Refusing to Settle: The Quarter-Life Crisis | Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky | TEDxYouth@MileHigh

What is a quarter-life crisis, and how do you break through it? In this engaging and funny talk, the author of an Amazon bestseller on finding meaningful work shares the takeaways from his and other young people confronting the quarter-life crisis head-on.
Adam Smiley Poswolsky is the author of The Quarter-Life Breakthrough, an Amazon bestseller. He has inspired professionals and entrepreneurs to find fulfilling work as director of community engagement for the Hive Global Leaders Program, and previously as director of The Bold Academy. He is a mentor for the StartingBloc Institute for Social Innovation and a facilitator for General Assembly and The Passion Co. He previously worked as special assistant to the Director of Global Operations at the U.S. Peace Corps.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@achikookie3960]

1. Find believers 2. Stop comparing yourself to others 3. Pursue what's meaningful to you

[@LucasDanielSantoro]

4. Hussle 5. Make the ask

[@potrebujusync5553]

lesson: "stop comparing yourself to others" also lesson: "i learned it from guy that did something when he compared himself to his brother".............fork logic right? :D

[@cowl6867]

Make the ask

[@vincentskater]

"People will support you when you start working with purpose." - Very well said and very true.

[@jdas5842]

It's very hard to find people who think like this. The "believers" , I look around me and everyone is like the roommate Dan. I hope I soon find some believers in my life .

[@J000oooE]

I believe you will find some "believers" soon. Just go on searching!

[@WSrambo187]

I believe in you! Faith like a mustard seed can move mountains!

[@erahUTAD]

Raycher Smith in

[@NextLevelTherapy]

the first believer you need is yourself. believe in your self and that your dream is possible. as you go after it and believe in it and yourself - others come along side you!

[@MrJjthecronfan]

well to find a believer you need to find a person who as already achieved something , it's like passing the baton in a relay race . He would surely have been believed by some one in the past and has achieved or is close to achieving his dream .

[@demois]

1. Find believers 2. Do what is meaningful to YOU, Why are you here? What do you want to do for others? How can you align your gifts with the impact you want to have on the world? What makes YOU tick? There is NO one answer. STOP comparing yourself to others. 3. You have to start hustling with intention. Make the ASK. Be courageous. Take a risk. Volunteer, Work Abroad. Launch the crowdfunding campaign. Start the blog. People will support you when You start working with purpose.

[@Atlanta718]

Thanks for sharing the recap!

[@astromann7449]

Or.....just win the lottery and continue to live the simple life, but WITHOUT a boss. Hobbies are better than work. Its hard to make work out of hobbies, thats why not everyone does it. You can make hobbies a side gig, not so much a career though.

[@ep2126]

Astro Mann Or... make your hobby your work and don‘t make your happiness depend on a lottery win 😊

[@astromann7449]

@@ep2126 Didn't get the lottery sarcasm? Like I said, most fun hobbies wont pay much when turned into a job, again, this is why people dont do that as much and rely on a boring regular job/career to pay the bills - know this from experience.

[@yesreneau]

He seems like a really great guy to have in your circle of friends.

[@18UNbelievable]

Same about you, YesReneau :) Love your videos.

[@derekstark6612]

You’re so right Reneau!

[@maariaDDS]

Agreed!!!

[@dougyeefresh87]

I totally would hang out with him to. He would be that non-judgemental guy you could totally relate to.

[@charmedprince]

Plus his voice sounds like if Jimmy Kimmel's voice had a baby with Elliott Gould's (Ross and Monica's dad)

[@georgest57]

This is inspiring for anyone at any age. I am 59 and working towards a new career for retirement and your talk is helping me move forward with it.

[@greed94]

It's one year later now and I'm genuinely curious, how is it going?

[@ijuskann]

George Strang how is it going?

[@SheillaOlga]

George Strang how's it going?

[@PranitaPaunikar]

I am friends with a 72 year old accomplished psychiatrist Canada who's going to get a Lifetime Award for Psychiatry next month. He's always passionate about the next project, and he is a great inspiration to me. I hope you too are able to dream a new dream and work towards achieving all those dreams from your youth and childhood that you perhaps had let go of. We only ever get old when we stop dreaming. Hope you have a satisfying career ahead, and life. Wish you the best. :)

[@LittleFabulousMe]

3 years later George.. I hope it's going well!!

[@christopherhernandez4524]

Honestly the best TED talk for anyone 25-29.

[@Julian.torres]

I am 22 and this was like an​ open palm slap on my face

[@hpp]

ye 16 year olds are billionairs

[@youranongirl]

And early 30s.

[@kilo393]

@@Julian.torres Im 21, but felt the same way.

[@joshbowdish9851]

@earth ocean It's not that it's not relevant to other ages, it absolutely is. I think he's just saying that because this question is bothering a higher than usual percentage of people in that age group.

[@phillip3548]

I am 22 and finished school when I was 20 and have been travelling for a year and a half by myself. This time has killed all ideas I had about who I was and what the world expects me to do. I died a million times in those months, I faced my greatest fears and evolved as a human being. My only desire that's left within me has nothing to do with fame, succes or so called stability or security, because the last two things don't exist, they never did and never will. I want to write, I want to write books, poems, essays and stories. I want to write everything that's within my heart and no matter how rough and tough it'll get, the words written through my hands will make history.

[@robertmiller532]

Like your attitude, words can change the world.

[@user89076]

How did you have the money to travel?

[@phillip3548]

user89076 I worked while going to school and had a fund that my parents saved me growing up.

[@user89076]

Okay, just wondering. I'm 25 and would like to travel, but I have a hard time making/saving money.

[@phillip3548]

user89076 find a job with a reasonable pay and don't spend more than you actually need, to survive. That'll work :)

[@addosolar537]

The most important comment you made is that one must have a job and hustle while planning well to set up their dream career. Chasing dreams without a realistic plan can be problematic. Bills and responsibilities will not wait on the dream career to develop.

[@CynthiaTheHealthExperience]

Well said. I'm a millennial and I really hurt for millennials that can't keep jobs because its not what they "love" to do, so they're constantly quitting their jobs or getting fired because they feel extremely entitled or "mistreated" when their bosses put some pressure on them to perform.

[@vovanminh999]

I think , you are totally right , keep the job and pursue your dream at the same time , that what i do now .

[@Hoxgene]

Although i would love to agree with you on this, but i want to point out one important thing.. Time passes by very quickly you wont even notice it & if you actually woke up to that fact when its too late, your mind will slowly dissolve this goal and you'll rationalize it like "yea i couldnt've done nothing anyway' or ' i needed the money for X thats far more of a priority than Y' . I mean BE CAREFUL knowing when to quit is EXTREMELY necessary. im saying this because 2 of my buddies left all our dreams we had since college and got stuck forever in the 9-5 cyclone where its always impossible to leave because of responsibilities

[@ciobalina7445]

Alien Geek I really have to say it.. for some people, their responsibilities ARE their priority. Maybe the reason why most people don’t quit their 9-5 job for a dream is because their “dream” is just that, “a dream”, or something to tell people when they are asked. Having a family, raising kids, offering them the best in terms of living conditions, education etc., having financial stability are themselves very nice goals to have. I feel like in recent years there’s this constant expectation to go out and be exceptional, preferably before 30. 90% of people are just ... normal. And that’s just fine, don’t you think? Not to mention that most people I meet don’t really hate their jobs as much as they say. I feel like many people just don’t like working in general.

[@brittneylamar9864]

@@ciobalina7445 Good point.

[@dragonstooth4223]

I'm 34 and about to finish my second degree in engineering. My first degree in IT I never used. I tell people it took me until I was 30 to realize what I wanted to be when I grew up.

[@DeadlyDeadlyBeees]

Hey way to go!! If I may ask, are you dealing with a lot of loan debt currently? Not trying to be a wet blanket.

[@sarahkoob1156]

You are still young at 34

[@superfluousslope5310]

Congrats! I chose engineering a bit later on too. People always ask me if I'm a grad student at uni -_-

[@AndreaAralica]

💝

[@dianapop6054]

I can relate. I just turned 30, and I finally did all the things I needed to do to stop holding myself back, and I finally have the clarity on what I actually wanna do with my time on this planet. Much success to you :)

[@FaiLovex3]

At 23, this is something I really needed to hear. Thank you!

[@hmarbury9421]

This talk gave me chills literally the best talk I've seen.

[@ChingooOK]

just watched this video (2 years after you did) and just wanted to know how your life is now compared to 2 years ago

[@BigMisterApple]

You're 26 now.. How are you enjoying life?

[@pattheticc]

Hey, how are you doing today?

[@JOSHINGEORGD123]

Now u r 26

[@mirthaloka]

I’m 27, going through one of those quarter life crisis and let me tell you: this is exactly what I needed! BEST TED TALK I’VE SEEN!!!

[@jadehalliday6636]

I love it too! This guy is amazing! 😊

[@AndreaAralica]

💝

[@JWu-jt7fz]

11 months later, what's the update?

[@colelockhart1021]

You're going to live to be 108?

[@leonaluna3307]

I'm only 22 and this video has been reassuring

[@tracydrobbins]

"We are not the Me Me Me generation. We are the Purpose generation." -Smiley This is beautiful. I appreciate how you said your current work can propel you to where you want to be. Surround yourself with greats. Thank you!

[@Aryeh-o]

lol female tony robbins

[@samruddhipanchal6291]

Tracy Robbins 0

[@Hasel32CH]

Well I'm 41 and I have always had the believer's mindset... I get depressed when I'm around to many people who have just settled... I'll be a believer until I die because I don't know any other way😌

[@abandonedmuse]

Hasel32CH I’m 43 and I’m definitely a believer

[@kirisumasu709]

Amen me too!!! At 33 years old, I’m a psychotherapist and looking for the next step in how to help people.

[@njerikamwana5150]

Me too ...

[@albertodeulofeu5277]

Married?

[@bivvon8437]

Yes!

[@lollipop2741]

I'm 18, but I feel as though I'm already going through an existential crisis. Definitely feeling inspired

[@Jhartun]

how are you now??? :)

[@giankarlosverko6486]

BarelyDying I feel that

[@AdityaKumar-ij5ok]

how about if I tell you i'm 17 and I am having existential crisis

[@monukeys1105]

@@AdityaKumar-ij5ok i am having this crisis since a year and am 16 now

[@jaiminbhatporia8769]

How you feeling now?

[@andromacke]

Thank you for this. I've spent the last 9 years trying to get into a graphic design job while working at a job that I didn't really enjoy that much; I didn't hate it, though I did hate my former boss. Eventually I just "made the ask" to the head of our division, letting her know that I think the entire division needed a graphic designer, and she said "Have you been reading my mind?!" We're still dealing with some HR paperwork to make it happen, but in January 2017 I'm going to be that graphic designer. This made me feel good to watch.

[@veero8130]

Katie Hart omg congrats!!! :) how is it so far?

[@matthewcupelli5901]

Congratulations! I admire your boldnesses

[@gloriatisnanga5925]

Katie Hart 👏👏👏👏

[@AndreaAralica]

💕

[@emavrick]

Wow, congrats! Talk about making the ask. This is very encouraging to read. I hope 2 years later. Everything is up and running and you're living your best life! ❤

[@oshun-halianabey5528]

I'm 24 years old, sitting in my father's house after coming back home from a 3-year abusive relationship. I want to leave home and pursue my dream and I cannot do that here. My father promised me stability, security, and his happiness but I realized that none of that is worth the pain I feel when I am here instead of out there doing what I want and taking risks to make real change. Before I watched this video, I did not want to be in this world. I had so many doubts about life in general...what it was really about and if I could ever be happy and successful. Now, I have made my decision to live and take the risks I want to take and live for me and make a difference. Thank you. This saved my life.

[@tamiajackson]

I hope you are still alive and doing well my friend!

[@hannachambers753]

i hope your doing well!!!!!!!!

[@imahamo1]

Go for it oshun!!! ✌️

[@connieball5287]

I hope you're living your dream

[@CRM480]

I came back home from a 2yr abusive relationship at 21. I stayed home for 3 long years, feeling the exact same way you described- stressed, in grief, feeling like my life was moving backwards rather than forward. But I went to therapy and I learned to be patient with myself. To forgive myself. To take time to heal and be patient with the process. You are in your parents home but you are alive and you are safe. It was so difficult to go from having my place and doing what I wanted when I wanted back to having a curfew and sharing a bathroom with younger siblings. But I was patient. I became grateful that I had some place to bounce back to. I'm 25 now and I am typing this up laying in my own bed in my own apartment. I am happy. I am safe. My parents are 8 mins away from me and I have my peace. Respect the process. Acknowledge and allow yourself to feel what you feel, but be patient with yourself. You will look back soon and see the importance of being where you are at this very moment. Much love to you xx - A fellow survivor

[@sarnobat2000]

8:15 - I wish I could internalize this part: "Nobody knows what they're doing. Nobody has it figured out. The grass is always greener."

[@MsSugarlips21]

I’m 24, and glad I’m not in this alone. I feel so stuck. Anxious about my past mistakes and how it’ll impact my future successes. Running on a hamster wheel really. I pray in 5 years or so I can say I’m proud of myself

[@angeloureyes8349]

Same here, i feel you :(

[@cynthiadsilva9597]

Sorry to hear about this. What are you actually doing about this then? You know you can still turn your life around...

[@cynthiadsilva9597]

@@angeloureyes8349 sorry to hear about this. Have you taken any practical steps to move on from this situation?

[@Dbb27]

You’re only 24. You have 60 years of life ahead of you. Write down five possibilities to change. Keep three. Talk to people in those jobs. Ask questions. You’ll figure it out.

[@Dbb27]

Angel Devine please think about any alcohol or caffeine use. These things cause anxiety. I have recently quit both and it’s been a game changer.

[@margiesvanmori]

This is such a great talk! I quit my 9-5, quit alcohol, quit Facebook and instagram, bought a 1988 chevy and am building it out to pursue a career in film and tv. We have one life, I want to life it with meaning and be able to look back knowing I followed my heart and not the safe route. Cheers to you!

[@baroque_lad]

I'm also pursuing a career in film and tv! I quit my job and was ready to go for it, but I've had some physical set backs due to a neck injury. Got another job, getting my body worked on soon, then I'm right back to it (: Rooting for you!!

[@benokhattirach310]

I'm 19 and currently in my 2nd year in college. This pandemic has made me thinking about my life so deeply.

[@shoaibdxb2218]

Fear is what stops us to do what we want to do in our life. Fear of being broke if we quit the job and start doing what we always wanted and love to do. But to some extent, I believe that this fear also makes us keep other 99 things we want in our life out of our 100 wish list. And I believe that we all need to be logical and make sure that we have enough savings that can buy us enough time to give a try what we love and wanted to do in life. If we fail then we should always keep the door open to go back to the point where we left.

[@leef250]

I am 36 And the struggles you have in your 20s will follow you in your 30s and follow you in your 40s and so on if you don’t address them. This Ted talk was clear and straight to the point and one of the best I’ve seen thanks :-)smiley

[@frogger832]

Facebook is so toxic

[@Me-eb3wv]

Notabot most of social media media is

[@DOUBLE0SEVUN]

If misused. Did you miss the whole part about him using Facebook to find a random stranger a job that later got him a bunch of money?

People are toxic, social media is just a faster way for their toxicity to reach others.

[@tlovesretro]

I just turned 25 and am finally pursuing what I've been wanting to do since I was a child. I had never told anyone my childhood dream because I was raised around others who told me to be "more realistic". It' took me years to realize that's why I was miserable. I was holding in my dreams. I was hiding who I was.

[@gameofthrones9108]

Bepoo Squash I could hug you. Just found someone like me.

[@Lisa-ih7fk]

So how's it going? :)

[@TheCourtz27]

That perfectly articulated what I am feeling too! Hope everything is going well

[@kylemurray9687]

So how did you find what you really love to do?

[@izzy_doesit2932]

After a few years of climbing the ladder, I've realized the next rung...or the next position is a lot like a McDonalds commercial. - You see that delicious looking burger, the one with the perfectly grilled beef patty, the fresh warm bun, the slices of cheese that perfectly and ever so delicately fold at all 4 corners are starting to make you drool…looks pretty damn good, right? Now let me ask you this, when was the last time, if ever, you cruised through the drive thru, got your burger, and it was even relatively close to appearing edible? - Let alone coming anywhere close to your expectations. Soggy fries to boot. Pretty disappointed, right? Nevertheless, after the money and effort it took for you to get that burger, even though it makes you feel a little gross, you know you're going to eat it. Why? Because “ehh, it’ll do”, or “it’s better than nothing I guess”. People, myself included, are approaching their careers in exactly the same way. You know it's not what you want, you know there are better options, but you don't change. Why? Because that burger is your 'go-to', it's familiar, it's comfortable, you know what to expect. Idk about you, but this video helped me realize I can't force myself to eat one more damn burger.

[@nikki5095]

absolutely love your metaphor. I think it applies to the social media/ grass is greener issue too. Things are never what they seem on the surface and I agree that the answer is to find meaning and purpose in what you do.

[@YourMajesty143]

I'm vegan but this really resonated with me lol, thank you!

[@kaybeejelly461]

Currently working at McDonald's 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

[@southlondon86]

Great metaphor. Absolutely right!

[@rosannapinedarivas672]

Amazing words. I highly identify; I'm a doctor from Dominican Republic, graduated when I was 23yo, and stared working immediately... After a year or two I realized I wasn't totally happy with the things I had gained so, I quit my job and stared studying again to go abroad and upgrade my medical skills to be just a better version of myself.

[@alexwells6876]

This really effected me possitively, I'm 26 and have been stuck in a depressive state on and off since September. After finishing education when I was 18, I didn't go to university and I was unemployed for almost 4 years. In that time I did various temp jobs that only took me back to unemployment. I eventually fell into a full fime job in Warehouse that i was miserable in and after 2 years I quit as I couldn't take it anymore. When I hit 26, I had an intense feeling of anxiety and dread that I had wasted a lot of my early 20s and for the past year I have not been able to get past it. This video really woke me up. I'm a creative person and always have been, but I've never settled for one creative job as I have too many interests and paths I could go down (within music and art) and don't know where to turn to. This video has made me see sense. I really need to look at myself and work out what i really want to do, i've always thought about travelling but it was nothing more than an idea that would pop into my head now and again. I'm in a temp Christmas job right now but i'm going to get into a full time job next year, grind through it and save up to travel. I feel that that is what i need to do to be able to really find myself. 2018 for me is going to be all about preparing. When i reach 30 in 4 years, wherever i am, I hope i'll be in a better situation, satisfied and above everything else, happy. Thank you Adam, sometimes all it takes is something small to take you out of a negitive state and this did it for me.

[@Rosalith]

How are you doing now? I want similar; I'm naturally creative and want to strive to work creatively. Just felt directionless and lost. But this video helped give me courage to seek my path !!!

[@Southaustraliahill]

How are you doing now? It's been a year. Would love to hear your update and how your year went

[@kandidkayla6373]

I relate to this statement a lot. I've also recently been dealing with the feeling of wasting my early 20s. Upside is that just made me want to work harder and I've been making preparations full on to change that.

[@caracasdoll]

Alex Wells omg I feel you! I’m 25 and can relate absolutely. Are u a pisces or something? Lol. Keep going, you’ll find your true path. As I say this I also say it to myself.

[@michaelliang5688]

Hows it going,bro🙃

[@dante340]

It's really hard to find "Believer" friends but it's essential.. "You'll never fly like an eagle if you surround yourself with turkeys"

[@Papalapap22]

Dante Redgrave I‘m from Turkey and that comment really hurt

[@YesitisDex]

I'm a PEACOCK, I NEED TO FLY!!!

[@jessicabowens214]

i’m a believer, hit me up, snapchat forest3096

[@TheLupit90Channel]

Do the things that makes you happy and repeat it everyday.

[@daltonjwelch7725]

Philip .Talay than after several days of the exact same thing the existential dread kicks in

[@HG-jy3bl]

The hardest part is figuring out what makes me tick! I don't know what that is and this is usually why I feel stuck

[@Cocomelonjj22]

Exactly

[@wtfaleisa]

it usually has something to do with what you loved doing at around 14 years old

[@bradturner7678]

@@wtfaleisa hard to make a career out of playing halo reach and fapping.

[@HeatherFilipowicz]

Your story is very, very much like mine. I quit the job at 36, moved 1,200 miles and started living the life of my dreams, not everyone else's. Your message is a critical one, and the more of us that share it, the better the world will be. Congrats on your talk.

[@chruchita]

Heather Filipowicz how did you find the career path and were you alone in your journey ? I am going through some changes but I don’t have any directions at all. I live in Hawaii and sky is The limit here . I don’t know what or who on the mainland so I feel stuck ...

[@amylynn1884]

Heather I wanna hear more about your story. I'm 36 as well and wanna do the same thing. I'd love your advice.

[@WhiteyRasta]

This makes makes me feel happy that im the first person in my family to go to university and also nearly a qualified architect on my way to making sure that this world becomes a greener and happier place. Even when everyone was telling me that art would get me "nowhere in life" growing up. You've got to be your own hero in this world.

[@161BMW]

Matilda Kemp yes very well done :-)

[@vovanminh999]

Good mentality , this world need people like you , just do what you love to do .

[@ZiggysCorner]

I loved this video. They key thing he said that resonated with me was that he had a good paying job, people were impressed, but he was miserable! Sometimes money is not the problem, and its even worse when in the eyes of other they can't see why you have a problem 'You're making good money, what's the problem'. Its about finding something meaningful, so you feel like you have a purpose and are not just working for money to pay bills that will forever be there! Great video.

[@fridaymd]

I was about to get coffee but your talk was The Caffeine that I needed! Whew!

[@SynIMPFML666]

I was sitting here, Just turned 25, unemployed, frustrated at myself and feeling stuck in life, like I couldn't create that meaningful work that would better suit me. This Video was the Call to Arms that I desperately needed.

[@DarthMessias]

Just watch the video. Don't read the comments. Trust me, you don't want to be discouraged by random youtube comments.

[@Dempseymauler777]

DarthMessias I second this comment. There's no bs in this video and it's not wishful sayings either.

[@happymeat1]

Best comment on this video. Stopping here! =)

[@lilliangraham9850]

sometimes they can be suprisingly helpful

[@user-rg1jz9br7k]

I am also stopping here. Thanks!

[@MsBloo]

stopped me right in my tracks haha, thanks.

[@SaffronSageAstrology]

"People will support you when you start working with purpose". Pure gold.

[@calvinrivera49]

My friend who overdosed a few months ago, his nickname was "Smiley". :/ The way i look at it, this man is the alternative version of my friend, helping me get through my qtr life crisis. I just wish i was the one helping him go through what he was going through. :/ No schooling or experience in the mental health field could not have prepared me exactly what to do, when it's your close friend. :/ It's difficult. Life is difficult

[@kandidkayla6373]

I've been binge watching TED talks for at least a week now and this one has had the most affect on me by far. Dreaming is easy but it becomes hard when you have no "believers" in your life who don't understand the concept of your dream.

[@johnrobinson8588]

I'm 26 and this randomly popped up while I was browsing different talks. I teared up because I have been debating whether or not I should finally follow my dreams despite nobody else taking them seriously or continuing to do something I don't love. Thank you for the words of inspiration.

[@cynthiadsilva9597]

So glad to hear this.... I'd love an update from you...how are you doing now?

[@saxiroth6647]

John we need an update

[@levoyagewithren]

Im 25, and was sitting idle one afternoon, looking for something to watch, usually I would be binge watching on Netflix but my subscription had ended cause my card was blocked since I just quit my very unmeaningful but high paying job and wanted to save every last penny knowing full well how hard the next season of my life is gonna be. So here I am on KZbin and read 'quarter life crisis' and know right away this is gonna stick. This guy is right, our generation has been hugely undermined and the fault is our own for not pushing ourselves. I'm just starting to realize being a believer and standing by it is no joke especially surrounded in a world full of dan's. I hope I can follow through and not look back. Thank's Smiley :) you gave me something to relate too

[@bradturner7678]

2 year update? howd it all go.

[@bia-r]

Well..I am 29.. and no great career if at all.. what really inspires me is not someone with a purpose already but someone that at 36 or 40 or 50 changes career because they feel there is more to do out there.. sometimes I feel that crisis too because I want to go to university next year and I sometimes ask my self if it isn.t too late to do it because of my age... and then I think people are so brain washed into thinking that age means a limit to something instead of a state of mind or a measurement of the experience in life..

[@M23jnba]

Bianca Voda I️ agree everyone is brainwashed to thinking it’s too late at a certain age, and I️ think that’s the excuse they tell themselves so they can avoid self improvement. What they don’t realized is that we’re all going to be working til 70 years old to retire. Even at age 30 That’s 40+ yrs of work left in our life. I️ much rather try then not try at all and look back with no regrets. So good for you! I️ like your thoughts!

[@rozmahfoz]

I went back to school to get a second degree (I'm 27 btw) and honestly you are so different and bring such a different mindset to the table that you will forget how old you are compared to the rest. Those who mesh the best are those with the similar goals and mindset as you. Because you are older you have that focus and goal in mind. It's not just some experience to socialize and prolong the "Peter Pan" mentality. You're going for a reason that isn't just some next step you've chosen. Go to school and don't rob yourself of an experience that you want!

[@freilezjawa8328]

Did you go?

[@laurabailey4817]

Bianca, I am 55 and in the process of going back to school to do a second M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy. It's never too late! I've done so many things in my life and also raised four children to adulthood in the process and stayed married for 30 years. "Happiness" is a fickle lover who sweeps you off your feet for a few weeks, days or moments and then drops you and disappears for awhile. There's a deeper kind of contentment called "joy"...a sense of well-being and purpose that's worth pursuing in life and is found in deeply connected relationships with people you love and serve.

[@MrDinglin2694]

You’re gorgeous 😛😍😍

[@policeman9225]

I'm 18. I am really depressed and uncertain because I don't know what I am going to do in my life. I am very privileged to have everything I ever dreamt of, but something inside me always says that I am not in the right path. This talk helped me a lot. From now on I am going to focus on building my skill set, reading books, learning new things, finding and meeting People who can make a good impact on my life. I am not going to sit inside my room, hiding, watching movies anymore. See me flying. P.S.: English is not my first language.

[@ConspicuousReality]

Police Man, I'm in similar shoes. I've been in American for five years since I was 14(from china), just graduated high school this year(I've been through depression and dark time that's why it took longer than four years). I didn't apply for any uni but know that I'll be going to one eventually. I'm taking my time slow by starting with a gap year to figure out my life. I'm moving from la to Germany by myself soon. And will start to learn more and gain more skills. I believe in you that you can accomplish anything you want as long as you strive toward the specific goal you have!!!!💪💪💪

[@policeman9225]

Pearl Pan Thanks my friend . Wish you good luck.

[@todorokiyosukedesu]

Same like me, friend.

[@abandonedmuse]

PREACH! I was told photography would never make me money and I would be broke forever. I have had a freelance business for 14 years and a publisher from the UK found me and let me publish two titles full of my abandoned photos. Never listen to the naysayers. Listen to your instincts and what you truly love. When you work, it shouldn’t feel like work. Sometimes we do have to do hard jobs to work up the ladder or to pay our bills but never lose that passion. Even when I had to get a second part time or 3 other part times to make ends meet I did it and I never stopped believing that I was doing what I loved. I always took part times I enjoyed and when I didn’t, I quit and moved on to something that was more for me. It’s easy to say you can’t, and not change than taking a risk and changing and sometimes going out on a limb to make that change happen. I went from being a secretary to owning my own business at 30. If this guy and I did it, so can you!

[@michellethepegman]

When I was feeling lost within my work, I decided to shift my perspective of what I was doing. To look at the positives of a situation. Even if the current job I was in was not where I wanted to be, it was slowly opening amazing doors to other positions that I otherwise would never have had access to. I also now can help mentor others on how to navigate an early career in my field. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I always thought that finding meaningful world meant I had to quit my job and work in a less financially stable field but really what it meant to me was to look at my job differently and to constantly give back to my community as I learned and gained more expertise because giving back made all the work worth it.

[@mddtaylorp]

Coming here at age 26/ turning 27 this year after switching from hospitality/restaurants and starting in the corporate world. This Ted talk is great. He has no lack of charisma what-so-ever. Having benefits and stability is great but I would easily work more and harder for something that provided a purpose other than what I do. He's right on the dot .

[@invisibleicecream9470]

That’s exactly me. Looking very good on paper but have a feeling of losing my purpose. I am uninspired and lazy. I need to change this right now.

[@lizziedeerest]

This is exactly the topic I wanted to focus my career around, and I wanted to go into industrial psychology to do it. I'm so glad that other people are concerned with this epidemic of misery in the workforce; everyone deserves to find meaning and delight in their work.

[@grethelrizare2752]

At 22, I'm lost and stuck. Really need to hear this right now. Definitely inspired and will follow your actionable steps. Thanks so much!

[@luckyleo88]

I'm 33 and going through a quarter-life crisis. Stuck in a low paying entry level job as I couldn't find any jobs that suited my qualifications in Business and Human Resource Management when I moved to my wife's country in Ireland...I just want to do something meaningful and impactful before I die.

[@mollielikeschocolate]

Need to find more believers in my life. I’m 23 and feel completely lost and stuck in a part time job at a supermarket because I had no idea what else to do with my life. This was so inspiring.

[@mem9563]

The perfect time to see this-Thank you!!!

[@philippang3463]

good luck with it! :)

[@kvasqq]

He made me want to cry. Thank you!!!!

[@itsViirtueYEAH]

This is literally giving me chills

[@jesusMcGregor]

Just procrastinating studying watching this, now I'm questioning my whole degree choice. Great

[@masseycreative9934]

Really cool to see others having such a positive outlook on life and work. This world needs people who love what they do and care about their jobs. Awesome Ted talk

[@cutiepie0330]

LOVE THIS! perfect timing

[@deependmediahouse8726]

This has spoken so much truth! Powerful

[@user-ks7bq8uc7i]

Omg I need this talk in my life like every day

[@vitaumtb]

I've watched already hundreds of Ted talks, but you really talked to my inner beliefs man, thanks!

[@lilligottschalk1924]

I am 19 and he speaks right from my soul

[@sharonab07]

this brought tears to my eyes, to know that you can do what you are passionate about after you did what you thought was right

[@andreatilsley1946]

This spoke to me on a personal level. Awesome!

[@siriusdepp]

Wow! I needed this. Thank you!

[@Ninangandewe]

Wow that was amazing thank you! It feels so good to have people who really believe in you and supports you no matter what you decide to do or be.

[@luccapeer]

This is probably one of the best talks I've ever listened to.

[@LutzBraum]

Loved it! And shared it with my 23-year old son and college senior as soon as I finished watching it.

[@UnrecycleRubdish]

This is great and something new graduates really need to hear. The one thing you touched on was student loans. How can we quit our jobs and do something meaningful if we have to pay huge bills each month? One answer, as you said, is keep working until you have enough saved up. My solution was to hop off to Asia and tutor English while I was developing my startup idea after some time enroll in a hybrid, fully funded master's program in entrepreneurship, where I am now. I've escaped the stranglehold of debt and am on the path to starting up because I refused to give in to those non-believers (I.e. most of society) and found my purpose. You can too.

[@atlas5651]

This is totally how i feel. Thanks for inspiring me !!!

[@orelvhorach299]

One of the most inspiring talks I've ever heard... thank you for this amazing content!

[@2014kaydee]

I have a regular office job but Im pretty happy with my job. I think it's easier to be content with your job if everything else if your life is good. My marriage, finances other relationships and over living situation is awesome. My job provides predictability and sustainability to allow me to enjoy those things, therefore I am happy with it. I discovered a few years ago that my passion in life is being surrounded by people I love and care for creating memories together and that is something I can never make money doing, so I found the best situation to allow me to maximize what I want to do.

[@yourmillennialtherapist]

Thank you. I'm 23 and in grad school and was losing sight and purpose. Really needed to hear this.

[@lorenstudivant7409]

You’ve got me in tears, Smiley! Your talk was amazing! I would love to talk with you.

[@sullyobrien1]

I'm 24 and thought I was the only one who thought this way...Loved this, very inspiring

[@fatimamatar4710]

Thank you for being so inspiring.

[@gabrieladiaz2652]

I'm almost 25, getting a master's degree that I enjoy, but not really sure where to go from here (and panicking over it). This is exactly what I needed. Thank you.

[@yesaccaseyyesac]

I'm glad I've came across this very inspiring videos. I hope it gets to more people who need to watch this at the moment.

[@socheekypirate]

May be my favourite TED Talk ever! Thank you a lot, Smiley!

[@francesrosas435]

I listen to this video at least 2x month. It got me through my depression and anxiety.

[@lucaevangelistadj]

Definitely one of the very best TED talks ever! Smiley, you rock! Thanks!

[@vanessastephaniego6685]

Thank you! This means a lot. We can’t stay stuck! Live with purpose!

[@vilvin2893]

That's my absolute favorite ted talk ever, I come back to rewatch (and read comments) once in a few years, when I need that support that everything you set your mind to is achievable

[@CamAdair]

Very inspiring message. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world Smiley. Love you brother.

[@Radioactive_Treehouse]

Hands down one of the best TED talks I've listened to as a 19 year old!

[@jacquiorhena-tule4446]

I needed this so sooooooooo much. It's good to hear how others are handling the same issues you are contemplating.

[@NallahBrown]

This was a GREATTT talk. He made it engaging and I can feel the passion in his delivery. LOVE it

[@RedCurlyHead]

Yep, inspiring. Thank you, man. I'm in a similar position and you really motivate me to do what I want to do and to live in peace.

[@rachelharris9894]

WHAT A GREAT TALK! I'm in the same predicament with my life and job, and I quit last week FINALLY because I had my inner circle holding me accountable, day in and day out. Now I can start pursuing what's meaningful to me! :D

[@oswaldgobblepot]

Yeah how it going. Is there hope?

[@laurabailey4817]

Did you move home with your parents?

[@Helloo_oo]

The most reasonable advice ever! He just mixed practicality with hope! Damn!!!

[@reflekkt_net]

You're killing it man, best Ted talk I've watched! Keep up being so amazing and inspiring!

[@fenellascorner]

so important! thank you for sharing ❤️

[@kimchoudhary2440]

Watching this as a 30 year old businesswoman and I was facing a slump with motivation lately . Thanks for this. It has realigned me to what I'm truly striving for

[@laumasarma207]

This talk is inspiring ! Exactly what I needed to hear right now as I’m struggling to move my project forward. Thank you 🙏

[@mobk9774]

You my friend are one of life's golden people. Someone who has an awareness of their value and constantly shines. Thank you for sharing your music.

[@elizabethsisenda]

Very inspiring...thanks!

[@raph8986]

He did an amazing job. I love how he spoke to our generation, it made me feel seen! I feel like Millennials are definitely misunderstood so I appreciate the distinction between being purpose driven/not lazy

[@mattie_cakes]

100000% percent needed to hear this today. Thank you!!

[@AleksDanceFitness]

Bravo, Smiley!!! Beautifully inspiring

[@Dataisthetruth]

I feel the same way. I majored in supply chain management, and I have been working in my field for a few years. I recently discovered that I want to do something completely different than what I am doing now. This is my life and I will live my life doing what I love. It would mean going back to school for a couple of years, but it is worth it.