Work Flow: Finding Work You Love at Any Stage | Liz Brown | TEDxBentleyU

Turning a natural talent into a career sounds like a no-brainer. Think again, says Liz Brown. As a partner and commercial litigator in an international law firm, she was “doing what I had been trained to do for 15 years. I was at the top of my game. But I was miserable . . . and that’s no way to live.”
Liz Brown is a nationally recognized expert on career choice and reinvention, the author of the Amazon best-seller, Life After Law: Finding Work You Love with the JD You Have, and an Assistant Professor of Business Law at Bentley. She has practiced law in San Francisco, London, and Boston, advising senior executives at Fortune 500 companies on legal strategies and managing multi-million dollar cases as a litigation partner from beginning to end.
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

[@ryanjeanes5253]

This talk is worth more than all the gold in the world.

[@steffenkroehl8932]

it took me decades wasting my life in wrong careers. It seems now I am on track to happiness by becoming entrepreneur. thanks for these wise words.

[@hifisumz]

“Skills should trump interest” best line in entire lecture

[@AndrewKraynik]

This is one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard when it comes to careers. And I've taken a lot of advice. And I never comment on KZbin videos. I'm already answering the questions she suggested and finding some really interesting things, such as that I also seem to really like organizing!

[@katalinajosephine4626]

I m happy for you!

[@summerbreeze2205]

Andrew, I hope you’re doing well! Organizing is also one of my interests.

[@singha6]

excellent talk- one the best I've heard. 'Career satisfaction comes from doing what comes easily to you for and around people who value that skill'

[@taylorscott9604]

This has been the best ted talk i've ever heard

[@codypolar6593]

So you haven't seen many, huh?

[@oscarswain3238]

Same!

[@juju9706]

I just thought the exact same thing,

[@laurendilaurentis6467]

@@codypolar6593 chill out

[@katalinajosephine4626]

Agreed!!!

[@twain772]

My resume has me doing multiple things for short amounts of times cuz i had been laid due to the economic issues we had. My current employer didn't see someone who they couldn't invest in but they saw someone who is flexible and can do multiple things, which i have proved multiple times at my job.

[@yehmen29]

Same here. The longest I have stayed in any company is 5 years. One of them nearly went bust and got rid of all the 'oldies'. The other one bullied me into resigning because I had cancer. I was the longest serving employee anyway, apart from those whose parents were big clients or whose husband was a friend of the directors. One of the managers' mantras is 'Everyone can be replaced'. That is why we follow procedures (tick lists) when we work: so that newbies can hit the ground running... Usually, I know most of what I need to know within 2 weeks... especially as I have a lot of experience, acquired in other companies...

[@kathiemedina724]

Honest RC thank you

[@oceanblu85]

Most practical career change advice I have received from Ted talks. Thank you!

[@deefee701]

Thank you Liz. You have made so much sense!

[@nieblamulticolor]

I really like this ted talk. love that you give real life examples and many of then, something i find missing in other talks. Yours can actually be tried out right away with some self reflection.

[@bowlsomeamritam2612]

High value insight Liz. Thanks for digging deep and sharing the Jewel with us.

[@tatsianastrigelskiy377]

Thank you so much for this speech!

[@PG942]

Fantastic. Thank you.

[@hninoowai1431]

they became who they are so they just found their core careers, your identity being who you are just matters most. once you become who you to the fullest, you will find what your career automatically

[@Hoserfishing]

The most sincere, persuasive and yet concise presentation on TEDx. Thank you!

[@keziahcahyavirdayanti1287]

I watched a lot of ted talk on careers. Don’t be fooled by the number of views, because this is easily the best and most applicable of them all. Ps: i never commented on a youtube video before. This video is THAT valuable to me. Thank you!

[@bink865]

You are right

[@addictionfreeworld2919]

You are right, we baised towards number of views and think that more views means best advice

[@rasag8]

OMG, love this!! Thank you :)))

[@deepanshuahuja9394]

Thank you so much

[@achatwithgoitse]

Thanks Liz! Hope I find what im looking for.

[@DoubleRainbows-fp6ih]

Liz Brown...Wonderful. thank you so so much. I especially love the transformation of the woman doing chocolate tours!! I now Know 💥why I have been so miserable Thanks to You. You are a motivator and change agent X 🏀🏅

[@rsaug]

Judith Mendelsohn I second that!

[@user-lg9yf8kp6c]

Judith Mendelsohn あ、はは！ はははら

[@shaylajames6925]

This was so motivational..While driving to work to a job I don't love. I was able to gain a little bit of hope to go and strive towards a career around something that I love doing.

[@NinjaTea0161]

Thank you for this TED talk

[@christina_cl]

Thank you for the great presentation Liz. The examples are very helpful and I feel like I have a better idea now of what kind of career I should pursue.

[@barryalan4069]

That was "a thought-provoking lecture"

[@SunilSharma-ue6zk]

Well done Thanks!!😊

[@2DclanSnipingTeam]

I'm seeing a common thread here. Have the resources and capitol that a lawyers salary provides, then go do what you love. Old news here. Statistically, 90% of all entrepreneurs in the U.S. are already from upper income families.

[@jamesp2708]

I was thinking the same. 6 months of a lawer salary is like 2yrs worth to a lot of people

[@supernatitube]

It looks like to do what you love you have to create your own business. But to do that you need resources (money, time). Or study a Master Degree (like the last story), which is a huge investment.

[@lauramacini6811]

Agreed. You’ve got to be rich to have options

[@gavrielcana]

You are WRONG. The less you have, the less you have to loose. Therefore you can risk and suceed applying rich mind. You are wrong...all the big big ones started with nothing...Musk...ZUckenburg..etc...nothing to loose....work hard...create

[@TenTenJ]

@@gavrielcana I think it’s 50-50. At least half the people, if not more, don’t have the insight or special blend of IQ and passion these examples have.

[@nathanma4273]

A sense of flow. Damn thats right on the spot.

[@Hsjksll5173]

Since i am a fesh graduate your speech makes me understand a lots of things about how can i fine a job and what i really what depends on what i really good at now my thoughts kind of organized so i would like to thank you for your great speech and sharing these amazing thoughts with us

[@bink865]

This is extremely helpful.

[@battlelust3890]

I really really loved this

[@wardayousufi]

I love you liz brown Thank you sooooo much 😙😙😙

[@samantharose4952]

Wonderful talk and the best career advice I've ever heard. Thank you - now all I have to do is figure out what I like being good at!

[@nerimene4995]

Powerfull talk :)))

[@JasonJarred]

I don’t think this is the only (it even main) reason people are changing jobs so often (chasing happiness. There is a *lot* of exploitation and mistreatment going on, people are trying to find workplaces that actually respect a work/life balance and don’t promote an explicit or implicit bullying culture. Imho.

[@ILikeCHEEZ9]

Yea I was just talking about how the job economy has evolved in a way such that you have to change jobs to stay on top because of the exploitation. Once someone is satisfied with you in a role they won't advance you, give you raises, or anything to show your hard work and longevity working there. A lot of people take advantage of that in all types of business including non-profit work which is stereotypically anti business(it's the most two faced business there is) so you have to go somewhere else and raise the bar for the next person and the next person because staying in one place stagnates you and at the end of the day we have to make ends meet somehow.

[@jasonjarred5198]

ILikeCHEEZ9 completely agree with that! Also matches my personal experience - there’s no reward for loyalty whatsoever, and I’m so sick of having to change jobs because of the exploitation which they act as if it’s completely acceptable, but when you (friendly and assertively) confront them on it... well... they really don’t like that do they!!

[@dianneschoenberg4681]

Jason Jarred Spot On! 💯

[@cathyarnett520]

This is so true- I just gave a thumbs up on a Ted talk that asks “ Do nice guys finish last?”.. all about being civil and respecting others ... you’re very correct!

[@9000ck]

I agree, people don't leave jobs to 'find happiness' but to relieve suffering.

[@lauramacini6811]

Ok, so how do I do this without the crazy salary to fund it?

[@FrauFlamm]

thank you :)

[@ellahngoirionchwari6881]

I am having my Eureka moment. What an insight

[@johnmagdy7116]

Really great talk

[@demondton96]

5:47 I genuinely perked up my head at work and had a ureka moment from that

[@haimanotmitiku3396]

Best talk

[@TenTenJ]

Chef’s kiss 👌

[@chriss4365]

Yes go to college then get told by employer you need practical experience which colleges dont teach.

[@TheArtemis07]

I’m an English professor, and I’m really stressed and miserable. The pressure to produce scholarship at a research university is intense. I’m not mercenary/competitive enough. I love teaching, I love being creative, I love event planning, and I love writing creative nonfiction. I’m thinking of either going into nonprofit work or starting my own business. I have two business ideas that I’ve been exploring. One of them is an employee-owned bakery. I think about these alternatives all the time. I’m so anxious and depressed that I don’t know how much longer I can do what I’m doing now.

[@seanmatthewking]

You should plan-out your next career move ASAP. Why not teach at a non-research university? Or go after one of your business ideas if you're in a position to do so.

[@TheArtemis07]

Sean Matthew King Thank you for the encouragement. I’m exploring options right now, and the thought of moving into a position in which I can contribute more to society is helping me get out of my dark depression and severe anxiety. I hope you do work that you love!

[@seanmatthewking]

@@TheArtemis07 Who knows what I'll love to do? I'm starting in commercial real estate on Monday, actually. I don't know if I'll love, but it's definitely gonna be an adventure (and a major grind). Good luck to you, Diana.

[@TheArtemis07]

Sean Matthew King Thanks, Sean! Best wishes to you in your new endeavor. I used to do commercial real estate appraisal (position was called valuation analyst). I found it an exciting field. I hope you will enjoy it!

[@Happiness379]

@@seanmatthewkingi hope your doing great in your new venture? 🙂

[@gwent4life878]

Also helps having all that money from being a lawyer to back your new business and career change.

[@jov__ana]

also how does get to do a masters in psychotherapy after law school. He coulnd't get in. Something doesn't add up :?

[@L4zylemon]

what she saying is dont be a lawyer. thank u for coming to my ted talk

[@richaunt0313]

Great lecture~~♥♥::;

[@subsubsubsub5413]

This woman doesnt account for toxic work environments and toxic work cultures.

[@allisonsky7230]

Watching this for Mrs.Vallone's Freshman Seminar. How about y'all.

[@landontrainer]

I'm watching this for my life skills class lol

[@codypolar6593]

Thanks Liz. I should have been a lawyer (based on your advice here).

[@sMASHsound]

how to get a job watching youtube videos.

[@codypolar6593]

Work for Google in their content removal department

[@manuelfaelnar4794]

Cody Polar hahahaha

[@mariemagnusson4106]

Well youtube is good (depending on what you choose to watch) for those who cannot attend a TEDtalk

[@deborahduke5156]

FBI .. or Censorship

[@dianedebernardo8419]

Some people aren't inherently talented at anything. It's not true that we all are good at something. So what about us?

[@Tbets]

I don't believe talent exists, but obsession on something will make you feel talented on that particular area

[@nieblamulticolor]

from what i understood, is first find what you like to do when you're bored, other than watch tv and videos on yt and other places, for example: maybe when you are really bored you like to prepare yourself some food that needs some preparation, or like to go outside to breathe fresh air near a tree (i had a teacher that went outside and put his head on a tree to calm himself when he wanted to kill us and that happened alot lol). From those minimal things you can start to test yourself if you like to cook by trying to cook something that makes your mouth water or go to the countryside to see if you really enjoy the outdoors. Then when you find the things that are like a breather from the mundane for you, then find what you enjoy doing with others or for others related with those things you like. And then, like she said, you can start thinking how you can turn that into a job. Another example of something minimal af to find what you like or how you like to do things is, maybe you play games, what are your strategies to play? Maybe you are very detailed to plan action or you like to take your time to know the surroundings and later execute or you just go right in which might mean you like when things are fast. I hope it helps somehow.

[@BiancaAguglia]

Maybe we all are not good at something but we all COULD be good at something. 😊 What do you like doing in your spare time? Be very specific. For example, instead of saying "I like reading", say "I like reading magazines about cooking". Even better if you can be more specific, like cooking meals from different countries, cooking kid friendly meals, etc. Or instead of saying "I like watching TV", say "I like watching romantic movies with happily ever afters". You get the idea. Once you figure out what you enjoy learning about, figure out ways of making a living out of them. Start a blog or KZbin channel showing recipes and meals. Or a blog / KZbin channel with movie reviews, recommendations, and trivia. The possibilities are endless. Best wishes finding out what you'd enjoy getting good at. 😊

[@StephanieTips]

ask your closest friends and family member what you are good at. There must be something you are better at more than others

[@khactran2748]

Thanks for your video. Can you tell me What is relationship between "Work" and "Life". I don't know how to have a fulfilling career.

[@nixaization]

there is no such thing

[@StephanieTips]

Where did you feel a flow, a sense of time stopping?

[@_chew_]

"What you love being good at" What if I'm not good at anything and don't like doing anything that anyone would value?

[@StephanieTips]

It's impossible to have zero talents and zero interests even. Sit down and write down a list of all the things you have ever enjoyed doing (even as a kid) and why. Then maybe cross out those interests you no longer have, but leave them there because probably they tell us a story (e.g. you loved writing but you stopped because you grew up and started lacking imagination. That tells me you might still be creative and need creative endeavours to feel alive, even know maybe not very imaginative endeavours). Then if you can't pinpoint what you are good at, ask others. We are oftentimes unable to pinpoint what we are good at exactly because many people have trouble evaluating themselves, especially in regards to interpersonal skills such as being empathetic or having good communication or listening skills. List all soft skills and ask your closest family members and friends to tell you what they think you have or lack

[@laurendilaurentis6467]

"Companies won't want to hire a candidate that look like they've been job hopping." Solution: Don't put all those jobs on your resume then? lol

[@kevin15776]

I don't do anything that people value.

[@1877Pegasus]

Nice talk but these kinds of advice always come from someone who first made a lot of money and then have the luxury of choosing something they like. What about when you don't earn enough to go through a very modest type of life expenses?

[@jessicacallou5344]

In the end of the day, you still have to go for it. She also came from a family with low income. She spent some years making money, by that time maybe she didn’t know she was building the stares to a change in career. It’s not just that it took effort, it took time and steps. I think it’s a good question to ask: if I have to go into a tradicional career and make money so I could get into a point in wich I could explore my options, is that worth it? Most don’t make the money, and, among those who do, few have the guts to promote change after that.

[@christineprasad1547]

what if i love something, but havent had the opportunity/time to be able to do it? i.e producing music

[@jonathans9117]

Christine Prasad you have to sacrifice something for the good that you desire in your life Everyone have the same amount of time

[@Alyson542]

You could probably produce intro music for youtubers who have a decent amount of followers, if I had a channel, Id be into someone doing that for me!

[@pokerprincess3013]

A lot of transaction lawyers are miserable. When I think of lawyering I think of Perry Mason, Matlock, and Angela Lansbury- trial lawyering.

[@anilsaxena419]

Totally disagree with her impression of what short job tenures mean.

[@codypolar6593]

Are you a business owner? She was spot on. That's how we look at people who have an inordinate number of jobs, with little tenure at each.

[@andreawisner7358]

Lol, she's me. But I don't think that I want to be a professor. I like teaching one-on-one though.

[@seanmatthewking]

Guidance counselor, life coach, personal trainer of any variety, tutor, etc. Even accountants, tax professionals, and lawyers spend a lot of one-on-one time educating people. So many jobs have this dynamic.

[@nitishsonu67]

How to get a job binge watching TV and web series?

[@cryptopirate8880]

Well its easy for her to find different careers when she has a law degree she can spend 3 months at various places to find the right job cause with a law degree i bet she can get into many different industries and try new stuff out .

[@codypolar6593]

You missed the point. You are focused on her. You should be focused on the advice and on what you are good at and what you to do.

[@nieblamulticolor]

maybe you missed the part where her friend left her job as a lawyer cause she hated it to become a cosmetics saleswoman which wasn't her ideal either but i'm guessing didn't hate as much to then realized what she liked and went and did that . So at the end the diploma didn't play a part in her dream job at all. And that her other friend had to get another degree to be able to actually do what he liked.

[@2DclanSnipingTeam]

@@nieblamulticolor , It's not about dreams. It's about means.

[@RIMJANESSOHMALOOG]

Moral : dont go to law school

[@ouishi9447]

I do like editing images and making doge memes 🤔

[@nagendrarao3147]

👍👍👍

[@roqaiahibrahim8884]

It's so sad that a lot of people are miserable at useful and important jobs that actually serve the society and would rather become entertainers/life coaches/open chocolate business or something less important

[@henryanona1640]

The overwhelming majority (79%) of millionaires in the U.S. did not receive any inheritance at all from their parents or other family members. (Ramsey Solutions study of millionaires)

[@cherylaf8330]

That is so wrong to blame all "baby boomers!" There are baby boomers that find what they love to do and don't care so much about the money!!

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

you are wrong about baby boomers

[@ccyungin]

Tell me this Liz. How can you like being good at flying of you never flew? I dont agree with your logic.

[@Eagles.Fan.Since.Super.Bowl.52]

Passive agressive much? Unfortunately this video went over your head. I was going to provide you an easier way to understand what she is saying, but I think you are better off staying close minded and miserable.

[@xxMpEGxx]

She actually talked about the exact opposite of what you are saying. She says that you should focus on something you already like doing passively. So in this case you already are flying and you like to do it, now you gotta find a company who pays you for that.

[@codypolar6593]

@@Eagles.Fan.Since.Super.Bowl.52 Microphone drop!

[@User-fi9zf]

Liz, you probably are not living in this planet earth ...

[@danf4447]

goal : dont go to law school

[@kaydenojeda7152]

I’m being forced to watch this. ☹🙄😡

[@mattmobbs2205]

Get to the point please

[@cSsm65]

Quit repeating yourself, repeating yourself, and "I", "I", "I",......is annoying.

[@achatwithgoitse]

NOT!