocraft]

Humans are like that... The most efficient way to a human learn how to do something... is by doing it badly and realising it... *Humans learn easier with their mistakes, and not with others advices, not all advices are good*

[@jamesblunt006]

It's not too late. Your parents gave you this speech when you were a kid 25 years ago, that means you're somewhere between 30 and 40 now? You have plenty of time to change your life. Maybe go back to your childhood passion. Maybe look out for opportunities and learn something new that helps you catch one of them. You're right though, don't trust anyone else than yourself. You're the only person who can pull you out of the situation you are in. So don't waste your time thinking about what people told you, get yourself together and start building your future - today!

[@kkiwi8559]

i feel bad for u man hope one day you might be able to get out of your current situation.

[@johnspeech]

Don't blame others for your misery. You're in your middle ages but you're not dead. If you hate your life, change it. Be honest with yourself. Do what it takes to be relatively happy. To think it's too late, it's to accept you're dead inside. Don't listen to others, follow your intuiton. Life is a trial and error challenge that may lead you somewhere interesting. In my life, I've always followed my parents and friend's advice. I've felt miserable a thousand times. I got a shitty stable job, I earned little money, but I never let myself be miserable for that. Things can improve when you play your cards well, but you need to be patient, strategic and hard-working. The "don't stop believing shit" is true, seek opportunities, read, watch movies, travel but be honest with yourself. What kind of things would you want to do? If you don't have any answers, go see a professional, search data online, be the change you want to see in this world. As long as you don't kill anyone, the world is there for you to explore.Don't be afraid to break some glasses to see what it feels to be fullfilled.

[@darktrooper9813]

Has anyone here realized that the comments here are all advice, and this comment itself is advice, despite saying you shouldn’t follow advice? That being said, the human body and mind are very, very resilient. I do hope that you (the original comment writer) navigate your way out of the situation you’re in at the moment. You’re going through fire now, but the test of fire makes fine steel!

[@silverblade357]

Wow. This is scary. This video closed with an ad from some online college telling me to follow my passion.

[@thegreatnbk1454]

Haha

[@deepstariaenigmatica2601]

then don't. who cares? or just go do a stupid job and get married that you'll hate for the rest of your life. you sheeps are too impressionable to pursue anything in life. lol.

[@hawtsauce2471]

@@deepstariaenigmatica2601 or follow your passion full time and love a broke life

[@amitmeena1596]

You're lying. PrageU doesn't run ads. They depend on donations.

[@deepstariaenigmatica2601]

@@hawtsauce2471 following a passion to only be broke? my scholarships say otherwise. There's saying you have a passion and then there's actually having a genuine passion that you're so determined to pursue that you don't need luck & dependence. It's important to be realistic in order to follow a passion.

[@cincin4515]

Well I know someone who followed his passion. He sings all day as he cleans carpets for a living. Happiest dude I ever met.

[@kartikeybest]

There's a difference between being passionate and being delusional.

[@electrictroy2010]

EINSTEIN SAID pretty much the same thing: “Many have the desire, but few have the ability.” They should seek careers where their abilities actually exist .

[@cautarepvp2079]

the trick is that you can make that ability for you