How do -- or did -- YOU approach understanding your OWN next steps in life? Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam a question: ruclips.net/channel/UCiDJtJKMICpb9B1qf7qjEOAjoin
I'm 67 years old, and I'm _still_ trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up! So far, I've been more successful figuring out what I _don't_ want to be and do than what I _do_ want to be and do.
A pivotal moment in my life was having a choice between two jobs, one which required me to gain a large number of skills at a shallow level and one which required the candidate to become an expert in a narrow field. Asking myself if I was more engaged in my work life going broad or deep was the pivotal question.
Actually, the scepter says "I have the power and resources to exploit third world nations and steal THEIR wealth that THEY dug out of the ground". The real diamond in the real scepter was stolen from India, by our UK Royalty. It's still (rightly) controversial....
I'm 44 and my driven passion for a subject or profession, and the income required to power it (training, university etc) have never intersected. I feel like the absolute definition of the jack of all trades, master of none. I have late diagnosed anxiety issues, along with long diagnosed depression, and it is incredibly difficult to feel like I'll ever make a difference anywhere at all. I have many interests, but none that feel like I could use them to drag myself or my family out of the mire we're in. It feels like every clod of dirt I've used to hoist myself higher has buried me ever deeper after a short moment of elation (we've endured much tragedy in a relatively short period of time). At the same time, I realise, we're not unique. This happens all the time, over and over.
@@Tardisntimbits, I think I can sympathize! I, too, have been diagnosed with both anxiety _and_ depression. That was _after_ finishing a BA in History, a MS in Studies of the Future, and working toward a PhD in Sociology for twelve years. I worked as hard and diligently as I could to complete my PhD work, but couldn't get across the dissertation finish line. And the real kicker to all of this was I that got a diagnosis of _NARCOLEPSY!_ at age 64. Typically, one learns they've been narcoleptic by the early to mid thirties. Can you say, "Boot to the head!" ? To top it all off, my current physician had me tested for ADHD back in Fall, 2022. Learning I had ADHD at age 65 would have been a _REAL_ kick in the testicles!
Watching Adam really pause and think before he speaks is so incredibly refreshing. It's so nice to see someone who actually cares about what comes out of their mouth.
Yeah, that's one thing I love about these Q&A sessions. He gives every question the weight it deserves and acknowledges the fact that he has a lot of influence over people as a respected figure, so makes sure he's not going to give advice that could be easily misconstrued.
He's such a great person with wonderful skills and a huge following. If I pause that long, I lose views. But I do let some of them go if they're later in the video.. Like 15 minutes in. Because it's real.
I find that the people that say they don't know what to do with their life really are suffering from a quiet kind of depression. The best thing for these kind of people in my experience, and I used to be one of them, is to do anything. If you have no idea what you want to do in your life, what it means is you are aimless and youre driveless. The answer to this is to stop being in your head all the time and start being in your body. Just get outside and start doing things. It doesn't matter what it is, just start doing something. Help a neighbor, build something, plant a tree. You need experiences outside of your own body and in the service of others. That is what led me to what I'm doing. And I've never been happier and more driven and purposeful.
100% Agree. I am one of these, and getting physical is the way to go. Never get an office job - sitting at a desk is the worst thing you can do. And take care of your body, so you can remain active throughout your life.
I agree with being active and getting out of one's mind. My problem now is 20 years later after a severe head injury I'm struggling with so many aspects and just last week realized my vision problem is probably from early onset dementia from the head injury/concussions. This has been a crazy time for me but i have been moving towards going into doing artwork rather than being driven from manufacturing or building projects as these have become difficult to do. And after recently losing my job which wasn't healthy i also realize i need an active job even if the pay is less as i need to lose about a #120 pounds!
@@ChoppersModelworks Wish you all the best man! Ik severe head injuries can be awful as my dad just passed away from one but thee fact that you're thining this constructively means that you'll be good one way or another. :D
You're not a mental health professional. So while advice can be nice, be careful with it. Something you read on the internet does not replace professional help, if someone needs it.
Who knew the same man that entertained me as a kid by blowing stuff up would also be the man that inspires and encourages me as an adult. Adam is a national treasure.
I think Adam truly is a gift of (and for)the human race. A lot of us have a skill in something, we might not even know it, and Adam obviously has one in making. But it's more than that, he's truly a beautiful person, his intelligence is more than just about a subject, he's so much wiser than that... I can't find the words, but if I turn out to be even a fraction of the kind of person Adam is, I think that's an amazing outcome
Great advice. I would only add that while you're figuring out what you want to do, do SOMETHING, engage with the world. It is way too easy for some of us to slip into a mode of self-doubt, withdrawal, and paralysis.
came into the comments to say this! learning who you are, what you want, and what you want to do, it comes one step at a time as we interact with the world. and hell, you can get that interaction in a million ways. even doomscrolling *can* be a source of engagement as long as you maintain an outlet for the feelings it brings up in you. but I would also want to say to this person, don't worry! relativistically, you're *never* as stuck as you may feel. the universe is always moving you without you realizing it. and so, experience will come without you having to work too hard for it. you don't need to run yourself into the ground trying to find "inspiration". it will come as you live and learn.
Living is the only way to figure out what you want to do. I am happy with where i am in life, but if you'd have told teenage me what i would be doing now, i would not have believed you. But i strongly suspect i ended up where i am, because this is where my talents, intellect, and world view led me to. Wasn't easy, and it took far longer than maybe it should have, but it worked in the end. Plus, all the life experiences i had, also helped me to mature and find things out about myself. Even if it was a negative experience. One thing i would add, is ALWAYS do everything full ass, not half ass. Sure, working as a barrista might not be your life long passion. But you should do it to the best of your ability, and try to learn things from that crap job. Even if it's nothing more than "i never want to work a customer facing job again." ^-^
Yes, and while engaging with the world, try to find your people. If you can find people that are interested in the same things or people that you find interesting then you might also find what they do with their lives resonates with you, gives you a direction, or provides a next step. Another technique i've used in the past is the Japanese concept of Ikigai. It's basically a Venn diagram that you use to guide envisioning a potential career to determine if that career option could be a fulfilling one and/or has serious flaws that will be encountered.
For me the best part of this video, when Adam says he knew people who has BS jobs, and they just use it to pay the bills, and they do something else in their free time, what is actually matters to them. I came to the same conclusion a few years ago, but it seemed around me everybody wanted to be fulfilled by their job, and companies also pushing that. It is refreshing to hear, that other people figured this out and it is working for them. At least I'm not feeling that alone with this world view. Thank you!
I totally agree! I used to identify with my uni studies and then with my (potential) job and I was always unsatisfied with myself and my choices and felt often a failure. So I started to see a therapist. Two years and half ago I started a new job (which is my current one): it pays me well, the field is interesting, colleagues are ok; it’s not very stimulating, but it’s definitely positive, so for now I’m ok with it. But because of my pov (identifying with my job) at the beginning I felt really down, because my tasks were, let me say, boring and I felt overqualified for them. At that time I didn’t do anything but work. In January 2023 I joined the gym and started working out once a week; then I added another day of training and now I work out three times per week and a nutritionist helps me with my diet. I started to take care of my mental and body health and to split my energies and satisfaction in more things and this made me realize that I am more than my degree and my job and I want to explore more things and challenge myself. Founding your whole identity/satisfaction on a single pillar it’s really dangerous: if that pile starts to shake you risk that everything falls to the ground. You have to divide the loads of life on multiple coloumns, so you can resist when earthquakes come (just to use a civil engineering analogy 😂). Job should give you money and/or satisfaction: it’s ok to have at least one, if you have both you won the lottery; if you have none of them you must change.
Hop jobs regularly, learn, move on I spent 5 years in horticulture, 8 years in logistics, few years in some odd job factories, and now I'm working in a paper mill, till I get bored of that 😆 and yup it's just a bank filler at the end of the day too
When people ask me what I want to after I graduate I answer this, but I feel like people see as something wrong or bad. Only the people my age know kind of understand what I want to do. It is cool that others think similarly.
That is a very valid way to go about it, but I would like to point out why it won't work for some people. The main issue is the type and amount of work, if you work long hours or have a very demanding job (be that physically, mentally, emotionally, whatever) then the amount of time you have to enjoy the those hobbies is greatly reduced, to the point where there might be long stretches where you simply can't do the things you enjoy because you're stuck in a loop of "work & rest" where you either don't have the time or energy to even consider doing what you like. Yes, doing a job you don't really enjoy as a way to finance the stuff you do enjoy is perfectly valid, however it's not an option that is always available to everyone, depending on the nature of their job.
This is a very serious question. In Holland we say:"Rest rusts". And that is it. Exactly. It's ok to ask other people, but it is YOUR problem. And you won't solve it by sitting round. Move. Móve. The movement of your body moves the mind. I got my best ideas during a walk. Just walk. And let you mind go free. Adam's advice is great, but ultimately it is you that has to make that decision. So move!
... here in the US, it would be: "A rolling stone gathers no moss," which I do believe is a myth/proverb that both Adam Savage and our resident folk-hero Bob Dylan are well acquainted with.
I like that he said “if you told me this in person…. And then asked for advice!” Clarifying that he would wait until you asked for advice to give it. That listening to and validating someone’s thoughts is so important
You probably can't divorce those two things. As a maker, you have to understand the thing you're making in the context of the/its world. Philosphy helps with that understanding.
Some people are blessed to have a strong sense of direction in their life and I think they fool the rest of us into thinking we should have the same. Just pick something and commit yourself to it; try to get as good as you can.
Thank you Adam, from the bottom of my heart. I'm 30 years old and I currently found out I've had a congenital vertebral fusion that is causing my quite a bit of pain and is affecting my mobility. I went from being a full time farm manager, to now being unable to carry on that work which I've been doing for the past 10 years or so. Its been tough sitting at home, but my woodshop has absolutely kept me sane. I don't know what the future holds, but for now I know I'm going to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and will continue to fight to keep the ability to pursue my passions. So often in life we are led to believe that we need to hurry in our decisions, and we need to get to the end goal right away. I've come to learn that the process is the adventure. Keep moving forward, even if its one step at a time. To everyone else having a tough time, hang in there, and have a great weekend!
Adam and his book have made me believe that my love and OBSESSION with photography is something to be embraced and enjoyed, not left and forgotten. There’s only a few people I’ve seen/followed online who actually had a positive impact on my creative experience but Adam Savage has been massively influential in the most positive way. Thanks, Adam. Thanks to the whole Tested team.
I worked with photography in one way or another for 17 years. I wish you all the best with it, as I walked away frustrated and bitter. Don't let it get to that point.
@ it’s a passion for me from deciding on a shot to editing, it’s joy. Video causes me a bit of frustration but I still force myself to get through it lol. I truly appreciate the kind words! I hope you’re doing something that brings you joy!
Adam: From all of us that don't have that kind of character in our real lives--thanks for being our internet-based, lovely, eccentric uncle! I'm sure that making these videos on philosophy must seem like an odd tangent from where you started your public works, but I am absolutely grateful to have your voice and perspective available to me. Means a ton.
4:51. "Right now, it may be that there's some aspect of the world you want to fix." That's the part that really struck me. It's a goal-oriented observation, where many other people would offer whimsical platitudes, like, "follow your dreams."
He does also effectively say "follow your dreams," but in a less trite way - the thing you can't stop thinking about. Those are often dreams or at least passions.
I’ll chime in on this one because I feel like I’ve “struggled” with similar questions for all of my 65 years. I say variety is a great place to begin.. consider what Adam has mentioned and explore a number of different pursuits along the lines of what trips your trigger(s). Try things and fail.. and yes, you will fail at some of them, but in trying, you will discover a great deal about yourself and you’ll be surprised at what you learn about life, work, and yourself.
Only 1:23 in, I’m sobbing watching this. Needed to hear this one. I have a decent job but I don’t know what I’m doing. Where I’m headed. Scared to get there alone. It’s so refreshing how real you responded to this one
@Crohan_31 Very few of us actually know where we are going, I think. And that is okay. Someone will be there when you get there, and more importantly, they will accompany you for future journeys when you do.
This video popping up is definitely proof of concept that the phone listens to us. I’m 45 and I’ve been going through a tough time mentally. I guess you can call it a midlife crisis, and this video was right on time in terms of needing to hear somebody with a non-judgmental tone and affect giving a very nuanced approach to discussing this particular issue. THANK YOU 🙏🏾
I'm in the middle of mine too, but a little younger. I just want to be compensated for the value I give. No more of this poor wage nonsense. I'd rather stare into a fire or watch the tree branches sway than keep doing what I've been doing. Good luck to you, Sir. There has to be something on the other side of this crisis.
@KINGTY819 I'm late forties and having a mid life career crisis. I really enjoy working on our home and do amazing work to the point of it being perfectionist. I thought I'd leave a lucrative sales career and do something hands on. Every job I've tried I've failed at in one form or another whether I didn't fit in or I just didn't enjoy the work. After being away from sales for so long I miss the routine I had and the various people I helped. There's something to be said about just showing up and working a job that pays the bills and having your strong interests outside of work. I've tried following my passion at work and it left me in a cul-de-sac of sorts or even a dead end. I hope this helps your perspective in some way sir.
Adam, you are such an amazing human being. You're immensely inspirational, not only for your accomplishments but because you're doing what you love. I admire that. Keep up the great work and your contagious positive energy.
But it assumes there is anything that continually engages your mind. Though I suppose the completely unengaged aren't going to pose the question in the first place.
My advice would be to trust yourself a bit more and you'll find your 'calling' in life. When my mother died, I got a reality check. If these horrible things can happen, I am not gonna waste time doing things other people think I ought to do. I never knew what I wanted to do, but in my case it was the feeling that what I liked wasn't something I could build my life around. I liked music, and all I heard was; you cannot make a living out of this, unless you're super lucky to be 'discovered/picked up' I made a plan, worked on it, and now I make all my money from sources of music. The one thing I felt was impossible. Unfortunately I needed a rather cataclysmic event, but I guess that's the positive side of that event.
I designed the shirt you’re wearing and I really, really needed to hear this message today. Feels like it was just for me even though I didn’t ask the question. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom!
So often when I draw I don't start with a specific idea, I just start working and allow it to develop on its own. Some of my best pieces have evolved that way. And that's exactly what it is. The traits or aspects I like, I keep and the ones I don't are discarded.
Same when I write novels. When at a blank page, I'll have a general concept or direction I want to go at the end of a 100k word book. Maybe a scene or a general feeling. But that's it. I'll make a blank character as my vehicle, again, giving general direction. Then, with each action, the character is fleshed out, the story map becomes clearer--usually not in a way I wanted or expected. Sometimes that general scene or feeling I wanted at the end doesn't even get made but is so much fuller than before. And of course, there have been countless times when my characters disobeyed me and fought for their own way. It's frustrating but exciting and beautiful.
I had a similar question earlier in my life. I would suggest finding a really crappy, difficult job and do that for a little while. You may laugh, but I worked in a grocery store right out of high school and on and off during college, and I did not enjoy it. I realized during the late nights when cleaning the store, I kept saying to myself, "I wish I was doing X" or "I wish I was at place Y in my life." There was something about those difficult, annoying periods in my life that lit a fire in my spirit and really helped bring to the surface what I really wanted to do. When you're comfortable and content, it's easy to drift in life. When you're uncomfortable, it really helps to focus the mind on what you really want. My suggestion is to get uncomfortable.
For a very long time I didn't know what I wanted to do. My mother (rest her soul) was quite the disciplinarian. I know she meant well, but most of her decisions weren't supportive of the things I wanted out of life. I knew I wanted to do something in film making. Long story short, after inheriting responsibilities and a family of my own, I had even less time to dedicate to myself, much less my ambitions. My advice is run, don't walk towards the things you're certain you want to accomplish. Make room to pursue those desires with every ounce of determination. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to stay passionate.
Dabble in everything until you find your passion and then embrace your passion. If your passion can align with a financial support system, that's fantastic - but there's nothing wrong with simply working a job to support your passion outside of work. The important thing is to find, embrace, and pursue your passion. Additionally, allow your passions to evolve or change entirely. We go through life constantly growing and who we are ten years from now will be vastly different than who we are now. Don't mourn the loss of yesterday's passion, appreciate that it was there and continue exploring the world - there's so much to see and do and never enough lifetimes to experience it all!
The problem with working in tech is that you have to be passionate and obsessed just to get by, so your job is gonna take up all the mental bandwidth and time that could be used to support your hobbies.
Just an addition to what Adam said. What really changed my outlook and perspective on the “who do you want to be when you grow up?” . Stop focusing on the titles of a career, like Engineering, Doctor, astronaut that we all think about. Focus on what problems you like to solve, and then your path forward will open up.
Yes! I would say ask yourself what you can do best, and what you enjoy doing best. List as many of each as you need, until you find one that's on both lists. Then go for it !
6:25 glad he took the time to acknowledge the fact that, not everyone needs to be doing something profound for a career. It's okay to live a modest life with a stable job. Then, I take my money from that to fund my hobbies and interests!
Browse a bookstore or shelves in a library. Go out in nature and look at the trees and the birds really closely. Journal, write letters to people, make to-do lists, and doodle. Ask your friends for movie recommendations - go to a movie theater and sit through the credits. Play a video game. Go to the zoo. Try a new recipe or restaurant. Learn the history of something seemingly mundane like glass or ceramics or the printing press! I do all of these things and they always inspire me and spark a new interest in me. Personally, I think there are so many fun things to learn or do or talk about with others. And you don’t have to decide something that will be FOREVER. You can change your mind.
"The sword and the scepter are the same object at different scales" Yes. Yes. Yes. Fuck yes. Exactly the correct conclusion to come to when confronted with these two objects!
Both are vectors of power and violence. The sword is the manifestation of this force at the intimate immediate level of man-to-man. Conversely, the scepter is symbolic of the sorts of men that are capable of moving many other men (with swords) in accordance to their will. Wizards n shiet.
This actually reminded me of the Bible verse that says, "they will beat their swords into plowshares". Swords represent the powers of protection and destruction. Plows represent the powers of cultivation and provision. The same steel could be used to make a telescope for a scientist, or an easel for an artist.
Not really the point of the video, but I found it comforting to watch you reel out your thoughts and pursue them, yet still be able to reel them back in. My mind also wanders and links up random (seemingly) thoughts together and I do struggle not to get lost getting back, but I suffer a lot of criticism for being this way and you openly do it and nobody minds, in fact people probably love it. How wonderful. 😊
So many of us asking the same question. Life isn't always about the answers as much as it is about the journey. Embrace what excites you the most and chase it. I'm mid 50's and still ask myself this from time to time. It's perfectly normal.
Thank you for a terrific answer, Adam. When I was ten, I read Madeleine L'Engel's book "A Wrinkle In Time." It opened my eyes to family, love, science, magic, computers, space travel, time travel, Science and science fiction, and so much more. . My Dad gave me my first instrument, a bartone Ukelele(which I still have). My passions in life are computers (technology) and music. I worked many jobs and had many adventures and finally, thirty years ago found my footing. I am a computer consultant and a musician for more than thirty years now. Find your passion and work toward that goal. Don't settle! I am 72 and have no reason or desire to retire. I love whatI do and I do what I love. 💙🌻🌟🌻💙
I spent a whole year thinking about what I wanted to do with my life after leaving my last job. It didn't work out. So, I started making stuff. I read, I wrote, I drew, I designed until something came to me. Now I'm trying to become an app designer, it's hard, but I know I'm getting there. Make stuff until something sticks on the wall. Love you, Adam.
This video couldn't be more perfectly timed. I'm currently at this point where i'm still in limbo but with slightly more knowledge in who i am as a person. Possibly more informed. But actions speak the loudest. What the future holds is still to be decided. My goals and hopes are not as elusive appear more concrete thus obtainable.
I spent most of my life up until now figuring out what I am passionate about, I am 43 and I have realized that I like to tell stories and create things with my hands so over the past year I spent time figuring out that looks like, discovering a plan for the future and deciding the direction I would take my talents, because I have so many varying skills I wear many designer hats. So I’m really excited for this coming year and what it will hold for my journey and to finally create, make and tell stories in my own unique way that is undoubtably me. I encourage everyone don’t give up keep moving, taking each step one at a time towards a future that brings you joy and contentment. I will say one last thing, when I finish a project it brings me so much excitement to see something I had only imagined come into the world and I think that must be how my creator felt, my mom felt when she had me, to dream something and bring it to life brings excitement and joy. So go find your joy! 😊
When i was in high school. Back in the dark ages. A teacher asked us what our dream home would look like. It would be full of bronze sculptures said I. Most of the kids laughed. I think becaues i also said the roof would be able to roll open. When i turned 50 i went to work for a company that makes bases for bronze sculpters. It just happened ,no though to it. I do have lots of that kind of work in my house now. Not live size unless you are taking about a mouse. It just goes to show if you think you might like it. You can do it. Sort of.
So happy I just randomly stumbled across this video! I've always thought of Adam as more of a scientist than an artist but this has shown me that those identities are very similar in a lot of ways. Who cares what your job is, if you let your curiosity lead your life (as opposed to fear or pain) and dedicate yourself to exploring and embracing both your inner and outer world, you will create and experience a lot of really beautiful, interesting things and choosing what to do with your life won't feel so confusing or overwhelming, because it will come to you naturally and may even change moment by moment.
"... it makes me feel protective of you." Yes. That's who you are, Adam. You are protective of those who you can see need protection. That to me is noble, in the finest and fullest meaning of that word and that concept.
..And not coincidentally, I would really, really like to buy one of the T-shirts you're been wearing in this latest series of answers to questions. The words Empathy, Kindness and Respect, in gray against that black background is a logo and a mantra I'd be very pleased to wear and promote. Let me know if and when it becomes available.
@@LewHarriman The shirt shop link, in the links section of the channel @findingsaratonin has it. She's the one who made the shirt apparently. Hopefully you're able to get it if you like, and have a nice holiday!
This is exactly what I did. Literally :) I was an endocrinologist and 13 years ago I created this RUclips channel as a "personal playlist", because I was fascinated with serial killers and how they think. I used to do a lot of research on them and read case files, court documents and so on. I gathered as many documentaries as I could from torrents and upload them on RUclips for myself (the copyright wasn't a thing back then). One year later when I logged back into that niche account, I had 10k subs, a lot of views and comments and realized there's an entire community that loves what I love. So I started making my own videos about them and I am now at almost 1mil subs (I know, it's not a lot in 13 years, but it's a niche channel, not everyone watches this kind of stuff). The second thing I loved was to photoshop and repair old photos. Now, my main income comes from restoring historical photos for movies, documentaries and even normal people who want a family photo restored. I am no longer an endocrinologist.
Great question and great answers! I really struggled with this one when I was going through education, and still don't have all the answers. A lot of it is filtering out the noise, expectations, and pressure to fit in. I can't stress how important it is to really take a step back and make sure you're in-tune with yourself. Sometimes you need to stop thinking of others for a moment and ask yourself questions. What do you care most about in this world? What drives you? What do you love, what do you hate? Listen carefully and it'll guide you. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams if that's what really drives you. If you're really stuck then the second most important thing is to just do stuff. Anything. Volunteer, do something in the community because community always has passion, inspiration, and often people who will be willing to help you. Anyway, great video Adam! :)
I was laid off from a job after four years. I've had the same career for most of my life. The last couple of years I realized that I no longer enjoyed what I was doing. I feel that being laid off was fate's way of telling me to move on. Now, I need to figure out just what it is that I want to do for a living...
I feel you friend. Laid off after 6 years. Jobless for 3, then I found part time work in a college makerspace and it felt like a dream, but in between shifts i lose hope that anything like it exists on the outside. Good luck to you and may we both find where we belong!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. This past year, this question has been popping up in my mind frequently and I've been trying to answer it for myself. I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere and I'm taking small steps in the right direction!
Such valuable advice! My mum always wanted to be a dentist, but it wasn't a profession "for girls" during that time. She persevered and became a wonderfully skilled dentist, enjoying her job every minute. And by doing this, she inspired me to pursue my love for art, which is why I am now an artist. And because I love it so much I'm able to teach people and transfer some of that enthusiasm to other people. Doing what you like and love is not always possible for everybody, but when you're able to, it's everything ❤
Just wished to thank Adam, his previous show and these YT videos have thought me much of fabricating. And this advice really rings true - I disliked lack of efficiency everywhere around me since I had started working as an interior and graphic designer. Now I am a production (assembly) planner, which is exactly the sort of problem solving I feel comfortable at.
That was an incredible answer! I love how Adam is able to intuitely draw from different people and examples to flesh out what he's saying. One thing I would add is - don't think you only get one chance to decide what to do with your life. You can try all kinds of things out, you can change your mind as many times as you want. I'm 42, I still haven't figured it out!
I knew at 16 that I’m good at explaining things and I know a lot of stuff and I like learning about the world and why things are the way they are. So I became a teacher, after 30 years I still love it.
I teared up a little because...I can't think of anything I wanna do. Everything seems dark and without a light at the end of the tunnel. I appreciate this video and I hope one day to find something to hold onto
Please read these responses, and then read them again. What stood out for me was - stop thinking and start doing. Do anything. If you don't like it, do something else. If you do like it, follow that path and see where it takes you. Treat it like a game, you've got nothing to lose. You will find something to hold on to. Good luck.
Idk if you’re looking for suggestions, but I’d recommend picking a type of partner dance and trying a month or two of weekly classes! Dancing is in our blood. It uses your body, helps you meet people, be in physical contact with people, and lets you express yourself.
Find someone you admire and figure out what they do that makes you admire them. Not necessarily exactly what they do, but the way they do it. That can help decide where to go in life - and how.
@@robothorsesure. I admire Adam Savage, but not necessarily because of his prop making. Because of the sort of person he is. I can try to do what I do in the same style he does his own thing.
When I am in need of inspiration I love to watch and listen to you tell stories to answer questions Adam. I can see the stories coming from you and your energy and passion come through. I greatly appreciate your ability to tell stories and thank you for Being.
I forget where I read or heard this, but I think it encapsulates a lot of what you’re trying to get across very well: “Do whatever you would still do if you were the last person on earth”
I like this, but to me it is incorrect. Being the last person on earth removes an astonishing amount of jobs that could be a lifelong passion. Mostly jobs that involve people such as the desire to help others with things like mental health(therapy) or Healthcare in general for an example.
Not only does it become a chore, but it also becomes a source of stress. It’s a double whammy in the worst way, in my experience. I know there are people out there that can live and breathe something without it becoming negative, but I definitely feel like that’s a minority.
True. Since I was a kid, I was very deep in video games, as maybe all of us did. I could spend the whole day playing games and learning a lot of them. That's why I wanted to become a game designer. Many years later, I am a game designer and not the worst one, but my passion for gaming somewhat faded away. I do not enjoy playing games now, I still do, but it's somewhat more of "habit" and just a work requirement to be aware of new releases. Instead of just enjoying the game, I'm usually more taking notes of mechanics, design ideas and stuff like that. It's somewhat sad to lose your favorite hobby :(
Adam, your impact on my life was/is vast. My son was born in 2003, and we discovered Myth Busters when he was about 5. He always enjoyed science and experiments. Our time together with you and the Myth Busters was educational, fun, and cherished. He is now 21 and searching for his purpose and direction. Thank you for your inspirational words. I am sending this to him. ❤
I had a point in my life when I had nothing that felt mine, & within 6 months I was married, so I needed a house, and a job to pay for it, & I was very happy to have a boring job & a small house for a while so that I could live the married life. Having something to ground the other elements might feel restrictive, but necessity is the mother of invention.
I really resonate with the last bit. Work is a means to an end for me. It pays the bills and puts food on the table, and I will do my best at whatever I’m asked to do when I’m on the clock, but it ends there. The only time I ever tried to work and monetize my “passion” or hobbies, it absolutely ruined those hobbies for me. It made me realize I need to do those things with no stress or expectation attached; just total free expression. There’s nothing wrong with either way because it’s about what makes YOU happy, but I was told when I was younger that if you do what you love you won’t work a day in your life, and that was absolutely not my experience after pursuing it.
I've always felt very fortunate that i discovered a passion that was valuable to society - that is, that i would be well compensated to do. Not everyone is able to manage that. One of my colleagues along the way was brilliant in his ability in this space, but it was not his passion. For him, though he was top tier, it was just a job. His passion was pottery and sculpture. And art can be difficult to monetize monetize sometimes. But his job enabled his passion. So he was fulfilled in his own way. I've lost touch, but I've wished for him that eventually his passion would become self-sustaining. But, even if it didn't ...
Figure out what you enjoy and find out what you’re good at. If there is some overlap, you’re set. If you can’t make a career out of what you enjoy, find something you’re good at so you can make enough money to do what you enjoy in your free time. For example, I absolutely love golf. Even if I took lessons for 5 years and trained, I could never be a pro golfer (like a tour player). It’s part of why I enjoy it so much. Because I will always have something to work upon and improve. What I’m good at is really boring analytical stuff, which pays the bills.
I have always been told to find something you are passionate about and mold a career around it. Seems like ideal advice to me even though I haven’t followed it yet.
I would add, while all this is going on, if you don’t know what to do with your life, give it away. Being of service in whichever was you feel drawn to is an excellent way to feel satisfied with your life. I have done this mostly between jobs while unemployed and you often make connections that can lead to paid employment.
When I was a young man my dad said "Forget everything you know about available jobs or careers. What is something you can do with your time that you can have the worst day with and still be excited to try again tomorrow? Do that with your life. If you can make money with it then great, otherwise figure out how to pay the bills in the meantime."
I'm 52 and have lost my job. I don't know what my next step is going to be. Job hunting at this time of year is terrible for a full time job. I'll get there.
I answer this question with “the 3 circles”. The circles are arranged in a Venn diagram where they overlap each other. One circle is “things you like to do”, another circle is “things you are good at”, and the last circle is “things that pay you enough to live the lifestyle you want to live”. Think through possibilities and put them in the diagram. Then pursue whatever items fit in the place where all 3 things overlap. This is most useful to prevent you chasing things that won’t work for you. For example don’t pursue what you like and are good at if it doesn’t pay what you need to make. Don’t pursue things that pay well that you don’t like. Don’t pursue things you like but aren’t any good at (I like singing - but I’m no good at it), etc.
And if some things land in a spot where two of the three circles overlap, but you're having trouble finding ideas to go in that middle sweet spot, maybe look into offshoots of the things that meet 2/3 of the criteria? There may be something perfect that you just haven't heard of or considered yet. Or a specific related need you could fill, even if it doesn't have a job title yet.
Adam talks about it as a "point of view", which is valuable. I see it as an examination of your values. It's not an easy thing to do, because so many of us give lip service to the things we reflexively say are valuable, but may not be. I became an engineer and data scientist because I dislike deluding myself and believing things that are not true/accurate. It's been something that's driven me since I was very young. I'd start with the things that are your real, honest center. And build from that. Are you focused on knowledge? Beauty? Service? Justice? Order? Freedom? Building a greater society? Individualism? Moral truths? Really, REALLY knowing these things about yourself prunes branches very quickly and efficiently. But you have to be exceptionally honest with yourself.
@@alaskansummertime I know what you mean. I just can't talk to anyone who doesn't perform surgery. But, I consider picking your own nose surgery, so...
@@durangodaveI dislike the entire concept of "talent". It says that if you're good at something, it's only because you have some inherent "talent" that you're born with. I don't think I have any talents. But I do have a lot of skills. If you're interested in something, you practice it, and you become skilled at it. Most people probably have at least one thing that they're skilled at. No talents required.
Love hearing your philosophy of life. What we see and experience is a mirror of who we are. Finding yourself is finding the meaning in what we see. That SSdraws asks the question at all is the beginning of the journey, and Adam's reply was great...pure and honest. The point of life is to express yourself. That expression is called Art. And it's also about trying something new every day. And sometimes that takes courage, to go outside of just thinking of yourself to thinking of things greater than yourself. If the sky inspires you, reach for the sky, if the ocean inspires you, dive into the sea. If the moon inspires you, go to the moon. Just go and express what comes naturally. Also Adam I'll guess you're a Sagittarius.
Love this and thank you both for sharing! There’s bumps in the road of life, for me to survive I have to stay positive and find happiness. I do read the Bible and attend church and that pushes me to be creative. I graduated from high school and in a few days I started working for the local pottery where I was drawing, making, building and fixing. I had always been creative as a child and all of that ended when the pottery closed. I live between Youngstown Ohio and East Liverpool Ohio where industry is always disappearing and crime is growing and we have a far amount of gloomy weather. So I was now struggling to find good employment and I just decided to get back to being creative which makes me happy. So I started to look for space to make, build and create. Now I have a garage, I have a long bed pickup truck to haul materials and I have a job I enjoy better, it’s not a creative job. It’s organizing, inventory, material handling, receiving and shipping. In my garage I do all picture painting, picture framing, I’ve built cat trees, drawer dividers, yard decorations, wired lamps, refinished furniture, bandsaw projects and hopefully soon pottery. I may have lost you with my words (ADHD) but my example and point is do whatever makes you feel good!
what helped me feel unstuck was to travel around the world and see what other people are doing with their lives. theres so much out there, from cattle herder, to bitcoin trader, to muay thai fighter and to antique collector and seller and many in between. i met people who made a good living out of travelling and giving other people haircuts!
When I was young, I was terrified of having to pick what my career would be, since I had so many varied interests.. One day, a very wise person told me "Just because you pick one thing, it doesn't mean you have to give up the rest." My mind was blown! Most people have three or four different careers during their life. Find something interesting, but don't worry about it not working out since you can try something else!
Especially for guys, this can be one of the most difficult questions to answer for oneself. Some helpful questions we can ask ourselves are: Whom do you want to serve? What problem do you want to solve? What would you do for free if money wasn’t a concern? I’m sure that there are others, but these are some of the key questions that I have asked others who are searching. This is a process, some people find their answers quickly and others may take decades. Me? I’ve found many things that I don’t care for and a few that I do. I’m still a work in progress.
I recently did something "with my life", just a side project, ... I built a portable cabin out of panels that stack up in my car and set up at my campsite. By the way, I also worked as a Civil Engineer ... I had tossed around (and shelved) this idea for many years but last Winter I finally built the panels and finished the (portable) cabin. I could not find anything very close to this idea on the internet, though I have no doubt that many 1000s of people have also had this similar idea. Besides having experiences, tools and space to try it out, the extra motivations that compelled me to go through with it were that I could share what I came up with and see how others run with the idea, I was curious how to make RUclips videos and experience "the algorithm", and maybe I could make some money selling plans for people to make their own portable, car camping cabin.
This is an excellent idea you have discovered, you should definitely proceed with this plan. I know many people will be interested in having a portable cabin of their own.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
How do -- or did -- YOU approach understanding your OWN next steps in life?
Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam a question:
ruclips.net/channel/UCiDJtJKMICpb9B1qf7qjEOAjoin
I'm 67 years old, and I'm _still_ trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up! So far, I've been more successful figuring out what I _don't_ want to be and do than what I _do_ want to be and do.
A pivotal moment in my life was having a choice between two jobs, one which required me to gain a large number of skills at a shallow level and one which required the candidate to become an expert in a narrow field. Asking myself if I was more engaged in my work life going broad or deep was the pivotal question.
Actually, the scepter says "I have the power and resources to exploit third world nations and steal THEIR wealth that THEY dug out of the ground". The real diamond in the real scepter was stolen from India, by our UK Royalty. It's still (rightly) controversial....
I'm 44 and my driven passion for a subject or profession, and the income required to power it (training, university etc) have never intersected. I feel like the absolute definition of the jack of all trades, master of none. I have late diagnosed anxiety issues, along with long diagnosed depression, and it is incredibly difficult to feel like I'll ever make a difference anywhere at all. I have many interests, but none that feel like I could use them to drag myself or my family out of the mire we're in. It feels like every clod of dirt I've used to hoist myself higher has buried me ever deeper after a short moment of elation (we've endured much tragedy in a relatively short period of time). At the same time, I realise, we're not unique. This happens all the time, over and over.
@@Tardisntimbits, I think I can sympathize! I, too, have been diagnosed with both anxiety _and_ depression. That was _after_ finishing a BA in History, a MS in Studies of the Future, and working toward a PhD in Sociology for twelve years. I worked as hard and diligently as I could to complete my PhD work, but couldn't get across the dissertation finish line. And the real kicker to all of this was I that got a diagnosis of _NARCOLEPSY!_ at age 64. Typically, one learns they've been narcoleptic by the early to mid thirties. Can you say, "Boot to the head!" ?
To top it all off, my current physician had me tested for ADHD back in Fall, 2022. Learning I had ADHD at age 65 would have been a _REAL_ kick in the testicles!
Watching Adam really pause and think before he speaks is so incredibly refreshing. It's so nice to see someone who actually cares about what comes out of their mouth.
Adam is an enrichment for our minds and our lives. There are definitely too few people like him.
Yeah, that's one thing I love about these Q&A sessions. He gives every question the weight it deserves and acknowledges the fact that he has a lot of influence over people as a respected figure, so makes sure he's not going to give advice that could be easily misconstrued.
He's such a great person with wonderful skills and a huge following. If I pause that long, I lose views. But I do let some of them go if they're later in the video.. Like 15 minutes in. Because it's real.
Yeah. Seems like common sense to think before one says something, but it’s not a very common thing to find.
@@k1ng_chicken
I find that the people that say they don't know what to do with their life really are suffering from a quiet kind of depression. The best thing for these kind of people in my experience, and I used to be one of them, is to do anything.
If you have no idea what you want to do in your life, what it means is you are aimless and youre driveless.
The answer to this is to stop being in your head all the time and start being in your body. Just get outside and start doing things. It doesn't matter what it is, just start doing something. Help a neighbor, build something, plant a tree. You need experiences outside of your own body and in the service of others. That is what led me to what I'm doing.
And I've never been happier and more driven and purposeful.
It also helps you learn what you don't enjoy doing.
100% Agree. I am one of these, and getting physical is the way to go. Never get an office job - sitting at a desk is the worst thing you can do.
And take care of your body, so you can remain active throughout your life.
I agree with being active and getting out of one's mind. My problem now is 20 years later after a severe head injury I'm struggling with so many aspects and just last week realized my vision problem is probably from early onset dementia from the head injury/concussions. This has been a crazy time for me but i have been moving towards going into doing artwork rather than being driven from manufacturing or building projects as these have become difficult to do. And after recently losing my job which wasn't healthy i also realize i need an active job even if the pay is less as i need to lose about a #120 pounds!
@@ChoppersModelworks Wish you all the best man! Ik severe head injuries can be awful as my dad just passed away from one but thee fact that you're thining this constructively means that you'll be good one way or another. :D
You're not a mental health professional. So while advice can be nice, be careful with it. Something you read on the internet does not replace professional help, if someone needs it.
Who knew the same man that entertained me as a kid by blowing stuff up would also be the man that inspires and encourages me as an adult. Adam is a national treasure.
For real, same ^_^ (though I already wasn't a kid when I was watching him blowing stuff up XD)
I think Adam truly is a gift of (and for)the human race. A lot of us have a skill in something, we might not even know it, and Adam obviously has one in making.
But it's more than that, he's truly a beautiful person, his intelligence is more than just about a subject, he's so much wiser than that... I can't find the words, but if I turn out to be even a fraction of the kind of person Adam is, I think that's an amazing outcome
*international
@@MrRedstoner right?
Great advice. I would only add that while you're figuring out what you want to do, do SOMETHING, engage with the world. It is way too easy for some of us to slip into a mode of self-doubt, withdrawal, and paralysis.
That is what I need to do. Thank you.
Analysis Paralysis is the bane of my existence.
came into the comments to say this! learning who you are, what you want, and what you want to do, it comes one step at a time as we interact with the world. and hell, you can get that interaction in a million ways. even doomscrolling *can* be a source of engagement as long as you maintain an outlet for the feelings it brings up in you.
but I would also want to say to this person, don't worry! relativistically, you're *never* as stuck as you may feel. the universe is always moving you without you realizing it. and so, experience will come without you having to work too hard for it. you don't need to run yourself into the ground trying to find "inspiration". it will come as you live and learn.
Living is the only way to figure out what you want to do. I am happy with where i am in life, but if you'd have told teenage me what i would be doing now, i would not have believed you. But i strongly suspect i ended up where i am, because this is where my talents, intellect, and world view led me to.
Wasn't easy, and it took far longer than maybe it should have, but it worked in the end. Plus, all the life experiences i had, also helped me to mature and find things out about myself. Even if it was a negative experience.
One thing i would add, is ALWAYS do everything full ass, not half ass. Sure, working as a barrista might not be your life long passion. But you should do it to the best of your ability, and try to learn things from that crap job. Even if it's nothing more than "i never want to work a customer facing job again." ^-^
Yes, and while engaging with the world, try to find your people. If you can find people that are interested in the same things or people that you find interesting then you might also find what they do with their lives resonates with you, gives you a direction, or provides a next step.
Another technique i've used in the past is the Japanese concept of Ikigai. It's basically a Venn diagram that you use to guide envisioning a potential career to determine if that career option could be a fulfilling one and/or has serious flaws that will be encountered.
For me the best part of this video, when Adam says he knew people who has BS jobs, and they just use it to pay the bills, and they do something else in their free time, what is actually matters to them. I came to the same conclusion a few years ago, but it seemed around me everybody wanted to be fulfilled by their job, and companies also pushing that. It is refreshing to hear, that other people figured this out and it is working for them. At least I'm not feeling that alone with this world view. Thank you!
I think the sweet spot, atleast for me, is using your hobby time to eventually turn that into your dream job, while working a BS job.
I totally agree! I used to identify with my uni studies and then with my (potential) job and I was always unsatisfied with myself and my choices and felt often a failure. So I started to see a therapist.
Two years and half ago I started a new job (which is my current one): it pays me well, the field is interesting, colleagues are ok; it’s not very stimulating, but it’s definitely positive, so for now I’m ok with it. But because of my pov (identifying with my job) at the beginning I felt really down, because my tasks were, let me say, boring and I felt overqualified for them. At that time I didn’t do anything but work.
In January 2023 I joined the gym and started working out once a week; then I added another day of training and now I work out three times per week and a nutritionist helps me with my diet. I started to take care of my mental and body health and to split my energies and satisfaction in more things and this made me realize that I am more than my degree and my job and I want to explore more things and challenge myself.
Founding your whole identity/satisfaction on a single pillar it’s really dangerous: if that pile starts to shake you risk that everything falls to the ground. You have to divide the loads of life on multiple coloumns, so you can resist when earthquakes come (just to use a civil engineering analogy 😂). Job should give you money and/or satisfaction: it’s ok to have at least one, if you have both you won the lottery; if you have none of them you must change.
Hop jobs regularly, learn, move on I spent 5 years in horticulture, 8 years in logistics, few years in some odd job factories, and now I'm working in a paper mill, till I get bored of that 😆 and yup it's just a bank filler at the end of the day too
When people ask me what I want to after I graduate I answer this, but I feel like people see as something wrong or bad. Only the people my age know kind of understand what I want to do. It is cool that others think similarly.
That is a very valid way to go about it, but I would like to point out why it won't work for some people.
The main issue is the type and amount of work, if you work long hours or have a very demanding job (be that physically, mentally, emotionally, whatever) then the amount of time you have to enjoy the those hobbies is greatly reduced, to the point where there might be long stretches where you simply can't do the things you enjoy because you're stuck in a loop of "work & rest" where you either don't have the time or energy to even consider doing what you like.
Yes, doing a job you don't really enjoy as a way to finance the stuff you do enjoy is perfectly valid, however it's not an option that is always available to everyone, depending on the nature of their job.
This is a very serious question. In Holland we say:"Rest rusts". And that is it. Exactly. It's ok to ask other people, but it is YOUR problem. And you won't solve it by sitting round. Move. Móve. The movement of your body moves the mind. I got my best ideas during a walk. Just walk. And let you mind go free.
Adam's advice is great, but ultimately it is you that has to make that decision. So move!
“Rest Rusts” I like that. Kind of like “Motion is Lotion”
... here in the US, it would be: "A rolling stone gathers no moss," which I do believe is a myth/proverb that both Adam Savage and our resident folk-hero Bob Dylan are well acquainted with.
@@maplesugarbush Amusingly, in Japan it's used the opposite way: that patience pays off, to keep working at it (moss is desirable)
@@Call-me-Al that's still assuming activity though
moving in a direction aimlessly isn't helpful. I've done that my whole life and i am still aimless and full of regrets.
One of the beautiful things about life is that if you stay curious, what you want to do will change many times. Don't be afraid to grow.
Beautifully said
I like that he said “if you told me this in person…. And then asked for advice!” Clarifying that he would wait until you asked for advice to give it. That listening to and validating someone’s thoughts is so important
That's what separates Adam from 99% of youtube . He makes endless content that isn't content.
Is that an insult? I'm confused @@sweetjimmyt
Just wanted to comment here to proudly share that I've been sober for 1,912 days.
That’s so awesome! Congratulations! On Friday it will be 14 years for me…one day at a time. So grateful! Best wishes to you and all!
Thats straight up awesome
I'm no math whiz, but that sounds like a lot of days. Congratulations!
I'm about 2 weeks into my journey. It's hard but I'm not giving up
@@dwaynepeterson7511 Don't! 💪
The more I watch your videos, the more I find myself thinking of you as a philosopher as well as a maker.
You probably can't divorce those two things. As a maker, you have to understand the thing you're making in the context of the/its world. Philosphy helps with that understanding.
He's a modern-day Renaissance man.
making your life is the ultimate making
Same difference 😂
He's a thinker. That's what it is.
Some people are blessed to have a strong sense of direction in their life and I think they fool the rest of us into thinking we should have the same. Just pick something and commit yourself to it; try to get as good as you can.
Ganbatte!
Thank you Adam, from the bottom of my heart. I'm 30 years old and I currently found out I've had a congenital vertebral fusion that is causing my quite a bit of pain and is affecting my mobility. I went from being a full time farm manager, to now being unable to carry on that work which I've been doing for the past 10 years or so. Its been tough sitting at home, but my woodshop has absolutely kept me sane. I don't know what the future holds, but for now I know I'm going to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and will continue to fight to keep the ability to pursue my passions. So often in life we are led to believe that we need to hurry in our decisions, and we need to get to the end goal right away. I've come to learn that the process is the adventure. Keep moving forward, even if its one step at a time. To everyone else having a tough time, hang in there, and have a great weekend!
The woodshop is my oasis of sanity. I wish you well
I wish good thing for you to come in the future♥️
Surgery and lots of medical massage therapy is in your future
Thank you for sharing your view. Wish you only the best for your Future!
Adam and his book have made me believe that my love and OBSESSION with photography is something to be embraced and enjoyed, not left and forgotten. There’s only a few people I’ve seen/followed online who actually had a positive impact on my creative experience but Adam Savage has been massively influential in the most positive way. Thanks, Adam. Thanks to the whole Tested team.
I worked with photography in one way or another for 17 years. I wish you all the best with it, as I walked away frustrated and bitter. Don't let it get to that point.
@ it’s a passion for me from deciding on a shot to editing, it’s joy. Video causes me a bit of frustration but I still force myself to get through it lol. I truly appreciate the kind words! I hope you’re doing something that brings you joy!
Adam: From all of us that don't have that kind of character in our real lives--thanks for being our internet-based, lovely, eccentric uncle! I'm sure that making these videos on philosophy must seem like an odd tangent from where you started your public works, but I am absolutely grateful to have your voice and perspective available to me. Means a ton.
4:51. "Right now, it may be that there's some aspect of the world you want to fix." That's the part that really struck me. It's a goal-oriented observation, where many other people would offer whimsical platitudes, like, "follow your dreams."
He does also effectively say "follow your dreams," but in a less trite way - the thing you can't stop thinking about. Those are often dreams or at least passions.
I’ll chime in on this one because I feel like I’ve “struggled” with similar questions for all of my 65 years. I say variety is a great place to begin.. consider what Adam has mentioned and explore a number of different pursuits along the lines of what trips your trigger(s). Try things and fail.. and yes, you will fail at some of them, but in trying, you will discover a great deal about yourself and you’ll be surprised at what you learn about life, work, and yourself.
Thank you Adam. I've started watching Mythbusters when I was in primary school and I'm 29 now so Adam is literally a part of my life's journey!
Only 1:23 in, I’m sobbing watching this. Needed to hear this one. I have a decent job but I don’t know what I’m doing. Where I’m headed. Scared to get there alone. It’s so refreshing how real you responded to this one
I’m watching an interview right now with Dr. Martha Beck. She might have some insights for you.
@Crohan_31 Very few of us actually know where we are going, I think. And that is okay. Someone will be there when you get there, and more importantly, they will accompany you for future journeys when you do.
This video popping up is definitely proof of concept that the phone listens to us. I’m 45 and I’ve been going through a tough time mentally. I guess you can call it a midlife crisis, and this video was right on time in terms of needing to hear somebody with a non-judgmental tone and affect giving a very nuanced approach to discussing this particular issue. THANK YOU 🙏🏾
I’m going to be the same age later on this week, and I also am in the same place.
Living it. The midlife struggle is real.
I'm in the middle of mine too, but a little younger. I just want to be compensated for the value I give. No more of this poor wage nonsense. I'd rather stare into a fire or watch the tree branches sway than keep doing what I've been doing. Good luck to you, Sir. There has to be something on the other side of this crisis.
49 years young. Same boat.
@KINGTY819 I'm late forties and having a mid life career crisis. I really enjoy working on our home and do amazing work to the point of it being perfectionist. I thought I'd leave a lucrative sales career and do something hands on. Every job I've tried I've failed at in one form or another whether I didn't fit in or I just didn't enjoy the work. After being away from sales for so long I miss the routine I had and the various people I helped. There's something to be said about just showing up and working a job that pays the bills and having your strong interests outside of work. I've tried following my passion at work and it left me in a cul-de-sac of sorts or even a dead end. I hope this helps your perspective in some way sir.
Adam, you are such an amazing human being. You're immensely inspirational, not only for your accomplishments but because you're doing what you love. I admire that. Keep up the great work and your contagious positive energy.
The things that you can’t stop thinking about and continually engaging your mind are a great way to begin your journey
But it assumes there is anything that continually engages your mind. Though I suppose the completely unengaged aren't going to pose the question in the first place.
My advice would be to trust yourself a bit more and you'll find your 'calling' in life.
When my mother died, I got a reality check. If these horrible things can happen, I am not gonna waste time doing things other people think I ought to do.
I never knew what I wanted to do, but in my case it was the feeling that what I liked wasn't something I could build my life around.
I liked music, and all I heard was; you cannot make a living out of this, unless you're super lucky to be 'discovered/picked up'
I made a plan, worked on it, and now I make all my money from sources of music. The one thing I felt was impossible.
Unfortunately I needed a rather cataclysmic event, but I guess that's the positive side of that event.
Awesome story man!
Love this
any tips for someone trying to do the same?
I designed the shirt you’re wearing and I really, really needed to hear this message today. Feels like it was just for me even though I didn’t ask the question. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom!
That's so cool lol, what are the chances?!
Whoa, small world! Appreciate the positive messaging!
Awesome shirt! Went looking for the same grey on lighter grey he is wearing but not sure, do you know which one it is?
So often when I draw I don't start with a specific idea, I just start working and allow it to develop on its own. Some of my best pieces have evolved that way. And that's exactly what it is. The traits or aspects I like, I keep and the ones I don't are discarded.
Same when I write novels. When at a blank page, I'll have a general concept or direction I want to go at the end of a 100k word book. Maybe a scene or a general feeling. But that's it. I'll make a blank character as my vehicle, again, giving general direction. Then, with each action, the character is fleshed out, the story map becomes clearer--usually not in a way I wanted or expected. Sometimes that general scene or feeling I wanted at the end doesn't even get made but is so much fuller than before. And of course, there have been countless times when my characters disobeyed me and fought for their own way. It's frustrating but exciting and beautiful.
I often start drawing with a specific idea, but my first lines end up suggesting something else.
Indulging and nurturing your creative side is so important mental well being and increases the happiness for life. 🙂
I had a similar question earlier in my life. I would suggest finding a really crappy, difficult job and do that for a little while. You may laugh, but I worked in a grocery store right out of high school and on and off during college, and I did not enjoy it. I realized during the late nights when cleaning the store, I kept saying to myself, "I wish I was doing X" or "I wish I was at place Y in my life." There was something about those difficult, annoying periods in my life that lit a fire in my spirit and really helped bring to the surface what I really wanted to do. When you're comfortable and content, it's easy to drift in life. When you're uncomfortable, it really helps to focus the mind on what you really want. My suggestion is to get uncomfortable.
What's wrong with being comfortable and content? Isn't that what most people dream of?!
For a very long time I didn't know what I wanted to do. My mother (rest her soul) was quite the disciplinarian. I know she meant well, but most of her decisions weren't supportive of the things I wanted out of life. I knew I wanted to do something in film making. Long story short, after inheriting responsibilities and a family of my own, I had even less time to dedicate to myself, much less my ambitions. My advice is run, don't walk towards the things you're certain you want to accomplish. Make room to pursue those desires with every ounce of determination. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to stay passionate.
Dabble in everything until you find your passion and then embrace your passion. If your passion can align with a financial support system, that's fantastic - but there's nothing wrong with simply working a job to support your passion outside of work. The important thing is to find, embrace, and pursue your passion. Additionally, allow your passions to evolve or change entirely. We go through life constantly growing and who we are ten years from now will be vastly different than who we are now. Don't mourn the loss of yesterday's passion, appreciate that it was there and continue exploring the world - there's so much to see and do and never enough lifetimes to experience it all!
The problem with working in tech is that you have to be passionate and obsessed just to get by, so your job is gonna take up all the mental bandwidth and time that could be used to support your hobbies.
Just an addition to what Adam said. What really changed my outlook and perspective on the “who do you want to be when you grow up?” . Stop focusing on the titles of a career, like Engineering, Doctor, astronaut that we all think about. Focus on what problems you like to solve, and then your path forward will open up.
Yes! I would say ask yourself what you can do best, and what you enjoy doing best. List as many of each as you need, until you find one that's on both lists. Then go for it !
A sceptre is basically an “elevated” version of a mace or club. The symbolism of violent power is still there.
6:25 glad he took the time to acknowledge the fact that, not everyone needs to be doing something profound for a career.
It's okay to live a modest life with a stable job. Then, I take my money from that to fund my hobbies and interests!
Browse a bookstore or shelves in a library. Go out in nature and look at the trees and the birds really closely. Journal, write letters to people, make to-do lists, and doodle. Ask your friends for movie recommendations - go to a movie theater and sit through the credits. Play a video game. Go to the zoo. Try a new recipe or restaurant. Learn the history of something seemingly mundane like glass or ceramics or the printing press!
I do all of these things and they always inspire me and spark a new interest in me. Personally, I think there are so many fun things to learn or do or talk about with others. And you don’t have to decide something that will be FOREVER. You can change your mind.
What to do for a living then?
"The sword and the scepter are the same object at different scales"
Yes. Yes. Yes. Fuck yes. Exactly the correct conclusion to come to when confronted with these two objects!
wow, that really struck a chord with you. love it
So sorry, could you expand on this a bit? I feel like I’m missing it
Both are vectors of power and violence. The sword is the manifestation of this force at the intimate immediate level of man-to-man. Conversely, the scepter is symbolic of the sorts of men that are capable of moving many other men (with swords) in accordance to their will.
Wizards n shiet.
This actually reminded me of the Bible verse that says, "they will beat their swords into plowshares".
Swords represent the powers of protection and destruction.
Plows represent the powers of cultivation and provision.
The same steel could be used to make a telescope for a scientist, or an easel for an artist.
No, the scale of both is the same. 1:1 😂
Not really the point of the video, but I found it comforting to watch you reel out your thoughts and pursue them, yet still be able to reel them back in. My mind also wanders and links up random (seemingly) thoughts together and I do struggle not to get lost getting back, but I suffer a lot of criticism for being this way and you openly do it and nobody minds, in fact people probably love it. How wonderful. 😊
So many of us asking the same question. Life isn't always about the answers as much as it is about the journey. Embrace what excites you the most and chase it. I'm mid 50's and still ask myself this from time to time. It's perfectly normal.
Thank you for a terrific answer, Adam. When I was ten, I read Madeleine L'Engel's book "A Wrinkle In Time." It opened my eyes to family, love, science, magic, computers, space travel, time travel, Science and science fiction, and so much more. . My Dad gave me my first instrument, a bartone Ukelele(which I still have). My passions in life are computers (technology) and music. I worked many jobs and had many adventures and finally, thirty years ago found my footing. I am a computer consultant and a musician for more than thirty years now. Find your passion and work toward that goal.
Don't settle! I am 72 and have no reason or desire to retire. I love whatI do and I do what I love. 💙🌻🌟🌻💙
I could listen to Adam wax philosophical all day. I have not seen someone so in tune and deliberate with expressing their thoughts.
I spent a whole year thinking about what I wanted to do with my life after leaving my last job. It didn't work out. So, I started making stuff. I read, I wrote, I drew, I designed until something came to me. Now I'm trying to become an app designer, it's hard, but I know I'm getting there. Make stuff until something sticks on the wall. Love you, Adam.
It’s crazy the understanding of the artists thought process Adam has always had and his ability to put it into understandable words is its own talent.
This video couldn't be more perfectly timed. I'm currently at this point where i'm still in limbo but with slightly more knowledge in who i am as a person. Possibly more informed. But actions speak the loudest. What the future holds is still to be decided. My goals and hopes are not as elusive appear more concrete thus obtainable.
I spent most of my life up until now figuring out what I am passionate about, I am 43 and I have realized that I like to tell stories and create things with my hands so over the past year I spent time figuring out that looks like, discovering a plan for the future and deciding the direction I would take my talents, because I have so many varying skills I wear many designer hats. So I’m really excited for this coming year and what it will hold for my journey and to finally create, make and tell stories in my own unique way that is undoubtably me.
I encourage everyone don’t give up keep moving, taking each step one at a time towards a future that brings you joy and contentment.
I will say one last thing, when I finish a project it brings me so much excitement to see something I had only imagined come into the world and I think that must be how my creator felt, my mom felt when she had me, to dream something and bring it to life brings excitement and joy. So go find your joy! 😊
When i was in high school. Back in the dark ages. A teacher asked us what our dream home would look like. It would be full of bronze sculptures said I. Most of the kids laughed. I think becaues i also said the roof would be able to roll open.
When i turned 50 i went to work for a company that makes bases for bronze sculpters. It just happened ,no though to it. I do have lots of that kind of work in my house now. Not live size unless you are taking about a mouse.
It just goes to show if you think you might like it. You can do it. Sort of.
Amen to this!
Cool! Now you just gotta get that rolling roof :)
So happy I just randomly stumbled across this video! I've always thought of Adam as more of a scientist than an artist but this has shown me that those identities are very similar in a lot of ways.
Who cares what your job is, if you let your curiosity lead your life (as opposed to fear or pain) and dedicate yourself to exploring and embracing both your inner and outer world, you will create and experience a lot of really beautiful, interesting things and choosing what to do with your life won't feel so confusing or overwhelming, because it will come to you naturally and may even change moment by moment.
"... it makes me feel protective of you." Yes. That's who you are, Adam. You are protective of those who you can see need protection. That to me is noble, in the finest and fullest meaning of that word and that concept.
..And not coincidentally, I would really, really like to buy one of the T-shirts you're been wearing in this latest series of answers to questions. The words Empathy, Kindness and Respect, in gray against that black background is a logo and a mantra I'd be very pleased to wear and promote. Let me know if and when it becomes available.
@@LewHarriman The shirt shop link, in the links section of the channel @findingsaratonin has it. She's the one who made the shirt apparently. Hopefully you're able to get it if you like, and have a nice holiday!
This is exactly what I did. Literally :) I was an endocrinologist and 13 years ago I created this RUclips channel as a "personal playlist", because I was fascinated with serial killers and how they think. I used to do a lot of research on them and read case files, court documents and so on. I gathered as many documentaries as I could from torrents and upload them on RUclips for myself (the copyright wasn't a thing back then). One year later when I logged back into that niche account, I had 10k subs, a lot of views and comments and realized there's an entire community that loves what I love. So I started making my own videos about them and I am now at almost 1mil subs (I know, it's not a lot in 13 years, but it's a niche channel, not everyone watches this kind of stuff). The second thing I loved was to photoshop and repair old photos. Now, my main income comes from restoring historical photos for movies, documentaries and even normal people who want a family photo restored. I am no longer an endocrinologist.
Great question and great answers! I really struggled with this one when I was going through education, and still don't have all the answers. A lot of it is filtering out the noise, expectations, and pressure to fit in. I can't stress how important it is to really take a step back and make sure you're in-tune with yourself. Sometimes you need to stop thinking of others for a moment and ask yourself questions. What do you care most about in this world? What drives you? What do you love, what do you hate? Listen carefully and it'll guide you. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams if that's what really drives you. If you're really stuck then the second most important thing is to just do stuff. Anything. Volunteer, do something in the community because community always has passion, inspiration, and often people who will be willing to help you. Anyway, great video Adam! :)
the fact that the answer actually mattered to this man.... a treasure.
I was laid off from a job after four years. I've had the same career for most of my life. The last couple of years I realized that I no longer enjoyed what I was doing. I feel that being laid off was fate's way of telling me to move on. Now, I need to figure out just what it is that I want to do for a living...
I feel you friend. Laid off after 6 years. Jobless for 3, then I found part time work in a college makerspace and it felt like a dream, but in between shifts i lose hope that anything like it exists on the outside. Good luck to you and may we both find where we belong!
I can see in Adam a passion for life which is so comforting :)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. This past year, this question has been popping up in my mind frequently and I've been trying to answer it for myself. I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere and I'm taking small steps in the right direction!
Such valuable advice! My mum always wanted to be a dentist, but it wasn't a profession "for girls" during that time. She persevered and became a wonderfully skilled dentist, enjoying her job every minute. And by doing this, she inspired me to pursue my love for art, which is why I am now an artist. And because I love it so much I'm able to teach people and transfer some of that enthusiasm to other people. Doing what you like and love is not always possible for everybody, but when you're able to, it's everything ❤
Viewer: How do I find meaning in life?
Adam: Check out this sceptre
It's a cool sceptre.
Just wished to thank Adam, his previous show and these YT videos have thought me much of fabricating. And this advice really rings true - I disliked lack of efficiency everywhere around me since I had started working as an interior and graphic designer. Now I am a production (assembly) planner, which is exactly the sort of problem solving I feel comfortable at.
That was an incredible answer! I love how Adam is able to intuitely draw from different people and examples to flesh out what he's saying.
One thing I would add is - don't think you only get one chance to decide what to do with your life. You can try all kinds of things out, you can change your mind as many times as you want. I'm 42, I still haven't figured it out!
I knew at 16 that I’m good at explaining things and I know a lot of stuff and I like learning about the world and why things are the way they are. So I became a teacher, after 30 years I still love it.
Thanks, listening to you answering questions like this, in the way you do, reinforces the way I feel.
I teared up a little because...I can't think of anything I wanna do. Everything seems dark and without a light at the end of the tunnel. I appreciate this video and I hope one day to find something to hold onto
Please read these responses, and then read them again. What stood out for me was - stop thinking and start doing. Do anything. If you don't like it, do something else. If you do like it, follow that path and see where it takes you. Treat it like a game, you've got nothing to lose. You will find something to hold on to. Good luck.
Idk if you’re looking for suggestions, but I’d recommend picking a type of partner dance and trying a month or two of weekly classes! Dancing is in our blood. It uses your body, helps you meet people, be in physical contact with people, and lets you express yourself.
Adam has that quality where I could listen to him talk for hours about anything and not get bored. Dude's a born storyteller.
Find someone you admire and figure out what they do that makes you admire them. Not necessarily exactly what they do, but the way they do it. That can help decide where to go in life - and how.
There's a lot to unpack in this insightful comment. It's not what they do, it's more how and why they do it?
@@robothorsesure. I admire Adam Savage, but not necessarily because of his prop making. Because of the sort of person he is. I can try to do what I do in the same style he does his own thing.
Thanks so much!
Great T-Shirt/Message on it! 👍🏻😉
When I am in need of inspiration I love to watch and listen to you tell stories to answer questions Adam. I can see the stories coming from you and your energy and passion come through. I greatly appreciate your ability to tell stories and thank you for Being.
This is the best answer to this question I have ever heard, unbiased and can be used by anyone.💯
I forget where I read or heard this, but I think it encapsulates a lot of what you’re trying to get across very well: “Do whatever you would still do if you were the last person on earth”
I like this, but to me it is incorrect. Being the last person on earth removes an astonishing amount of jobs that could be a lifelong passion. Mostly jobs that involve people such as the desire to help others with things like mental health(therapy) or Healthcare in general for an example.
I like keeping my work separate from my hobbies. I don’t want what I love doing to become a chore.
Be protective when you love something that much. Totally agree. "Follow your passion!" is terrible advice.
Not only does it become a chore, but it also becomes a source of stress. It’s a double whammy in the worst way, in my experience.
I know there are people out there that can live and breathe something without it becoming negative, but I definitely feel like that’s a minority.
True. Since I was a kid, I was very deep in video games, as maybe all of us did. I could spend the whole day playing games and learning a lot of them. That's why I wanted to become a game designer. Many years later, I am a game designer and not the worst one, but my passion for gaming somewhat faded away. I do not enjoy playing games now, I still do, but it's somewhat more of "habit" and just a work requirement to be aware of new releases. Instead of just enjoying the game, I'm usually more taking notes of mechanics, design ideas and stuff like that. It's somewhat sad to lose your favorite hobby :(
Adam, your impact on my life was/is vast. My son was born in 2003, and we discovered Myth Busters when he was about 5. He always enjoyed science and experiments. Our time together with you and the Myth Busters was educational, fun, and cherished. He is now 21 and searching for his purpose and direction. Thank you for your inspirational words. I am sending this to him. ❤
I'm at the same point in life as him and I am so happy to have found this video, hope this helps him as much as I!
I had a point in my life when I had nothing that felt mine, & within 6 months I was married, so I needed a house, and a job to pay for it, & I was very happy to have a boring job & a small house for a while so that I could live the married life. Having something to ground the other elements might feel restrictive, but necessity is the mother of invention.
I did not expect this much information and wisdom in 8 minutes. Thank you
I really resonate with the last bit. Work is a means to an end for me. It pays the bills and puts food on the table, and I will do my best at whatever I’m asked to do when I’m on the clock, but it ends there.
The only time I ever tried to work and monetize my “passion” or hobbies, it absolutely ruined those hobbies for me. It made me realize I need to do those things with no stress or expectation attached; just total free expression.
There’s nothing wrong with either way because it’s about what makes YOU happy, but I was told when I was younger that if you do what you love you won’t work a day in your life, and that was absolutely not my experience after pursuing it.
Thank you so much for this Adam, I've really been struggling the past year and you've put things into perspective very clearly now.
I've always felt very fortunate that i discovered a passion that was valuable to society - that is, that i would be well compensated to do. Not everyone is able to manage that. One of my colleagues along the way was brilliant in his ability in this space, but it was not his passion. For him, though he was top tier, it was just a job. His passion was pottery and sculpture. And art can be difficult to monetize monetize sometimes. But his job enabled his passion. So he was fulfilled in his own way. I've lost touch, but I've wished for him that eventually his passion would become self-sustaining. But, even if it didn't ...
As someone who has spent half a lifetime searching for well compensation, do you find it fulfilling? Lie to me if you have to.
The "or irritates you" is bang on. What moves you to irritation can show you what you want to CHANGE
Figure out what you enjoy and find out what you’re good at. If there is some overlap, you’re set. If you can’t make a career out of what you enjoy, find something you’re good at so you can make enough money to do what you enjoy in your free time.
For example, I absolutely love golf. Even if I took lessons for 5 years and trained, I could never be a pro golfer (like a tour player). It’s part of why I enjoy it so much. Because I will always have something to work upon and improve. What I’m good at is really boring analytical stuff, which pays the bills.
I have always been told to find something you are passionate about and mold a career around it. Seems like ideal advice to me even though I haven’t followed it yet.
I would add, while all this is going on, if you don’t know what to do with your life, give it away. Being of service in whichever was you feel drawn to is an excellent way to feel satisfied with your life. I have done this mostly between jobs while unemployed and you often make connections that can lead to paid employment.
Follow your passion, do what makes you feel happy, and alive 🎉 lifes too short to spend it miserably
When I was a young man my dad said "Forget everything you know about available jobs or careers. What is something you can do with your time that you can have the worst day with and still be excited to try again tomorrow? Do that with your life. If you can make money with it then great, otherwise figure out how to pay the bills in the meantime."
THIS..... This is why I enjoyed your book so much.
I'm 52 years old I am a successful businessman and I still don't know what I want to do with my life
That’s the gross individualism that’s destroying the planet, AND YOU’RE PROUD
I'm 52 and have lost my job. I don't know what my next step is going to be. Job hunting at this time of year is terrible for a full time job.
I'll get there.
@@cycoholicbest of luck. Job hunting is never fun
I hear you I'm 53 I've worked for myself my whole life and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up
54, self employed, still trying to figure it out
Thank Adam i still remember watching Mythbusters all the time in 4th grade up in northern Ontario Canada
I answer this question with “the 3 circles”. The circles are arranged in a Venn diagram where they overlap each other. One circle is “things you like to do”, another circle is “things you are good at”, and the last circle is “things that pay you enough to live the lifestyle you want to live”. Think through possibilities and put them in the diagram. Then pursue whatever items fit in the place where all 3 things overlap. This is most useful to prevent you chasing things that won’t work for you. For example don’t pursue what you like and are good at if it doesn’t pay what you need to make. Don’t pursue things that pay well that you don’t like. Don’t pursue things you like but aren’t any good at (I like singing - but I’m no good at it), etc.
And if some things land in a spot where two of the three circles overlap, but you're having trouble finding ideas to go in that middle sweet spot, maybe look into offshoots of the things that meet 2/3 of the criteria? There may be something perfect that you just haven't heard of or considered yet. Or a specific related need you could fill, even if it doesn't have a job title yet.
Somewhere I've seen a dark meme labelled This is My Life. The circles don't overlap.
What a gift you and this channel are. Thank you!
Adam talks about it as a "point of view", which is valuable. I see it as an examination of your values. It's not an easy thing to do, because so many of us give lip service to the things we reflexively say are valuable, but may not be. I became an engineer and data scientist because I dislike deluding myself and believing things that are not true/accurate. It's been something that's driven me since I was very young. I'd start with the things that are your real, honest center. And build from that. Are you focused on knowledge? Beauty? Service? Justice? Order? Freedom? Building a greater society? Individualism? Moral truths? Really, REALLY knowing these things about yourself prunes branches very quickly and efficiently. But you have to be exceptionally honest with yourself.
"An unexamined life is not worth living."
I can't even talk to people who don't do hard science. And I'd even include a roofer or plumber in hard sciences.
@@alaskansummertime I know what you mean. I just can't talk to anyone who doesn't perform surgery. But, I consider picking your own nose surgery, so...
This really resonated with me. It really helps that Adam is probably one of the most eloquent people on YT.
Heck, I'm 62 years old and I still haven't answered the old question: "What do you want to do when you grow up?" 😂
60 here and no clue why i am here or what my talent is.
@@durangodaveI dislike the entire concept of "talent". It says that if you're good at something, it's only because you have some inherent "talent" that you're born with.
I don't think I have any talents. But I do have a lot of skills.
If you're interested in something, you practice it, and you become skilled at it. Most people probably have at least one thing that they're skilled at. No talents required.
Love hearing your philosophy of life. What we see and experience is a mirror of who we are. Finding yourself is finding the meaning in what we see. That SSdraws asks the question at all is the beginning of the journey, and Adam's reply was great...pure and honest. The point of life is to express yourself. That expression is called Art. And it's also about trying something new every day. And sometimes that takes courage, to go outside of just thinking of yourself to thinking of things greater than yourself. If the sky inspires you, reach for the sky, if the ocean inspires you, dive into the sea. If the moon inspires you, go to the moon. Just go and express what comes naturally. Also Adam I'll guess you're a Sagittarius.
Decide on the person you want to be and do something to work towards that goal everyday.
Love this and thank you both for sharing! There’s bumps in the road of life, for me to survive I have to stay positive and find happiness. I do read the Bible and attend church and that pushes me to be creative. I graduated from high school and in a few days I started working for the local pottery where I was drawing, making, building and fixing. I had always been creative as a child and all of that ended when the pottery closed. I live between Youngstown Ohio and East Liverpool Ohio where industry is always disappearing and crime is growing and we have a far amount of gloomy weather. So I was now struggling to find good employment and I just decided to get back to being creative which makes me happy. So I started to look for space to make, build and create. Now I have a garage, I have a long bed pickup truck to haul materials and I have a job I enjoy better, it’s not a creative job. It’s organizing, inventory, material handling, receiving and shipping. In my garage I do all picture painting, picture framing, I’ve built cat trees, drawer dividers, yard decorations, wired lamps, refinished furniture, bandsaw projects and hopefully soon pottery. I may have lost you with my words (ADHD) but my example and point is do whatever makes you feel good!
I'm old and I have no idea. I just exist. Any interest/passion I find is only temporary and then I exist some more.
Thank you for taking the time to answer this question; It will make a difference in someone's life. Thank you.
what helped me feel unstuck was to travel around the world and see what other people are doing with their lives. theres so much out there, from cattle herder, to bitcoin trader, to muay thai fighter and to antique collector and seller and many in between. i met people who made a good living out of travelling and giving other people haircuts!
Always, ALWAYS such an inspiration - from the show back in the day through the present: always something creative and inspiring.
When I was young, I was terrified of having to pick what my career would be, since I had so many varied interests.. One day, a very wise person told me "Just because you pick one thing, it doesn't mean you have to give up the rest." My mind was blown!
Most people have three or four different careers during their life. Find something interesting, but don't worry about it not working out since you can try something else!
Fantastic conversation, thanks Adam. Great thought prompt for the day 😊
Especially for guys, this can be one of the most difficult questions to answer for oneself. Some helpful questions we can ask ourselves are: Whom do you want to serve? What problem do you want to solve? What would you do for free if money wasn’t a concern? I’m sure that there are others, but these are some of the key questions that I have asked others who are searching.
This is a process, some people find their answers quickly and others may take decades. Me? I’ve found many things that I don’t care for and a few that I do. I’m still a work in progress.
Why especially for guys?
Really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the answer.
I recently did something "with my life", just a side project, ... I built a portable cabin out of panels that stack up in my car and set up at my campsite. By the way, I also worked as a Civil Engineer ... I had tossed around (and shelved) this idea for many years but last Winter I finally built the panels and finished the (portable) cabin. I could not find anything very close to this idea on the internet, though I have no doubt that many 1000s of people have also had this similar idea. Besides having experiences, tools and space to try it out, the extra motivations that compelled me to go through with it were that I could share what I came up with and see how others run with the idea, I was curious how to make RUclips videos and experience "the algorithm", and maybe I could make some money selling plans for people to make their own portable, car camping cabin.
This is an excellent idea you have discovered, you should definitely proceed with this plan. I know many people will be interested in having a portable cabin of their own.
If no one else has done this, you could possibly get your idea patented. Look into it before you start selling.
These are my favorite type of videos from this channel.