I was a straight A student that took a few years off of school to work and travel. When I finally got home from my travels I sat down with my dad and asked him what I should do. I knew that having a college education would better my chances at getting a well paying job but I had no idea what I should study. He said to me, "Listen kid, I'm 62 years old and I still don't know what the hell I want to do. Get used to not knowing because if you're anything like me you probably never will. But, that's ok, just go out there and give it your best shot." I think that's some of the best advise my dad has ever given me.
Unfortunately for me I decided to take a year off and travel France but about halfway through the pandemic started and in France they did not joke around I was practically under house arrest for 6 months only allowed to walk my dog or get groceries
i took a 2 years off after highschool. no money for college, all i had was a supportive hard working mother and plenty of time. took different jobs about 12 different jobs in total from janitor to call centers to plumbing to receptionist. in between those i traveled mostly locally. and most of the time just by myself. the perspective that you get is immense. the appreciation towards many things from education to time and freedom is tremendous. you truly do grow in one way or another.
ghostmimewency the hell can you get a job as receptionist (among the over 9 or so other jobs) without a certificate in this day in age? Did this story happen in the 80's?
ghostmimewency For me.... 2 years off & job searching for those 2 years.... wtf man. I eventually got a temp job which was ok. Warehouse stuff for $12. Now I'm back in college. So yeah college is good when you know it is.
ppl come and go in jobs all the time...not all jobs are permanent especially for young people. i left all those workplaces in good terms and is still to this day in contact with some of the employees and bosses there. i didnt go job hopping for the sake of just getting jobs. heck most of those jobs were jobs that anyone with a common sense can do. if i were to compare and choose between a life of going to college then getting a career until retirement , than to what i decided to do, believe me i'll choose the latter. always.
Watched this in Florida, got in my car and started driving north … now I’m in Montana in some small town, just learned how to line dance & picked up a job at the one coffee shop in town. I’m completely lost. But I fucking love it
They call it taking a sabbatical, taking time off to reflect. You can do that anytime. College is important for developing your thinking ability. You can think thoughts now because of college that you couldn't have thought 8 years ago.
This video deserves 10 million views... coming from a senior in high school who witnesses EXTREME widespread anxiety from my generation everyday in the hallways, to figure out what they want to do with their lives, it was great to hear these wise and relevant words
Shit is hard. I'm in a top 10 STEM graduate program. I work 6-7 days a week. I'm successful so far and have several publications. I still don't know what I want to do after. No idea. But there's one thing I do know. Work hard, no matter what point of your life you're in. Get that high GPA, test scores, and publications. Why? Because when the time comes to deciding and figuring out what you want to do, you won't have closed doors but opportunities. That is the best advice I can give to anyone who is still young.
@John Doe - Yea, I had all the opportunity but none of the focus myself. A candle in the wind is essentially useless without a lens. I had limitless interest in science outside of school and it never translated to the classroom. Now these days I see more of the closed doors because I squandered it. I mean I'm successful in IT, but largely unhappy because it's just the thing that occupies my life between weekends. Your words are something I hope to help my kids understand, work hard and unlock as many doors as you can. You can always decide to not go through them. It's hard to go about it the other way around. @Jack Burke - I think what's done this generation a great disservice is saying the sky's the limit. There's literally too much opportunity for everyone out there. I know that sounds dumb, but if you're at an intersection of two roads, you can focus your energy in one or two directions. Today people walk out the front door into space with the proverbial unlimited options and just freeze. I think Bryan's advice is interesting, but not everyone can do this -nor does everyone need to. It's awesome when it works out, but I know a lot of people that have drifted far too long to catch up to any one thing anymore. Some are happy with that, some are greatly depressed. Focus and hard work, even -maybe especially- under duress, is far more valuable than people realize anymore.
Graduated last month and couldn’t be any happier 😏 I found peace in not knowing what I wanna do, but having an idea of what my passions are. Currently pursuing them, let’s see if I succeed or crash and burn(I’ll get back up nigga)
Dont forget about the trade schools and apprenticeship programs.. you can travel and work around the country like I did.. and get paid doing it. Check out Ibew njatc programs.
Great advice. I was a fairly quiet and introverted teen and wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I up and left to go overseas when I was 21 and ended up working and travelling for 10 years. The people I met, stories and adventures I had are priceless and made me into an outgoing and interesting person. Some people mature psychologically early and some don't, I certainly didn't, probably not until my 30's did I grow out of having to get hammered every weekend but now I've got it out of my system (still have the odd tipple of course), have my own house and business and haven't looked back
@@williamkjellstrand5280 haha! Thanks William. I'm not sure if I'd say it was amazing, well, it actually was for me and I certainly had a great time and have no regrets. To answer your question I'll give you some more context. I'm a Kiwi (New Zealander) and went over to Australia by myself. I know it wasn't a HUGE move but was pretty big for me at the time. I did anything and everything I could from doing room service in a resort to packing meat in an abattoir, labouring on building sites to building railway tracks, working in retail to picking Mangos, chillies and bananas. One of the best jobs was working on a dive boat in Cairns taking people out to the Great Barrier reef every day. I love computers so the last thing I did before returning was managing the online sales for a big retail chain. The fruit picking was also fun because I stayed in working hostels and met so many people and had some crazy experiences that I'll never forget. :)
@@TheTruthKiwi Wow! Well I'm a 16 yr Swede, i've always thought about the idea of traveling far away and spending a few years outside of my home country. I'm split about the idea of working my ass of in my twenties to have a stable foundation and a solid bank account for my future family. Or traveling and having experiences during that time. I'm hoping to find a way were I can fullfill both dreams.
@@williamkjellstrand5280 Wow, you are very young my friend! I'm pretty sure I wasn't thinking about being financially stable for a family when I was 16, that is amazing! Good on you for thinking ahead. I would absolutely recommend travelling while you are young. 1 or 2 years isn't going to affect your long term financial stability I can assure you. If you leave when you're 19 you'll be back by the time you're 21 and you'll be a much more worldly and interesting person. I forgot to mention that I studied in Australia when I was 28! It took me that long to find out what I really wanted to do but when I found it I really went for it because I love it.
@@TheTruthKiwi I will definitely consider doing that. I'll be done with school by 18, I'm thinking about traveling and working a year or so after that, before I continue studying. I think it's important to have those experiences while we still have the chance and I bet you have grown as a person because of them. I always find it fascinating to talk with people who have traveled the world, what they have seen or done. It's an experience I hope to have one day.
@@SdGary420 I don't think so! If I had a kid I wouldn't want them chatting to strangers and honestly, as a preteen and teen I met A LOT of pedophiles, so I'm really glad I wasn't blindly trusting and chatty, that's just dangerous. I was very afraid of strangers as a wee child but now I can talk to anyone as an adult!
Guys... It's not even really about living comfortably. It's about getting out there, seeing new things. If you worry too much about the logistics, you're never going to actually step foot out the door. 99% of my travels have consisted of uncomfortable times, but God, everything else outweighs that awkwardness. Stop worrying and start doing. Great things in life don't manifest from excuses.
Tony Brisson THIS. many people argue that they're too poor or busy which could be true but in reality if you're willing to be uncomfortable (both financially maybe and physically) then travel is limitless! when you're picky about only staying in 3 star and above hotels with catered breakfast, that's when your options are limited and you have to be making good money. otherwise it's just buying random flights, taking buses, having no plans just going with the flow :)
IMO, sometimes being absolutely destitute is the ONLY way to really experience the right things. The things you can really learn something about yourself from. When you literally only have your own two hands, two feet, and wit to help you survive, you'd be amazed at what you can do. The experiences "broke" people often have in the course of normal life, are richer moments than most. I'm not saying this from my leather arm chair while drinking scotch either. I've been there. Some of the most real, eye-opening, and inspiring moments happen in the situations when you are most vulnerable.
It's funny but it's really not funny. That kind of pressure is toxic from family/friends. Breaking free from others controlling your life is one of the best feelings ever. Make your own decisions.
At 17 I was perhaps still too young to take in what Bryan said. It was only at 25 that things really started to fall in place and I started really working on my ambitions.
Taking a year off after high school was one of the most important growing up periods of my life. If your in high school and if there's any uncertainty at all before college, take time off to really think. There's other areas of your life that needs your attention, more so than anything that's yet inconclusive. When you're ready and have an objective, that's when you should go head first with your education, or any path you choose to take in life. Fuck what anybody else thinks of your decisions; it's your experience, not theirs. We learn from our decisions, no matter the outcome.
Edvins Judins Dude, if you're hesitating then don't rush to go to college. My mom/ siblings keep telling me to enroll in college and telling me I already missed the first semester and I gotta get ready quick. It's all bullshit, I don't even know what profession I want to do so why would I rush to go to college. I need to live by myself. And I need a motorcycle for what Bryan is talking about (although I had that plan for a while now). There's so many things I want to do and college isn't one of them, at least not right now, so I think I know what I need to do and I hope you figure some shit out too.
Essentially where I am at right now.... my family all moved from one side of the US to the complete other side but in Canada. Its hard especially if you miss your friends you've known for years. College is a dream for me too with not being able to afford it..... just have to keep moving
As soon as I graduated I headed off to Nepal for 3 months. It was one of the best decisions in my lifer - trekking the Himalayas, meeting amazing people and chilling out after over 16 or so years of schooling. Also I am a 49 year old software developer - the idea of 'career' has always frightened me. Yet I work in challenging, interesting area where I don't know what the future holds - life is frightening and fascinating.
I recall most of my peers at 16 recognized that we didn't know what we wanted to do in adulthood but felt lots of pressure from parents to figure it out quick. I also had peers that knew exactly what they wanted at 16 and are now either miserable or in a different field 10 years later. Stay flexible out there
Jason Messinger changed my life at 35 pal, went college for the first time, studied what I loved, everything else changed entirely along the way, outlook on life, appreciate the simplest of things, started riding motorcycles again. I'm 42 now and life seems to get better all the time. Not, insanely wealthy or blissfully happy but fairly content and financially comfortable. We are the masters of our own destiny :)
Try not to think about what you should do, but what you're currently doing. What do you enjoy in your spare time? What drives you, what inspires you? Don't worry about having a goal, just make sure that you're on the right path. Your destination will reveal itself eventually.
Figuring out what you want to do with your life is overrated. You don't HAVE to do anything! FINDING yourself is overrated. Being 45, and after having careers and businesses, I'm now perfectly content letting life take me in any direction that feels right in the moment. Right now that means living a simple life with a garden and raising animals.
I just love how relaxed this dude is. Being a senior in high school and seeing all of these different paths laid out in front of me, not knowing which one to go down, is made even more overwhelming by superiors always telling you that you need to act NOW, and know what's good for you NOW. This guy's attitude is the antithesis of that.
This video made me cry. As a teenager with too much pressure on her to get straight As and figure out what I'm going to do "for the rest of my life" despite the fact that I have basically no idea how the professional world works, this really resonates with me. When they make picking a subject for university like it's the biggest decision if my life but tell me not to worry if I don't know what I'm doing. I'm told to "follow my passion" but what do I do if my passions are everywhere? How does anyone have the time to figure this out in 17 years? I swear most adults still don't have a clue what the heck they're doing. We're not taught to be OK with not knowing or "being lost" as he called it, we're taught to fear it.
ColossalProjection unfortunately, British universities don't work like that. You pick one subject to do for 3 years. Like, you can change degrees but it's difficult...
I'm 33 and still have no fucking clue what I want to do, because I don't want to do anything. I was born against my will, as we all were. It's bullshit that we have to do anything in life that isn't fun. Would you ever volunteer to do something that didn't offer you satisfaction? Probably not. Being born is a curse.
Gina Vong I'm experiencing the same shitty situation right now. With both parents wanting me to take the "safe" path" and to go to college 'cause it's a "mistake" to stop my studies for 1/2 years.. I know they just don't want me to fuck up my future or someshit, but the safe path is the only thing they know.. I want to play guitar, I want to draw, I want to make movies, and most of all, I want to travel and leave this shitthole of a country that is France. I want to do SO MANY THINGS and I've got the determination to work my ass off to live while doing what I really want, but because it's not the safe-popular-shitty path, people will generally tell you to keep doing your studies, even if you know it will be a fucking lose of time... So last night, I decided to say fuck it. I ain't gonna go to college this year, I will use this time to work hard to save some money for travelling and to think about what I should start with...
As I'm going through the same thing, I have to Tell you my personal view. I think this generation should just do What they think is fun, this generation will not have the same job for whole of their lives, they have different ones every 10 years. Also with automatization it is difficult to Choose the right job, since AI scientists believe 50% of our now known jobs will be lost in the future (around 30-40 years). And in the process also creating Few new jobs. Technological advancements are getting too fast for the human mind to cope with, creating a very unclear future. Just do as you like!
I wish I had someone tell me this when I was around 16-18. Instead I was driven to depression due to the pressure of being told to find myself and plan my life at such a young age. Someone that young can't know what they want to be or where they want go. Only on rare occasions. I wish I had someone like Bryan to tell that it's okay to not know who I'm going to be or where I'll end up.
There’s no bad time. Doing it now is probably the ideal - any younger and you can end up missing the important stuff. It would be a different trip in 6 years time. You’re in the sweet spot
I agree, but actually young people of this generation statistically travel much more than any other generation before. Travel has gotten easier and more affordable. I mean we have smartphones and GPS these days, you can literally go almost anywhere and get by.
At a 19 year old living in Australia, traveling is also expensive. With the house market being so expensive I would rather save my money to get a house loan, I think lots of other young people have the same idea.
Pfft young people are traveling all the time now. It's like the cultural fad of our generation. I think Instagram has really allowed people to glorify it and also "ego-tise" it too. "Oh look at me, my life's awesome and I'm an interesting person because I was in another country for 2 weeks". Then they come home to their dead end job and life routine. Young people are traveling because it's what they think they should do now.
Having good health, is like owning a good vessel. If you don't learn new things and have new life experiences, you're putting a good vessel to waste, and might as well not have it.
Don't tell other people how to ive their lives. Some people are content just being comfortable. Going places means getting out of your comfort zone, at least for me. I do it anyways, but I understand why some don't.
What does it matter if we put a few vessels to waste? We have plenty of good vessels. We have no need to worry. Our collection of vessels is growing by the minute. Let these cracked vessels be, we have room for them, they're not taking up landfill.
I'm 30, i'm from Europe, had a job and loads of different stuff going, quit job and took a gap year to travel around New Zealand with a van. It was hard and scary to leave things behind. Now that I'm here for more than 8 months, I can say that it was the best decision of my life.
@Exit Strategies It's not ok to have a 40/wk at McDonald's. The pay doesn't allow you to do much and it is far from a fulfilling job. Selling yourself short and saying to yourself that it's OK to work at McDonald's for years is ridiculous. Jobs like that should be used for highschool kids looking for extra change, a part time job for students, or a source of saving up for education for a short time.
Bryce Brooks Most people dont have a choice. They need every penny they can get and if a macdonalds job is required to do so, so be it. Not everyone is raised in a middle-class household were you decide what you wanna become. A lot of people never get to make that choice.
work at walmart theyll hire u then work up to $14 an hour while living in ur car so u can $500 away a month in a savings accounct then after a couple years take that money and go WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
Before I quit my last job and moved into a van to travel North America, I did a magazine cover story on Bryan. While we were chatting, he told me about his adventure and I told him about my plans. He got me so stoked for the adventure. Great guy!
I'm 24, in 2 days i will be 25 yrs old. I still have no clue what i want, people always said I'd go somewhere, very far ahead of my peers and relatives. Here i am, watching a youtube video, getting nothing done. At 25 i hope i change my mindset to be a decent person to society and myself. I really want to change...
CafeNightster I'm 18 so I'm none the wiser, but the only advice I can give is make sure you take some time for the things that make you alive. For me it happens to be hiking and video games and spending time with family and friends. Also try meditating. whenever I feel lost I always remind myself it's okay to not know all the answers. I remind myself that I don't own all the problems in the world. I remind myself my ultimate goal in life is to be happy and do what makes me happy. Money is secondary to that. I hope you'll find yourself soon but until then, don't rush it
I'm so 18, but uchihamadara isn't anymore. So I guess I'm here to instill some not so wise knowledge. I turn 19 in February and I'm in a full time job that I don't particularly love. I'm stressed by responsibilities thrusted onto me by others. Take time for yourself, just to sit. Open your mind up to more possibilities. Can you get stuck on 2 decisions, yes, are there more than 2; mostly always. I hope you both are doing well, hopefully well established in what you want to do. Or at least not working a job you hate. If either if you see this, please comment and let me, a stranger on the other side of the internet, hear your story (moreso read but you get the point).
He's so right. My social anxiety was pretty bad in Canada, I studied in Germany for 6 months and at that time an Australian said to me "just say yes, the worse thing that happens is you just go home" and that got me through every single decision in life. Switch careers? Ok, worse case scenario is you literally go back. No loss. But I've never gone back. My life always improved, always worked out whenever I said yes.
He is absolutely right! Best thing that ever happened to me was taking a year off and travel to New Zealand. I ended up staying for 4 years before taking off again and travel through South East Asia where I discovered my love for Scuba Diving. Now I am a Scuba Diving Instructor in a place I love and I am grateful every morning I wake up in paradise, that I had the guts to take this one plane away from home. To all the young kids, go out there, dream big and discover the world so you can discover yourself along the way!
My mom and other people always have this look of "Oh that shounds nice, but do you have to do it now?" and say stuff like 'Well shouldn't you get this done first, or do this first before going travelling?" And I always tell them, I'd rather go out and and gain the experience, the wisdom, the more global, and local, perspective on the world now. While I'm young. And I'm not even young lol, I'm 28. But I'd rather go do it now and do a tonne of travelling done before I'm 32. There is absolutely nothing, I mean NOTHING, that can replace or be used as a substitute for travelling to foreign countries. There is a look in people's eyes who have really travelled around and absorbed the culture, scenery, lifestyle of other places. When I ask older people where they've travelled and all they say is maybe some resort vacations in Mexico or one week in a European country, It just makes me sad. I want to have extended stays in countries, learn the language (I'm already pretty proficient at French, thanks French immersion in Canada ), learn the food, the history, the stories of the families there. For me it is my highest priority and is extremely important in my life to living a full and complete life.
Dayle Clarke he grew up fairly poor, so he didn’t really have that- I don’t know why it was hard for you to believe that he got jobs along the way? Not everyone has parents who can help out after a point, also they had a few kids. Not trying to start something, just good spirited debate...
Seamus Hawks I think you have misunderstood us. It’s a typical cliche for people that have made riches to always claim they came to US with $20 in their pocket and made their way. Hence the joke.
@@dayleclarke4433 send money to someone constantly on the move in the 80s? They didn't have banking apps back then you know People will always find an excuse to not do something
People often use the "only had 100$" thing but in his youth $150 dollars would be about...$1000 today. Not a fortune but certainly enough. I traveled when I was that age with 1k in my pocket as well.
Yes it's a good idea to be a useless member of society for two years "discovering yourself". Go right ahead and be a hippie hitchhiker, it'll save jobs and places to live for us rational people.
@@SaintNyx Or work at Tesla assembling cars for 19/hr. Or becoming an apprentice in any trade that the minimum pay starts at 16/hr. Customer service is not the only option. It might be for idiots like you, but anyone with a bit of common sense can find better work.
@@SaintNyx You seem to think that if you start to work you can't travel, it's more beneficial to work then travel. You start a career at a trade and learn the craft for a year or two, you will have money saved to actually travel and if you go over seas you now have a skills you can use to make money as other countries and states need tradesman. You are young basically before your 25 as your brain doesn't fully develop until that age, so you have fucking plenty of time to travel. Making people travel right when they turn 18 is retarded and misguided.
Unfortunately, you don't have that freedom when you're poor. Take a year off, or two. No es posible, señore. I was free, really free, only for one day in my life. It was a really special feeling, It's different from just not having a current occupation. Real freedom is a palpable feeling.
@@idontknow-lc8bz I guess so. But to the inexperienced, its negatives can outweigh its benefits. It’s best to research and plan thoroughly before attempting something like that. Though, my opinion probably doesn’t mean much since I haven’t traveled locally or overseas a lot.
The difference between never travelling VS travelling, is the difference between fearing the different & unknown VS getting to Know the different & unknown. And learning that what you feared, simply isn't true.
True, happiness doesn't come from external world, it's all a mental process that is inside. There are people who live in a cave in ecstasy and people who drive lambo without any need of work and still are miserable. It's all about how good one can manage his body and mind.
Boy, this spoke directly to me. At 64 burned out with my J.O.B. bought a new motorcycle & tent and went down the road less traveled for ten weeks. I became addicted to the freedom. Got rid of EVERYTHING except what fits in my saddlebags. Some days I don't know where I'm going until I check the weather. I've found by not always trying to find a destination I can concentrate on finding who I really am. I'm becoming richer by the day with all the interesting characters I'm meeting along the way. Thank you for posting this just for me.
I joined the air force at 19, lived in germany for 2 years and then guam for a year and a half. Best time i ever had. Now i am 54 and i will be going to south american for a while. Love it (from denver co)
I turned 21 soon. This came at a really good time. I'm getting my bachelors simply because it's completely paid for, but it's not really what I want to do. I've always wanted to travel.
Travel is great. Not only for the sight-seeing, but also to put the world in perspective. It’s pretty important to understand that 99% of the people in the world are normal, hard-working and generally happy. What you see on TV, Twitter and the internet is pretty abnormal most of the time.
You are so lucky to have that paid for. Take advantage of it. If you can, take that gift that was blessed on to you and help others. I don't know what up studied but hope all is well
This is actually so true. I graduated a little over 2 years ago and i'm just now planning on going back to school this next fall. These past 2 years after high school have been the best years of my life and I've changed so much as a person. Living how you want to live for just a few months really seemed to help me grow up. I know i'm only 20 but compared to my friends who went straight to college after high school, i dont know i just seem much more prepared for the real world than they are. We're all practically beat to death on how we need to go to college straight out of high school and you really dont. It's really great seeing someone talk about this because I've felt this way basically ever since college was becoming an option. I knew i didn't want to go right off the bat, i wanted to explore the world for what it is. I wanted to live for once.
The part when he said after you get out of high school, take a year off, was so very true. Jumping into college without without any direction is a waste of time and money unless you truly know what your plan is.
*TAKE A GAP YEAR* after HS/College and Really take that time to think about your career... Whether you're travelling or not during that time.. That's the best thing I've ever done and wish upon others too
Matija Kukec go to school part time, work part time, and explore the world. You need to see how the world works outside of a classroom. College will open your mind but the world will do a much better job at it!
I heard a speech on the radio, and I can't remember who said it, but in short it was something like; if you don't (yet) have a career, a spouse, children or family reasons to stay at home, then you are ready to take a walk. I did it, and am so glad I did when I had the chance. I remember sitting on the roof of a bus, going across a plain, towards the looming middle Himalayas, and in Kerala, I had a group of wonderful new friends who I hadn't known two months before. Many frustrations too, but you never know what you can do until you have done it. If you can do it, because the chance will probably not come again.
I’m definitely a man of isolation and peace, it seems I’m at home when I have freedom to do as I please. Working a standard job for the rest of my life just ain’t for me, I need to be active/or isolated but doing something I love or can appreciate that is for the betterment of all, I’m 24 and I still don’t know what I want to do but I’m working to stay afloat and enjoying the journey. I hope one day to find the key to my destiny.. I hope my dreams can save me..
Just some advice from one stranger to another - don't fall into the trap of thinking that working a boring job means you can't do something for the betterment of all with the rest of your time. A lot of us just use the boring job to pay for our 'purpose' or passion - the job doesn't have to *be* the purpose. A lot of the time, the best things that you can bring to the world won't make you any money anyway, and so it has to work this way around. All the best.
This almost brought tears to my eyes. I will definitely give this wisdom to my 17 year old. He’s so, very, concerned about his career, I say, some people change their minds, mid way through college, it’s fine. The idea to travel, may be his ticket. Many thanks for sharing.
Words of genius! I travelled around the U.S. for close to 10 years, following oil work, when I turned 21. I still use the skills I taught myself then, but Ive known exactly what I wanted to do since I was 8 years old and completed my first engine reassembly 😁
After high school I took a year off, it turned into 3 years. I worked a couple of full time jobs, at different times. I took a couple classes at the local Tech College. Now I'm back at school, and I think I know my self better, and just as importantly, I know what direction in life I want to go.
paying attention to your surroundings is really so important. Sounds easy but so many people walk around busy thinking about things/problems or looking at phones and miss what is in front of them. Information comes to you when you are grounded in your body.
If you're able to have a gap year,PLEASE DO IT. I am 26 now, never had a chance to have a gap year since Im living in a 3rd world country and after highschool I needed to find a good scholarship just to finish my studies. I did finish my studies and I am now a professional BUT after 2 yrs of graduation, I had a big depression and an identity crisis.. i don't know what to do with my life anymore because everything seems meaningless.. But after I solo traveled when I was 25, i learned a lot of things about myself and I understand myself even more. Travelling really helps you, do it for at least a month.
Much respect and thanks to Mr. Cranston for sharing this with us, but I disagree on the specifics while arguably agreeing with the spirit of his talk. Childhood is the time to be free. There is risk and there is a lot to learn in a short time, but I believe that 16 should not be the first time a child has been unattended or in a position to get lost. I read many testimonials in the comments about "I'm a teenager, my life is overwhelming and I really just want to sort myself out" and such. Much love and respect to these people also. Don't raise your child to be stunned the first time they are out in the wild. Expose children as young as you can to controlled, productive risks. Once you've given then the tools and the basic experience, let them alone so they can grow something of themselves and face themselves when no one is watching. Teenage years are a time of incredible turmoil in the life of many, and loading that with more by pushing back development until reality comes crashing down on them is not doing them any favours. Raise your children so that they are not just completely capable of leaving home and supporting themselves, but so that they've figured it out long ago and gotten over the initial sting of impatience to do so. Get them in touch with deeper values (theirs, not yours) that will serve as a foundation to them once they are floating out alone in the sea of us. Let them rebel young, when their whole world is smaller and rebellions and hurt feelings are easy to manage and evolve without comparatively long-lasting collateral damage.
It's still applicable when you're at your 30s and having the same thoughts, right? Thank you Brian, sir. These days, I feel like I'm being made to feel guilty or afraid of my future that's why I also gave up on traveling... But I also do have the same thoughts, feeling lost and wanting to rediscover myself. This is the answer.
What Bryan describes is a perfect example of how to get confidence in yourself for the life now, and life ahead. Once you are able to connect the dots and naturally develop plans for any kinds of risks come your way, the fear of unknown will become less, and level of confidence will become higher.
I'm 21, have just left uni and am entering my first year in teaching. Though I'm so lucky to be in the position I'm in, pretending I know what I'm doing, and being responsible for so many kids' happiness, wellbeing and success is so much pressure. I don'y even know me yet! I agree, give kids some breathing room.
ask your students for advice! you're starting out as a teacher, they'll understand you're young and enthusiastic but also flexible so you can adapt to their needs & wishes
That is way too young to be living like a forty year old. If I were you, I'd quit my staid teaching job and move to Vietnam and teach English. Look it up. Ton of videos of young people doing exactly that. Vietnam is hip and modern and cool as shit. How does that sound relative to what you're currently doing? You have your whole life to be grown up and pinned down. Don't piss away your youth. Savor it.
Couldn’t agree more...started traveling in earnest at middle age and it changed me for the better as well and now I’m an expat. Traveling rocks - especially if you are lost already anyway.
I would say as just a minimum you NEED to leave your hometown or most lived in area. You could go like a state over or even a few cities (that you hopefully haven't been to prior). I agree with this so damn much. It's weird I kinda did that on accident though.
You're absolutely right! The biggest regret of my late teens/twenties is that I didn't travel. I live in a developing country but back then our economy/exchange rates weren't as bad as they are now. BUT in my 30s now I did move from my home town across the country two years ago and... it is a different lifestyle, culture, world... Even a different language! I absolutely love it. Not everyone's experience will be the same but I truly encourage people to at least try, as soon as they can, to make even the smallest moves happen. It changes your perspective. And if you want to go back home you'll have the kind of maturity that you might never have gained had you never left. Good luck to everyone out there still figuring out what you want to do 🍀🤞🏽
I'm 18 and I give myself a really hard time because nowadays you see so many successful people at the age of 18. I try so many things to just know what I like to do. I'm trying but my friends say that I give myself a very hard time by all these thoughts about the meaning and purpose of my life and my endless and exhausting search for it everyday. this video made me feel better and let go and just rest a little
"What you want to do for the rest of your life?" must be one of the most overrated (and ineffective) questions out there!! Goes well with "will it be on the test?"!
Your mens property so You should hush your mouth and cover your face and body up. nobody ask you for an opinion. Now be a Good woman and obey your men leaders, they know whats best for a woman. SO hush up and cook and clean the house, make a sandwhich. You will never leave saudi arabia, where you are safe and sound from the men of other countries who want to whistle at you and have sex with you before marriage and date you so you should be glad you can never leave saudi arabia where that will never happen
Nana - you need to leave that place asap.i know it's easier said than done. But if you can find a way to migrate to other country, do it. it will be good for you.
I grew up in a motocross family. We traveled far and wide, and all around the world not just usa. From 14-18 I was completely on my own living in a camper 1000s of miles away from any family. I grew up very fast, and was always attracted to speaking to elders, people my age didnt have anything interesting to say I always thought. All the unknowns, I was living the best time of my life
Culturally we should all be encouraged to travel. Seeing other places and experiencing other people is an amazing thing. And the journey itself is something else.
I was glad he mentioned travel, turned 60 looking back my travels are my best memories, favourite 3 countries, Norway, Greenland and Pakistan. No regrets at all. Very fortunate. Do keep a diary.Priceless.
Now, this is exactly why I took a break from college after 1 year. I didn't feel like I was ready to commit to it for another 3-4 years and get a degree I'm not sure I want. I don't want to waste 4 years of my life and then suddenly realize that this is not what I want to do. This is my first time seeing this video and I'm glad I have this video to back up my decision of taking a break from school. Let's just freaking explore and do what we want until we find what we want to do. So many people are hardwired to believe that you should know what you want to do for the rest of your life when you're 16 and that you should go to college straight out of high school. You could follow the safe path or make your own path.
Great advise but unfortunately doesn’t apply to everyone especially in developing countries and those who have other obligations such as caring for relatives… wish we all could do the similar thing to it tho.
For those of us in the Western world we are so lucky to be able to do this. Im 27 now have travelled a fair bit of the world. But I am so lucky and fortunate to live in a place where I can get enough money to be able to come and go as I please. Good point you made tho. Forever grateful
I lost myself in Colombia, Mexico and Panama for 5 years when I was 45. Best adventure of my life. If I had gone when I was younger, my life would be totally different; for the better.
I was in military academy for 3,5 years meant to be an army officer, but decided to try somehting totally different. I went to another country for 2 months got some random work, came back, travelled a little across my own country and recently enrolled to CS in college. Still don't know what is that I should be doing. I don't even care now, I want to embrace life as much as possible, no matter what I do.
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The subtitles on this...?
@@waxcomb Commentary? I don't know..!. They think you can be smarter, faster by listening and reading two diferent contents...
not really a smart sentence
I was a straight A student that took a few years off of school to work and travel. When I finally got home from my travels I sat down with my dad and asked him what I should do. I knew that having a college education would better my chances at getting a well paying job but I had no idea what I should study. He said to me, "Listen kid, I'm 62 years old and I still don't know what the hell I want to do. Get used to not knowing because if you're anything like me you probably never will. But, that's ok, just go out there and give it your best shot." I think that's some of the best advise my dad has ever given me.
expLauren thats awesome, wish my dad gave me advices like this lol
expLauren the way your dad thinks is awesome
Well what should I give a shot at?
expLauren your Dad's right.
got any passions? talents? something along those lines.
Sometimes I drive to 1-2 hours away from my house and just walk around and eat at restaurants in random small towns.
What a great exchange
I have a week off - I think I am going to do that - thanks!
Owen McManus me too haha. But I do it on my bicycle
What was the most amazing thing you discovered?
krosfyah mostly scenery but it is also great to find a cool abandoned barn or something. They make for great photographs.
Brian: After high school, take a year or two off and travel
Pandemic: Hold my beer
Economy:You are broke and your country too, go work ass of you cant travel.
Unfortunately for me I decided to take a year off and travel France but about halfway through the pandemic started and in France they did not joke around I was practically under house arrest for 6 months only allowed to walk my dog or get groceries
@@diamondproductions2 Ah... that sucks. Sorry to hear it.
Get off your ass and walk or drive somewhere new
Jesus Christ: Tell the coof to hold my wine!
"we look down to 16 year olds.... they're not fully baked yet"
Good sir, I was fully baked when I was 16. Fully baked, 24/7.
Empathy Lessons this is me rn😂
LOL
i mean that is how we all stumbled upon malcolm in the middle and breaking bad right ?
Lmaoooo yea 16 good times
Being 16 kinda stinks
i took a 2 years off after highschool. no money for college, all i had was a supportive hard working mother and plenty of time. took different jobs about 12 different jobs in total from janitor to call centers to plumbing to receptionist. in between those i traveled mostly locally. and most of the time just by myself. the perspective that you get is immense. the appreciation towards many things from education to time and freedom is tremendous. you truly do grow in one way or another.
ghostmimewency the hell can you get a job as receptionist (among the over 9 or so other jobs) without a certificate in this day in age? Did this story happen in the 80's?
it was front desk reception and no it didnt happen in the 80's lol
ghostmimewency
For me....
2 years off & job searching for those 2 years.... wtf man. I eventually got a temp job which was ok. Warehouse stuff for $12. Now I'm back in college. So yeah college is good when you know it is.
Draigon18 it doesn't take months to learn how to clean a toilet or be a receptionist. The jobs he took probably barely took any formal training.
ppl come and go in jobs all the time...not all jobs are permanent especially for young people. i left all those workplaces in good terms and is still to this day in contact with some of the employees and bosses there. i didnt go job hopping for the sake of just getting jobs. heck most of those jobs were jobs that anyone with a common sense can do. if i were to compare and choose between a life of going to college then getting a career until retirement , than to what i decided to do, believe me i'll choose the latter. always.
Watched this in Florida, got in my car and started driving north … now I’m in Montana in some small town, just learned how to line dance & picked up a job at the one coffee shop in town. I’m completely lost. But I fucking love it
Love you!!! Keep on going!
Haha amazing. 🙏🏻
Brace for winter
Bravo
Thats awesome dude!
Why couldnt my teachers tell me this eight years ago when I was a senior in high school? Go to college they said. You'll be successful they said.
#payingdebtwithabsjob
Even after college, it's not too late to figure out what is it that you're gonna do for the rest of your life
They call it taking a sabbatical, taking time off to reflect. You can do that anytime. College is important for developing your thinking ability. You can think thoughts now because of college that you couldn't have thought 8 years ago.
i think college nowadays is overrated, you might get more wisdom by attending seminars and workshops, and get off more cheaper.
It's never too late to change. But no one ells can do it for you.
This video deserves 10 million views... coming from a senior in high school who witnesses EXTREME widespread anxiety from my generation everyday in the hallways, to figure out what they want to do with their lives, it was great to hear these wise and relevant words
Shit is hard. I'm in a top 10 STEM graduate program. I work 6-7 days a week. I'm successful so far and have several publications. I still don't know what I want to do after. No idea. But there's one thing I do know. Work hard, no matter what point of your life you're in. Get that high GPA, test scores, and publications. Why? Because when the time comes to deciding and figuring out what you want to do, you won't have closed doors but opportunities. That is the best advice I can give to anyone who is still young.
@John Doe - Yea, I had all the opportunity but none of the focus myself. A candle in the wind is essentially useless without a lens. I had limitless interest in science outside of school and it never translated to the classroom. Now these days I see more of the closed doors because I squandered it. I mean I'm successful in IT, but largely unhappy because it's just the thing that occupies my life between weekends. Your words are something I hope to help my kids understand, work hard and unlock as many doors as you can. You can always decide to not go through them. It's hard to go about it the other way around.
@Jack Burke - I think what's done this generation a great disservice is saying the sky's the limit. There's literally too much opportunity for everyone out there. I know that sounds dumb, but if you're at an intersection of two roads, you can focus your energy in one or two directions. Today people walk out the front door into space with the proverbial unlimited options and just freeze.
I think Bryan's advice is interesting, but not everyone can do this -nor does everyone need to. It's awesome when it works out, but I know a lot of people that have drifted far too long to catch up to any one thing anymore. Some are happy with that, some are greatly depressed. Focus and hard work, even -maybe especially- under duress, is far more valuable than people realize anymore.
Graduated last month and couldn’t be any happier 😏 I found peace in not knowing what I wanna do, but having an idea of what my passions are. Currently pursuing them, let’s see if I succeed or crash and burn(I’ll get back up nigga)
Dont forget about the trade schools and apprenticeship programs.. you can travel and work around the country like I did.. and get paid doing it. Check out Ibew njatc programs.
Great advice. I was a fairly quiet and introverted teen and wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I up and left to go overseas when I was 21 and ended up working and travelling for 10 years. The people I met, stories and adventures I had are priceless and made me into an outgoing and interesting person. Some people mature psychologically early and some don't, I certainly didn't, probably not until my 30's did I grow out of having to get hammered every weekend but now I've got it out of my system (still have the odd tipple of course), have my own house and business and haven't looked back
Thats amazing! What did you work with while you were away?
@@williamkjellstrand5280 haha! Thanks William. I'm not sure if I'd say it was amazing, well, it actually was for me and I certainly had a great time and have no regrets.
To answer your question I'll give you some more context. I'm a Kiwi (New Zealander) and went over to Australia by myself. I know it wasn't a HUGE move but was pretty big for me at the time. I did anything and everything I could from doing room service in a resort to packing meat in an abattoir, labouring on building sites to building railway tracks, working in retail to picking Mangos, chillies and bananas. One of the best jobs was working on a dive boat in Cairns taking people out to the Great Barrier reef every day. I love computers so the last thing I did before returning was managing the online sales for a big retail chain.
The fruit picking was also fun because I stayed in working hostels and met so many people and had some crazy experiences that I'll never forget. :)
@@TheTruthKiwi Wow! Well I'm a 16 yr Swede, i've always thought about the idea of traveling far away and spending a few years outside of my home country.
I'm split about the idea of working my ass of in my twenties to have a stable foundation and a solid bank account for my future family. Or traveling and having experiences during that time. I'm hoping to find a way were I can fullfill both dreams.
@@williamkjellstrand5280 Wow, you are very young my friend! I'm pretty sure I wasn't thinking about being financially stable for a family when I was 16, that is amazing! Good on you for thinking ahead.
I would absolutely recommend travelling while you are young. 1 or 2 years isn't going to affect your long term financial stability I can assure you. If you leave when you're 19 you'll be back by the time you're 21 and you'll be a much more worldly and interesting person. I forgot to mention that I studied in Australia when I was 28! It took me that long to find out what I really wanted to do but when I found it I really went for it because I love it.
@@TheTruthKiwi I will definitely consider doing that. I'll be done with school by 18, I'm thinking about traveling and working a year or so after that, before I continue studying.
I think it's important to have those experiences while we still have the chance and I bet you have grown as a person because of them. I always find it fascinating to talk with people who have traveled the world, what they have seen or done. It's an experience I hope to have one day.
can i restart life and have this guy as my dad
josh kinsman josh, im your real dad and I'm really sad to read this
Steasy1337 dude its Heisenberg. i didnt knoe my dad liked drake?
Yes
I'm okay with my dad but damn... Restarting my life is my biggest wish, I swear to God. If only...
I just want a dad😓😂
If only Malcolm and his brothers had such an insightful father...
They do, i think Hell would approve of Brians message!
Definetly, remember the motor bike tour with Francis? Also this is kinda what Francis did anyway..
idk i disagree to me he did have it figured out especially in his quite moments. i think him and red foreman woulda neem great neigjbours.
To bad Hal had to get with that lady and have 4 kids and work some crappy desk job.
This comment just made my day
The "don't talk to strangers" mantra has really paralyzed some people
Well that's because it's aimed for children and teenagers.
@@victuz but if they don’t learn as children and teenagers they will be bad at it as adults
@@victuz Yeah but your experiences as children and teenager shape how you'll think later on.
Your brain is developing during that time.
@@SdGary420 I don't think so! If I had a kid I wouldn't want them chatting to strangers and honestly, as a preteen and teen I met A LOT of pedophiles, so I'm really glad I wasn't blindly trusting and chatty, that's just dangerous. I was very afraid of strangers as a wee child but now I can talk to anyone as an adult!
@@ateyaba7253 Being shy as a kid doesn't make you unable to speak as an adult, and being an introvert is totally ok apart from everything.
Now he's out here sellin meth. Smh
itsLucidity yea stop being stupid, he's on probation now.
He also died, very sad story.
Can’t believe it took me a while to realize what you guys where talking about, SMH
itsLucidity. He didn’t sell meth, he just made it. Jessie sold it
Fucking A I was about to start the last season but spoilers....
"I am the one who travels"
Tristan Markes I see what you did there
+Brandon Breaker YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT.
icecreampimpdeux
Saaay my name
Nolan Milnes I don't think he stretched it like that... that sounds kinda sexual and gay
Daniel I'll pop your cherry too punk!
He would make a good Commissioner Gordon
VladCast good shout
He played Gordon in Batman Year One if it scratches your itch.
Afonso Lucas He means live action
Or Dr. Doom
Instead they cast a black guy even though he clearly doesn't fit the look of Gordon
"When on the road be wary of your feet, there's no knowing where you'll be swept of to." -Bilbo Baggins
He blew it
Guys... It's not even really about living comfortably. It's about getting out there, seeing new things. If you worry too much about the logistics, you're never going to actually step foot out the door. 99% of my travels have consisted of uncomfortable times, but God, everything else outweighs that awkwardness. Stop worrying and start doing. Great things in life don't manifest from excuses.
Tony Brisson Life is about opportunity. Travel is just one path. Anything that gets an individual to experience new things will open his or her eyes.
Truth 💯
Tony Brisson THIS. many people argue that they're too poor or busy which could be true but in reality if you're willing to be uncomfortable (both financially maybe and physically) then travel is limitless! when you're picky about only staying in 3 star and above hotels with catered breakfast, that's when your options are limited and you have to be making good money. otherwise it's just buying random flights, taking buses, having no plans just going with the flow :)
Veni Vidi Amavi I like your comment. It does sound fun to just pick some random place and go. Get away from it all.
IMO, sometimes being absolutely destitute is the ONLY way to really experience the right things. The things you can really learn something about yourself from. When you literally only have your own two hands, two feet, and wit to help you survive, you'd be amazed at what you can do. The experiences "broke" people often have in the course of normal life, are richer moments than most. I'm not saying this from my leather arm chair while drinking scotch either. I've been there. Some of the most real, eye-opening, and inspiring moments happen in the situations when you are most vulnerable.
I asked my family if I could do this, they said go and dont come back 😂😂😂😂😂
@@kalakartist not just indian families. almost all asian families are like that
@@kalakartist self racist
It's funny but it's really not funny. That kind of pressure is toxic from family/friends. Breaking free from others controlling your life is one of the best feelings ever. Make your own decisions.
@@gwapoo really? what about western families where you leave your parents who took care of you and eventually they die all alone.
@@Cycloneon its bad but it aint toxic. Everyone cares about each other here.
I wish my father or mother had told me this when I was 17. Only today, when I'm 25, I'm starting to understand and live what Bryan is saying.
At 17 I was perhaps still too young to take in what Bryan said. It was only at 25 that things really started to fall in place and I started really working on my ambitions.
Taking a year off after high school was one of the most important growing up periods of my life. If your in high school and if there's any uncertainty at all before college, take time off to really think. There's other areas of your life that needs your attention, more so than anything that's yet inconclusive. When you're ready and have an objective, that's when you should go head first with your education, or any path you choose to take in life. Fuck what anybody else thinks of your decisions; it's your experience, not theirs. We learn from our decisions, no matter the outcome.
ItzZehDiego tell me how is your life going righ now. I might do this choice by myself, just not sure yet..
Edvins Judins Dude, if you're hesitating then don't rush to go to college. My mom/ siblings keep telling me to enroll in college and telling me I already missed the first semester and I gotta get ready quick. It's all bullshit, I don't even know what profession I want to do so why would I rush to go to college. I need to live by myself. And I need a motorcycle for what Bryan is talking about (although I had that plan for a while now). There's so many things I want to do and college isn't one of them, at least not right now, so I think I know what I need to do and I hope you figure some shit out too.
Essentially where I am at right now.... my family all moved from one side of the US to the complete other side but in Canada. Its hard especially if you miss your friends you've known for years. College is a dream for me too with not being able to afford it..... just have to keep moving
Except you need money for all that and your parents might not want to pay.
As soon as I graduated I headed off to Nepal for 3 months.
It was one of the best decisions in my lifer - trekking the Himalayas, meeting amazing people and chilling out after over 16 or so years of schooling.
Also I am a 49 year old software developer - the idea of 'career' has always frightened me. Yet I work in challenging, interesting area where I don't know what the future holds - life is frightening and fascinating.
Nepal is a awesome and unique country !
J.R.R. Tolkien comes to mind: "Not all those who wander are lost".
I had the same thought with "Not knowing where the road will take you."
*Bryan Cranston wanders into my house uninvited*
Me: Well, this is unprecedented.
he is the one who didn't knock.
i think karl pilkington said it best.
"I've found some lovely little cafes when I'm lost"
Sadly I'm 27 and still trying to figure out what I want.
Zero_RR you're young you got so much time
You're screwed dude.
why sadly tho, it's just a part of life
34 here :/
Man, you're not old, you're a fucking baby.
Just do something you wanna do and just give it your best shot man
I recall most of my peers at 16 recognized that we didn't know what we wanted to do in adulthood but felt lots of pressure from parents to figure it out quick. I also had peers that knew exactly what they wanted at 16 and are now either miserable or in a different field 10 years later. Stay flexible out there
This video is so amazing.
I know, huh!!!?!!
Yes reneau
No renaud
Got that right.
I'm 35 and have no idea what I want to do, its infuriating.
Jason Messinger changed my life at 35 pal, went college for the first time, studied what I loved, everything else changed entirely along the way, outlook on life, appreciate the simplest of things, started riding motorcycles again. I'm 42 now and life seems to get better all the time. Not, insanely wealthy or blissfully happy but fairly content and financially comfortable. We are the masters of our own destiny :)
Jason Messinger
In five years you'll be 40. You better hurry up :)
Time to buy a corvette
Try not to think about what you should do, but what you're currently doing. What do you enjoy in your spare time? What drives you, what inspires you? Don't worry about having a goal, just make sure that you're on the right path. Your destination will reveal itself eventually.
Figuring out what you want to do with your life is overrated.
You don't HAVE to do anything! FINDING yourself is overrated.
Being 45, and after having careers and businesses, I'm now perfectly content letting life take me in any direction that feels right in the moment. Right now that means living a simple life with a garden and raising animals.
His voice is so relaxing and makes me feel like everything is going to be ok
I just love how relaxed this dude is. Being a senior in high school and seeing all of these different paths laid out in front of me, not knowing which one to go down, is made even more overwhelming by superiors always telling you that you need to act NOW, and know what's good for you NOW. This guy's attitude is the antithesis of that.
This video made me cry. As a teenager with too much pressure on her to get straight As and figure out what I'm going to do "for the rest of my life" despite the fact that I have basically no idea how the professional world works, this really resonates with me. When they make picking a subject for university like it's the biggest decision if my life but tell me not to worry if I don't know what I'm doing. I'm told to "follow my passion" but what do I do if my passions are everywhere? How does anyone have the time to figure this out in 17 years? I swear most adults still don't have a clue what the heck they're doing. We're not taught to be OK with not knowing or "being lost" as he called it, we're taught to fear it.
Gina Vong Travel!! I traveled New ZEALAND for 7 months and came out knowing who I was and what I wanted in life!
ColossalProjection unfortunately, British universities don't work like that. You pick one subject to do for 3 years. Like, you can change degrees but it's difficult...
I'm 33 and still have no fucking clue what I want to do, because I don't want to do anything. I was born against my will, as we all were. It's bullshit that we have to do anything in life that isn't fun. Would you ever volunteer to do something that didn't offer you satisfaction? Probably not. Being born is a curse.
Gina Vong I'm experiencing the same shitty situation right now. With both parents wanting me to take the "safe" path" and to go to college 'cause it's a "mistake" to stop my studies for 1/2 years.. I know they just don't want me to fuck up my future or someshit, but the safe path is the only thing they know.. I want to play guitar, I want to draw, I want to make movies, and most of all, I want to travel and leave this shitthole of a country that is France. I want to do SO MANY THINGS and I've got the determination to work my ass off to live while doing what I really want, but because it's not the safe-popular-shitty path, people will generally tell you to keep doing your studies, even if you know it will be a fucking lose of time... So last night, I decided to say fuck it. I ain't gonna go to college this year, I will use this time to work hard to save some money for travelling and to think about what I should start with...
As I'm going through the same thing, I have to Tell you my personal view. I think this generation should just do What they think is fun, this generation will not have the same job for whole of their lives, they have different ones every 10 years. Also with automatization it is difficult to Choose the right job, since AI scientists believe 50% of our now known jobs will be lost in the future (around 30-40 years). And in the process also creating Few new jobs. Technological advancements are getting too fast for the human mind to cope with, creating a very unclear future. Just do as you like!
I wish I had someone tell me this when I was around 16-18. Instead I was driven to depression due to the pressure of being told to find myself and plan my life at such a young age. Someone that young can't know what they want to be or where they want go. Only on rare occasions. I wish I had someone like Bryan to tell that it's okay to not know who I'm going to be or where I'll end up.
I'm 28, I never did any of this, and I regret it more than anything I've done since.
Wayfarer Zen me too
It's only too late if you don't start now. I finished my trip when I was just turning 34. No regrets.
You don't have to regret it. You just have to do it
Yall need to read some eckhart tolle
There’s no bad time.
Doing it now is probably the ideal - any younger and you can end up missing the important stuff. It would be a different trip in 6 years time.
You’re in the sweet spot
In short, knowing yourself is a key to everything, and travelling is a great (but not the only) way to do that.
TheCortexReaver Yes. Traveling is only one path amount thousands.
Right. Theres also ayahuasca
Max LB or other psyhedelics
You're God damn right
Алексей Почивалов you saw the chance and you took it
Nice apostrophe, good to see grammar
LMAO
He's Ra damn right! Or Zeus damn right! Or whatever damn right!
Buttface
I'm aussie. I'm going on a trip to the UK in two weeks, 2 year visa, a few grand in the bank and virtually no plans. Wish me luck!
Lmao why the Uk? Why not America, Asia or Canada?
@@Prodrentjet cause he wants to, so fuck off
Good luck!
Good luck finding an employment bruh.
froggyNotGreen Plenty of jobs over here in the UK. Don’t expect to get a good one though ;)
I completely agree. Your 18, 19, 20? Get the heck out of your home town and go explore for a while. Young people don't do that as much anymore.
I agree, but actually young people of this generation statistically travel much more than any other generation before. Travel has gotten easier and more affordable. I mean we have smartphones and GPS these days, you can literally go almost anywhere and get by.
At a 19 year old living in Australia, traveling is also expensive. With the house market being so expensive I would rather save my money to get a house loan, I think lots of other young people have the same idea.
With whos money bud?
Pfft young people are traveling all the time now.
It's like the cultural fad of our generation. I think Instagram has really allowed people to glorify it and also "ego-tise" it too. "Oh look at me, my life's awesome and I'm an interesting person because I was in another country for 2 weeks". Then they come home to their dead end job and life routine. Young people are traveling because it's what they think they should do now.
Im 26 and i still dont have a clue.
Having good health, is like owning a good vessel. If you don't learn new things and have new life experiences, you're putting a good vessel to waste, and might as well not have it.
JulianChee ill right ill kill myself
JulianChee worst motivational comment ever
Don't tell other people how to ive their lives. Some people are content just being comfortable. Going places means getting out of your comfort zone, at least for me. I do it anyways, but I understand why some don't.
What does it matter if we put a few vessels to waste? We have plenty of good vessels. We have no need to worry. Our collection of vessels is growing by the minute. Let these cracked vessels be, we have room for them, they're not taking up landfill.
I'm 30, i'm from Europe, had a job and loads of different stuff going, quit job and took a gap year to travel around New Zealand with a van. It was hard and scary to leave things behind. Now that I'm here for more than 8 months, I can say that it was the best decision of my life.
Wanted to become a policeman. Traveled. Became a meth lord. 🤔
Lol
Instruction unclear. Ended up working at McDonald 40/wk
@Exit Strategies It's not ok to have a 40/wk at McDonald's. The pay doesn't allow you to do much and it is far from a fulfilling job. Selling yourself short and saying to yourself that it's OK to work at McDonald's for years is ridiculous. Jobs like that should be used for highschool kids looking for extra change, a part time job for students, or a source of saving up for education for a short time.
I work there, 40hrs a week for an 18 y/o is great, not so much for a thirty year old failure though
Nothing wrong with that man. You can make career out of it and if does not work, move on. You contribute to society by serving food.
Bryce Brooks Most people dont have a choice. They need every penny they can get and if a macdonalds job is required to do so, so be it. Not everyone is raised in a middle-class household were you decide what you wanna become. A lot of people never get to make that choice.
work at walmart theyll hire u then work up to $14 an hour while living in ur car so u can $500 away a month in a savings accounct then after a couple years take that money and go WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
Before I quit my last job and moved into a van to travel North America, I did a magazine cover story on Bryan. While we were chatting, he told me about his adventure and I told him about my plans. He got me so stoked for the adventure. Great guy!
I'm 24, in 2 days i will be 25 yrs old. I still have no clue what i want, people always said I'd go somewhere, very far ahead of my peers and relatives. Here i am, watching a youtube video, getting nothing done. At 25 i hope i change my mindset to be a decent person to society and myself. I really want to change...
CafeNightster I'm 18 so I'm none the wiser, but the only advice I can give is make sure you take some time for the things that make you alive. For me it happens to be hiking and video games and spending time with family and friends. Also try meditating. whenever I feel lost I always remind myself it's okay to not know all the answers. I remind myself that I don't own all the problems in the world. I remind myself my ultimate goal in life is to be happy and do what makes me happy. Money is secondary to that.
I hope you'll find yourself soon but until then, don't rush it
I'm so 18, but uchihamadara isn't anymore. So I guess I'm here to instill some not so wise knowledge. I turn 19 in February and I'm in a full time job that I don't particularly love. I'm stressed by responsibilities thrusted onto me by others. Take time for yourself, just to sit. Open your mind up to more possibilities. Can you get stuck on 2 decisions, yes, are there more than 2; mostly always. I hope you both are doing well, hopefully well established in what you want to do. Or at least not working a job you hate. If either if you see this, please comment and let me, a stranger on the other side of the internet, hear your story (moreso read but you get the point).
He's so right. My social anxiety was pretty bad in Canada, I studied in Germany for 6 months and at that time an Australian said to me "just say yes, the worse thing that happens is you just go home" and that got me through every single decision in life. Switch careers? Ok, worse case scenario is you literally go back. No loss. But I've never gone back. My life always improved, always worked out whenever I said yes.
He is absolutely right! Best thing that ever happened to me was taking a year off and travel to New Zealand. I ended up staying for 4 years before taking off again and travel through South East Asia where I discovered my love for Scuba Diving. Now I am a Scuba Diving Instructor in a place I love and I am grateful every morning I wake up in paradise, that I had the guts to take this one plane away from home.
To all the young kids, go out there, dream big and discover the world so you can discover yourself along the way!
My mom and other people always have this look of "Oh that shounds nice, but do you have to do it now?" and say stuff like 'Well shouldn't you get this done first, or do this first before going travelling?" And I always tell them, I'd rather go out and and gain the experience, the wisdom, the more global, and local, perspective on the world now. While I'm young. And I'm not even young lol, I'm 28. But I'd rather go do it now and do a tonne of travelling done before I'm 32. There is absolutely nothing, I mean NOTHING, that can replace or be used as a substitute for travelling to foreign countries. There is a look in people's eyes who have really travelled around and absorbed the culture, scenery, lifestyle of other places. When I ask older people where they've travelled and all they say is maybe some resort vacations in Mexico or one week in a European country, It just makes me sad. I want to have extended stays in countries, learn the language (I'm already pretty proficient at French, thanks French immersion in Canada ), learn the food, the history, the stories of the families there. For me it is my highest priority and is extremely important in my life to living a full and complete life.
Some people get it. You're one of them.
Drew 28 is super young
4:37 FINALLY!!! Someone who had more than “$20” in their pocket before they turned their life around. 🤣
20 in the pocket and parents to send them money any time they need it. (nothing wrong with the help, it's the lying about it.)
Dayle Clarke he grew up fairly poor, so he didn’t really have that- I don’t know why it was hard for you to believe that he got jobs along the way? Not everyone has parents who can help out after a point, also they had a few kids. Not trying to start something, just good spirited debate...
Seamus Hawks I think you have misunderstood us. It’s a typical cliche for people that have made riches to always claim they came to US with $20 in their pocket and made their way. Hence the joke.
@@dayleclarke4433 send money to someone constantly on the move in the 80s? They didn't have banking apps back then you know
People will always find an excuse to not do something
People often use the "only had 100$" thing but in his youth $150 dollars would be about...$1000 today. Not a fortune but certainly enough. I traveled when I was that age with 1k in my pocket as well.
Middle aged wisdom. I’ve heard this speech before, but he’s right. It’s good advice.
Yes it's a good idea to be a useless member of society for two years "discovering yourself". Go right ahead and be a hippie hitchhiker, it'll save jobs and places to live for us rational people.
BTW have fun working at McDonald’s.
@@SaintNyx Or work at Tesla assembling cars for 19/hr. Or becoming an apprentice in any trade that the minimum pay starts at 16/hr. Customer service is not the only option. It might be for idiots like you, but anyone with a bit of common sense can find better work.
@@btw3344 I'd take an extended vacation over $16 an hour. Life experiences are more important that a meager paycheck.
@@SaintNyx You seem to think that if you start to work you can't travel, it's more beneficial to work then travel. You start a career at a trade and learn the craft for a year or two, you will have money saved to actually travel and if you go over seas you now have a skills you can use to make money as other countries and states need tradesman. You are young basically before your 25 as your brain doesn't fully develop until that age, so you have fucking plenty of time to travel. Making people travel right when they turn 18 is retarded and misguided.
"Don't get cancer. You might have to sell meth."
Riley Jones hank: yeah you might become that weird singing dude
Riley Jones already am.
Finding no Malcolm in the Middle refrences is really disappointing...
Unfortunately, you don't have that freedom when you're poor. Take a year off, or two. No es posible, señore. I was free, really free, only for one day in my life. It was a really special feeling, It's different from just not having a current occupation. Real freedom is a palpable feeling.
I agree. It depends on one’s lifestyle and environment.
Look up vagrant holiday it's not that difficult to travel with no money it's ur mindset
Traveling can be extremely cheap. The likelihood of you being in the .0001% that truly can’t travel is very small
@@idontknow-lc8bz I guess so. But to the inexperienced, its negatives can outweigh its benefits. It’s best to research and plan thoroughly before attempting something like that. Though, my opinion probably doesn’t mean much since I haven’t traveled locally or overseas a lot.
This guy said he started with 150$
The difference between never travelling VS travelling, is the difference between fearing the different & unknown VS getting to Know the different & unknown. And learning that what you feared, simply isn't true.
The whole idea of knowing what you want to do is stupid, happiness is all in the mentality and mind, be happy doing whatever you’re doing
True, happiness doesn't come from external world, it's all a mental process that is inside. There are people who live in a cave in ecstasy and people who drive lambo without any need of work and still are miserable. It's all about how good one can manage his body and mind.
Yeah, but Bryan, isn't it dangerous to travel? "No... I AM the danger"
lmao
lol :D
LOL
Joe C cucomme if
Im the one who knocks!
Boy, this spoke directly to me. At 64 burned out with my J.O.B. bought a new motorcycle & tent and went down the road less traveled for ten weeks. I became addicted to the freedom. Got rid of EVERYTHING except what fits in my saddlebags. Some days I don't know where I'm going until I check the weather. I've found by not always trying to find a destination I can concentrate on finding who I really am. I'm becoming richer by the day with all the interesting characters I'm meeting along the way. Thank you for posting this just for me.
I needed to hear this 4 years ago.
Taking a gap year is frowned upon.. if you're asian..
i feel you man. more asian families are square minded than those in the west
Who cares what others think
This video is clearly aimed at rich Westerners who don't need to contribute as much as everyone else.
@@markgreen6229 that's simply not true, he never once directed this experience towards people with money. Anyone can have this experience
@@markgreen6229 disagree, most people work hard everywhere.
I joined the air force at 19, lived in germany for 2 years and then guam for a year and a half. Best time i ever had. Now i am 54 and i will be going to south american for a while. Love it (from denver co)
What country?
I turned 21 soon. This came at a really good time. I'm getting my bachelors simply because it's completely paid for, but it's not really what I want to do. I've always wanted to travel.
Travel is great. Not only for the sight-seeing, but also to put the world in perspective. It’s pretty important to understand that 99% of the people in the world are normal, hard-working and generally happy. What you see on TV, Twitter and the internet is pretty abnormal most of the time.
You are so lucky to have that paid for. Take advantage of it. If you can, take that gift that was blessed on to you and help others. I don't know what up studied but hope all is well
I am currently in the exact same situation!
On my third gap year after high school. It has been an amazing experience. Tough but inspiring and it had led me to finding my own path in life.
This is actually so true. I graduated a little over 2 years ago and i'm just now planning on going back to school this next fall. These past 2 years after high school have been the best years of my life and I've changed so much as a person. Living how you want to live for just a few months really seemed to help me grow up. I know i'm only 20 but compared to my friends who went straight to college after high school, i dont know i just seem much more prepared for the real world than they are. We're all practically beat to death on how we need to go to college straight out of high school and you really dont. It's really great seeing someone talk about this because I've felt this way basically ever since college was becoming an option. I knew i didn't want to go right off the bat, i wanted to explore the world for what it is. I wanted to live for once.
The part when he said after you get out of high school, take a year off, was so very true. Jumping into college without without any direction is a waste of time and money unless you truly know what your plan is.
*TAKE A GAP YEAR*
after HS/College and Really take that time to think about your career...
Whether you're travelling or not during that time..
That's the best thing I've ever done and wish upon others too
I just enrolled into college, why haven't I seen this earlier 😏😒
Channel for Positivity l Understanding l Justice im in year 11 now and was considering it but isnt a year too long?
Matija Kukec go to school part time, work part time, and explore the world. You need to see how the world works outside of a classroom. College will open your mind but the world will do a much better job at it!
Zach thanks for the tip, I found a good video on YT: "TedX talks Tomislav Perko" that is talking about travelling. I reccomend I might just do that
kenyen yes a year is a long time. away from family, home, friends... its quite painful
I heard a speech on the radio, and I can't remember who said it, but in short it was something like; if you don't (yet) have a career, a spouse, children or family reasons to stay at home, then you are ready to take a walk. I did it, and am so glad I did when I had the chance. I remember sitting on the roof of a bus, going across a plain, towards the looming middle Himalayas, and in Kerala, I had a group of wonderful new friends who I hadn't known two months before. Many frustrations too, but you never know what you can do until you have done it. If you can do it, because the chance will probably not come again.
I’m definitely a man of isolation and peace, it seems I’m at home when I have freedom to do as I please. Working a standard job for the rest of my life just ain’t for me, I need to be active/or isolated but doing something I love or can appreciate that is for the betterment of all, I’m 24 and I still don’t know what I want to do but I’m working to stay afloat and enjoying the journey. I hope one day to find the key to my destiny.. I hope my dreams can save me..
Just some advice from one stranger to another - don't fall into the trap of thinking that working a boring job means you can't do something for the betterment of all with the rest of your time. A lot of us just use the boring job to pay for our 'purpose' or passion - the job doesn't have to *be* the purpose.
A lot of the time, the best things that you can bring to the world won't make you any money anyway, and so it has to work this way around.
All the best.
This almost brought tears to my eyes. I will definitely give this wisdom to my 17 year old. He’s so, very, concerned about his career, I say, some people change their minds, mid way through college, it’s fine. The idea to travel, may be his ticket. Many thanks for sharing.
Words of genius! I travelled around the U.S. for close to 10 years, following oil work, when I turned 21. I still use the skills I taught myself then, but Ive known exactly what I wanted to do since I was 8 years old and completed my first engine reassembly 😁
No matter where you go...
...there you are ;-p
Ken Bell true! :)
Ken Bell my mantra
Yeah we've all seen that show.
Watching this before I'm about to go sit in four plus hours of college classes for a major I don't necessarily care for. Fun...
same
After high school I took a year off, it turned into 3 years. I worked a couple of full time jobs, at different times. I took a couple classes at the local Tech College. Now I'm back at school, and I think I know my self better, and just as importantly, I know what direction in life I want to go.
I did it at 18 and again at 48.... Incredible journey both times.
Such reasonable, sound, thoughtful, mending and beautiful advice.
paying attention to your surroundings is really so important. Sounds easy but so many people walk around busy thinking about things/problems or looking at phones and miss what is in front of them. Information comes to you when you are grounded in your body.
just began a journey 5200 miles away from home after graduating from high school. a little nervous but this video gives me more confidence!
Best thing you could have done. I'll bet that now, nine months after you wrote that comment, you find it amusing.
This video came at a perfect time for me thanks
If you're able to have a gap year,PLEASE DO IT.
I am 26 now, never had a chance to have a gap year since Im living in a 3rd world country and after highschool I needed to find a good scholarship just to finish my studies. I did finish my studies and I am now a professional BUT after 2 yrs of graduation, I had a big depression and an identity crisis.. i don't know what to do with my life anymore because everything seems meaningless.. But after I solo traveled when I was 25, i learned a lot of things about myself and I understand myself even more. Travelling really helps you, do it for at least a month.
Much respect and thanks to Mr. Cranston for sharing this with us, but I disagree on the specifics while arguably agreeing with the spirit of his talk. Childhood is the time to be free. There is risk and there is a lot to learn in a short time, but I believe that 16 should not be the first time a child has been unattended or in a position to get lost.
I read many testimonials in the comments about "I'm a teenager, my life is overwhelming and I really just want to sort myself out" and such. Much love and respect to these people also. Don't raise your child to be stunned the first time they are out in the wild. Expose children as young as you can to controlled, productive risks. Once you've given then the tools and the basic experience, let them alone so they can grow something of themselves and face themselves when no one is watching. Teenage years are a time of incredible turmoil in the life of many, and loading that with more by pushing back development until reality comes crashing down on them is not doing them any favours.
Raise your children so that they are not just completely capable of leaving home and supporting themselves, but so that they've figured it out long ago and gotten over the initial sting of impatience to do so. Get them in touch with deeper values (theirs, not yours) that will serve as a foundation to them once they are floating out alone in the sea of us. Let them rebel young, when their whole world is smaller and rebellions and hurt feelings are easy to manage and evolve without comparatively long-lasting collateral damage.
xandercorp I'm sorry I can only like this comment once!
Great comment ..
It's still applicable when you're at your 30s and having the same thoughts, right? Thank you Brian, sir. These days, I feel like I'm being made to feel guilty or afraid of my future that's why I also gave up on traveling... But I also do have the same thoughts, feeling lost and wanting to rediscover myself. This is the answer.
30, same feels..
What Bryan describes is a perfect example of how to get confidence in yourself for the life now, and life ahead. Once you are able to connect the dots and naturally develop plans for any kinds of risks come your way, the fear of unknown will become less, and level of confidence will become higher.
Wife: Do you know where you are driving?
Walt: I was in a fugue state
I'm 21, have just left uni and am entering my first year in teaching. Though I'm so lucky to be in the position I'm in, pretending I know what I'm doing, and being responsible for so many kids' happiness, wellbeing and success is so much pressure. I don'y even know me yet! I agree, give kids some breathing room.
ask your students for advice! you're starting out as a teacher, they'll understand you're young and enthusiastic but also flexible so you can adapt to their needs & wishes
That is way too young to be living like a forty year old. If I were you, I'd quit my staid teaching job and move to Vietnam and teach English. Look it up. Ton of videos of young people doing exactly that. Vietnam is hip and modern and cool as shit. How does that sound relative to what you're currently doing?
You have your whole life to be grown up and pinned down. Don't piss away your youth. Savor it.
Couldn’t agree more...started traveling in earnest at middle age and it changed me for the better as well and now I’m an expat. Traveling rocks - especially if you are lost already anyway.
I would say as just a minimum you NEED to leave your hometown or most lived in area. You could go like a state over or even a few cities (that you hopefully haven't been to prior). I agree with this so damn much. It's weird I kinda did that on accident though.
You're absolutely right! The biggest regret of my late teens/twenties is that I didn't travel. I live in a developing country but back then our economy/exchange rates weren't as bad as they are now. BUT in my 30s now I did move from my home town across the country two years ago and... it is a different lifestyle, culture, world... Even a different language! I absolutely love it. Not everyone's experience will be the same but I truly encourage people to at least try, as soon as they can, to make even the smallest moves happen.
It changes your perspective. And if you want to go back home you'll have the kind of maturity that you might never have gained had you never left. Good luck to everyone out there still figuring out what you want to do 🍀🤞🏽
This is so true. You have to unshackle yourself. Some people don't need that because they always were outside those norms.
I'm 18 and I give myself a really hard time because nowadays you see so many successful people at the age of 18. I try so many things to just know what I like to do. I'm trying but my friends say that I give myself a very hard time by all these thoughts about the meaning and purpose of my life and my endless and exhausting search for it everyday. this video made me feel better and let go and just rest a little
"What you want to do for the rest of your life?" must be one of the most overrated (and ineffective) questions out there!!
Goes well with "will it be on the test?"!
How am I gonna use this in real life?
watching videos like this while living in a country where women are not allowed to travel do kill my spirit.
saudi arabia.
please don't be one of those shitty saudis who lie about women rights because they don't want to admit the truth.
Your mens property so You should hush your mouth and cover your face and body up. nobody ask you for an opinion. Now be a Good woman and obey your men leaders, they know whats best for a woman. SO hush up and cook and clean the house, make a sandwhich. You will never leave saudi arabia, where you are safe and sound from the men of other countries who want to whistle at you and have sex with you before marriage and date you so you should be glad you can never leave saudi arabia where that will never happen
animal kindness how old are you? 10?
animal kindness .......................lol
Nana - you need to leave that place asap.i know it's easier said than done. But if you can find a way to migrate to other country, do it. it will be good for you.
I grew up in a motocross family. We traveled far and wide, and all around the world not just usa. From 14-18 I was completely on my own living in a camper 1000s of miles away from any family. I grew up very fast, and was always attracted to speaking to elders, people my age didnt have anything interesting to say I always thought. All the unknowns, I was living the best time of my life
They should show this video at schools men. He’s so right about this
Culturally we should all be encouraged to travel. Seeing other places and experiencing other people is an amazing thing.
And the journey itself is something else.
I was glad he mentioned travel, turned 60 looking back my travels are my best memories, favourite 3 countries, Norway, Greenland and Pakistan. No regrets at all. Very fortunate. Do keep a diary.Priceless.
Was just planning a trip I want to do in 2 years, after high school (I'm 16) and I clicked on this. Coincidence? Yeah, but a good one!
"They're not fully baked yet. How do they know?" well, this is the man who would likely know a thing or two about that ...
Now, this is exactly why I took a break from college after 1 year. I didn't feel like I was ready to commit to it for another 3-4 years and get a degree I'm not sure I want. I don't want to waste 4 years of my life and then suddenly realize that this is not what I want to do. This is my first time seeing this video and I'm glad I have this video to back up my decision of taking a break from school. Let's just freaking explore and do what we want until we find what we want to do. So many people are hardwired to believe that you should know what you want to do for the rest of your life when you're 16 and that you should go to college straight out of high school. You could follow the safe path or make your own path.
This is some of the wisest advice I've ever wished I'd received before now.
Great advise but unfortunately doesn’t apply to everyone especially in developing countries and those who have other obligations such as caring for relatives… wish we all could do the similar thing to it tho.
For those of us in the Western world we are so lucky to be able to do this. Im 27 now have travelled a fair bit of the world. But I am so lucky and fortunate to live in a place where I can get enough money to be able to come and go as I please. Good point you made tho. Forever grateful
I lost myself in Colombia, Mexico and Panama for 5 years when I was 45. Best adventure of my life. If I had gone when I was younger, my life would be totally different; for the better.
I'm 21. At the beginning of the year I wanted to be a Real Estate agent now it's July. I want to be a mechanic. Hahaha might try it actually! Lol
@@MacLaw3084 I'm doing lots of stuff. Last year was studying computer science. I can't make up my mind. It's better to just experiment.
@UC96fBADnEWynmP97cPSFV8A no worries about that. Take care out there as well. :)
Did you become a mechanic?
I was in military academy for 3,5 years meant to be an army officer, but decided to try somehting totally different. I went to another country for 2 months got some random work, came back, travelled a little across my own country and recently enrolled to CS in college. Still don't know what is that I should be doing. I don't even care now, I want to embrace life as much as possible, no matter what I do.
Lois doesnt seem like she's the type to be "ok" with being lost.. Damnit Hal
And yet lois married the most lost man ever 🤣🤣🤣
Life is not a journey. Life is the journey. If you understand this you will be ahead of the majority of peolple.