I just quit my job 3 days ago. I was in a negative environment making the best money I ever had. I couldn't sleep at night and I went to work most days with fear. It has been tough because I feel lost. I have known for a while that I should be doing something different. I have always been a square peg in a round hole. This video gives me hope and another perspective. Maybe this is my catalyst. My chaos, where I find who I am.
Christina, how have things been going for you since you left your job a couple months ago? I think when your work starts to affect the rest of your life, overall well-being, and emotional state, that's definitely a clear sign that something needs to change, so I commend you for making the brave decision to move on. Even when a job is a poor fit, it's never easy to let go. I do hope this new chapter in your career has been an improvement, even during the confusing transitional moments along the way.
I'm so glad you left! You stood for what is best for your life and it takes courage to walk in this life knowing your standards are higher than where you were. I'm glad you left before more harm could have happened inside yourself. I believe you're on your way to greatness! Blessings
Brittany B I am doing great now. I am working for myself and I have hope. I have spent a lot of time working on my mental health. For me it wasn’t just the job, I was struggling with depression too. I didn’t realize it till I saw someone. People don’t talk about mental health but if you think this might be an issue, I urge you to see someone.
It's challenging when you are not in the right environment for work, because that's where you spent the most of time in. You want to work with people that enjoy with. A lot of time look at your talents, skills and strengths would lead you to find the career path that's more fulfilling.
I loved listening to Joseph so eloquently tell us his story of his journey of self-discovery and search for the type of contribution and work that would really give him joy. Many cultures, families and at times everyone of us wish for career straight lines but these are rarely reflective of life's realities, curveballs and how we're in constant self-reinvention and new challenges. Joseph's story should inspire many of us who may think: "is something wrong with me?" or "why can't I keep a job?", from my own experience sometimes getting laid off is the best thing that can happen to one and it can be a great opportunity for finding goodness and bliss. The divine is always there shaping our experiences and building up our learning and wisdom. Thanks Joseph for a great talk.
Ash, thanks so much for your kind comments here. I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed my talk. Part of my motivation in giving this talk was to remind people that it's completely normal and acceptable for you to change your mind and want something that falls outside the path you chose or the traditional path most other people follow. You're absolutely right. Sometimes, getting laid off can be a blessing in disguise--one that may not reveal itself as quickly as you would like ;)
Joseph Liu yes so true Joseph. Long struggle for some. Here is to good prospects to all and your work helps in shortening and guiding the path for some now
Great talk! I walk away thinking how awesome life would be if everyone, who needed to reshape their career, had the courage to take the leap. Thank you!
Wow! I so needed to hear this!! I am in a present situation where my 20 year marriage is now being decided by someone else other than me. I am a woman with a masters degree in counseling asking myself now, "What do you want to do now?" I have been a stay at home mom, who has kept her mind and time busy with volunteering, and small stay at home businesses. I am a natural born cheerleader. I am up with the sun, upbeat person ready to tell everyone I meet that they are awesome, although I fail to see or tell myself that. I'm a giver, sometimes to a fault. Now, here I sit contemplating what do I do now? What should I do now? How can I relaunch myself to be self sufficient and still be there for my 13 year old daughter? I will watch this video over again to encourage me and to guide me with those decisions. Thank you!!
Deb, I'm so glad you enjoyed seeing this. It sounds like you're at a real crossroads, and perhaps it can help get you thinking about where you want to take your career. Have you considered how to tap into some of your natural strengths in a way that can help provide value to others at the same time? If you can pinpoint the intersection between your values and others' needs, that could serve as a clue for you.
Joseph Liu Wow! Thank you for your response!! Soul searching in deed. Like I said, I am a natural born cheerleader. I believe in others. I'm currently Looking for work where I can show this side of myself 😀
Deb, I tend to avoid jumping straight to solution mode, but just to float some ideas by you, what about considering professions focused on supporting and encouraging others when they need it most? I'm intentionally leaving that a big vague to avoid being too prescriptive here, but if you want some more concrete, I do have a couple that come to mind.😉
Joseph Liu Vague. Ya think? I actually used to be a Director of Career Development for Goodwill Industries. I worked with the homeless population as well as those with a mental or physical disability to help them secure what they needed to find employment. 😀
Deb, I see. Sounds like you've done some work in this space that taps into your natural strengths, which is great. Feel free to drop me a note if you feel like a further conversation could be helpful to you. josephpliu.com/contact. In the meantime, I wish you the best in your ongoing reflections. You might also find this post helpful, given where you are: josephpliu.com/define-what-matters/
Excellent Ted talk.. I truly enjoy listening to your podcasts, keep them coming. Informative, gut wrenching, honest, thought provoking, intuitive, uplifting, motivating and encouraging. Your personal story was quite heart wrenching and humbling. On a side note, you have great stage presence, a terrific speaking voice and natural presentation skills.
Thanks so much for your kind comments. I really enjoyed giving this talk, although I was extremely nervous that day too! So I'm very humbled to hear your feedback on my stage presence. Thank you! I'm also really happy to hear you enjoy my Career Relaunch podcast. Thanks so much for being part of the listener community. I hope you are finding them useful to your career.
Thank you for showing others that it is ok to move on. I am at a loss, and I am still trying to find meaning and I have no idea where I will end up. Already onto my second career, and this step might be my third.
Joanne, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed my talk. Navigating change is never easy, and sometimes, it does take a couple iterations, so even if you don't get it right on the first try, do your best to hang in there because you never know when you're going to turn a corner.
Thank goodness YT's algorithm led me here. Been watching similar videos but this felt more relatable. Been in the medical field for quite a while but deep down it always felt like a misfit. Hoping to switch to a completely diff path. Have ideas, just not certain what it is yet. Just want to be able to actually look forward to what i do rather than just merely getting by and waiting for the day to be over..
I had the pleasure of seeing one of his talks in person in London last Wednesday. I have already decided on my career change but had I discovered Joseph earlier on, I would certainly have enlisted his professional help.
Amazing talk. Currently ending my university with what I thought was a career in marketing to what I think I love more, my own photography and videography business. I spend more hours searching Camara related topics at work than doing the work in supposed to be doing. Time to brace for some radical change!
+kevingp12, great to hear you're pursuing your passion. Definitely seems you're much more interested in photography! Good luck, and as an idea, be sure to check out some online platforms like Upwork or PeoplePerHour where you can set up your own freelance profile to start doing work.
Good to hear, laid off 1.5 years ago, staying at home working on my mental problems. Now I think it's not so bad to have free time so I can tackle those problems I have since my childhood. And I'm more prepared for company work with trauma PTSD cleared.
This hit home in a profound way. I too am at the end of my studies changing up completely for a new direction. I have many friends in similar situations. There are a lot of TED talks out there on career (which is what you do seeking for confirmation) which shows me how relevant the topic is, but this one is a most direct reflection of my own process. The idea of going for something at all cost, I was proud of that but at the same time completely unaware of its effect on where you then find yourself ending up. Thank you for being so open about your story and giving us the opportunity to feel connected and full of hope.
+Jonathan Broekhuizen, I'm so happy to hear you found this to be useful and relevant to your specific situation. It's funny how easy it can be to lose your way in your career, how you can be climbing up a ladder leaned up against the wrong building, which isn't always obvious until you've climbed for a while. Glad you found this helpful. Thanks so much for your kind comment.
I can listen to you all day Joseph. Thank you so much! You're such an inspiration for people like me who are trying to make a career change. It's scary but at the same time there's this feeling of excitement when I think about quitting my job! I don't know why I feel this way but I think it's time to make a change...and you look gorgeous when you talk...with so much passion and a genuine heart. Thanks again and keep smiling! Have a great day ahead! :)
George Kelly's construct theory provides a lot of insights into this. We need to have many layers of constructs/identities to build our resilience and not have "so what do you do" define who we are.
I do think 2020 is the best time to change. A lot of companies are merging, and some are separating. We want more people to get into a career path that they truly enjoy.
Dear Joseph, this really resonated with me. Especially the 3 questions you mentioned and whether it is really worth when you have that nice pay check and stability of a big corporation, but perhaps you are never home and your family life is falling apart. I’m in a similar situation. I cannot say anything bad about the corporation I work with. Had always great bosses and they were so understanding and helpful when my partner was going thr cancer treatment (successfully). I also love the field I work in, employee engagement, working with leaders and motivation. But in the end currently my job is imposing on me so much stress, that I can literally see how it impacts my body and mental health. And that is the cost I’m no longer willing to accept. And you know what? I feel excited about the next chapter of my live. I’m also scared a bit, but mostly I love the idea I can just write it and recreate myself!
Petra, so glad to hear this resonated with you. I do feel it's worth considering what really matters to you, and in your case, it sounds like you're no longer willing to tolerate doing the work you do at the expense of your own well-being, which is completely acceptable. Given what you mentioned here, you might enjoy listening to this episode from my Career Relaunch podcast about work-life balance and the importance of taking care of yourself: CareerRelaunch.net/episode16
Intersting.I was an Army paratruper. Then worked in Qa and programming. My majure is Bsc... But after my reserve unit friends died I went on working at my Hobi as a Karate teacher... Now Corona virus..New changes new challanges new life.
Thank you for sharing such a humble story of yourself. I am also very goal-oriented to begin with. Because of that, I have not considered other alternative methods of making my dreams come true before I graduated from university. My journey has been a rough one as I moved to a different country where people have different values. I'm still regretting for doing my graduate studies outside of North America, but I currently know myself and my values more than ever. Sometimes, I think people have to make wrong life decisions here and there to rediscover themselves.
+YoAddicts, you're absolutely right about having to make a couple wrong turns to figure out where you really want to take your life. I also did a geographical relocation away from North America a few years ago, and it certainly took some major adjustments to find my footing again. I wish you the best with getting back on track.
***** The best way, however, is to take the challenge head on even if you know that's not what you really want. That's really difficult to do, and it requires faith. I may be strayed off from my desired path, but I think I can still take the good from here and learn from it. Thanks again.
+YoAddicts, I'm a big believer in making the most of each situation, even if it's suboptimal. Sometimes, you never know how the dots are going to connect in your life. I hope you manage to extract some good from your current situation and learn as much as you can that may just end up serving you well down the road.
Really enjoyed this video. It's empowering to see that we're not trapped by a single path, and that it's ok not to know your destination from day one. The journey is half the experience after all..
Richard, glad you enjoyed this. We're definitely not limited to a single path, and at the same time, stepping off the beaten path is certainly not easy. Your point about focusing on the journey, not the final destination, is definitely on target.
Joseph thanks for this great insight! After 6 years of working in a very hard and stressful position. I have decided to leave this position with a good company to go and follow a complete new and different career path with a new company. Up to now it has been a very disruptive transition for me. And as I am reaching my final week at my current company, all these questions are popping up in mind; is this the correct desicion? What if I fail in my new venture? Etc.. seeing this talk kind of opened my mind a little bit. And it is getting me excited for this new chapter in my life. Thanks Joseph once more for this insightful video.
Joseph, I came across your article on fast company around how to shake off limiting beliefs before becoming your own boss. Then one article led to another and then to this talk. Everything you say is GOLD. Gold for people like me, sitting here in the largest tech company in the world but .. questioning why I am here, every day. I don't know what my path is meant to be but I want to at least try to walk it. I feel like a ticking time bomb. I've set a date for myself but my question is - is there ever a right time? Would be a pleasure to speak with you and learn more in detail about how you did it. Your story reminds me of a motivational speaker from South Australia - Vinh Giang. Like you he is inspirational. Thank you for being so!
Right now i m totally lost..I don't know what to do..no job no money..i left my job because i don't want to do that..but now my situation is like hell..I lost my father brother and wasted 2 years after my engineering..now no company wants to give job..they are asking for the gap but i have no words to explain my condition..This ted speech motivated me..maybe something good happen with me in future..i hope
Joseph, thank you so much for this. It comes at a great time for me in my personal journey... and I can relate to so much of what you talk about. This talk is both inspiring and reassuring.
+Jason Blank, absolutely! I'm so happy to hear you stumbled upon my talk at a time in your life when it's relevant and found it inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for your kind comment.
Hey, this guy is super nice! I actually created some music for hire for him years back. I kinda dropped the ball on the deadlines and still feel bad about it. Anyway, doubt he'll read this but great talk!! :)
This is a great story Joseph, beautifully narrated. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to listen to more of your videos/ podcasts. It made me want to ask you, what is the one thing you’re the proudest of having accomplished?
Hi Joseph. This was one of the most thought provoking ted talks I have heard. I am currently in the same situation where you were 10 years back . I did my engineering . And then I found that I have no passion for it. I have a family business of textiles which I really don't enjoy doing . I love photography . Especially wildlife . But in our country India , its not a very respectable job . And it cant pay you suffiecient income for survival . Now I am in this dilemma of whether I should stick to our family business which I am not very passionate about or I should do something else . I am good at talking to people. I can develop good relations. Will getting a mba degree in marketing be a sensible thing ? Or I should go work under some photographer ? This constant struggle of trying to pursue an alternative path is actually draining my energy and self esteem. Yet I don't feel very comfortable at where I am and I want to change my career Can you please help me ?
I pray you get closer to what is better for you (in both worlds) and that thing to come closer to you what is better for you (in both worlds) and I pray you get distant to what is not better for you (in both worlds) and that thing to get distant to you what is not better for you (in both worlds) and I pray for your heart to find peace and contentment in it.
Joseph Liu, what would be your advice for someone who's at this point, realizing they need to change from what they're currently doing, and the only alternative now seems to go the entrepreneurial route - but they have seemingly little to no entrepreneurial acumen??
I used to work in a Career Center at a university as a Career Counselor. If you are looking for some help identifying gifts, gaining clarity for your career path, or just want to learn how to reach your potential, comment or send me a message!
James, it's never easy to step away from what your'e doing, even if you're not fully satisfied. Just maintaining your current momentum is always easier than trying to change directions, so it's a very normal challenge to feel what you're currently feeling.
+Adele DeMartino, sorry for not responding earlier. Because TEDx owns this video, I do not get notifications when people comment, so thanks for your patience! Feel free to visit josephpliu.com/contact to drop me a note anytime. You might also find my Career Relaunch podcast useful to you at CareerRelaunch.net
My personal and professional goal is to take away all barriers to fitness and provide fun and efficient exercise to all who have physical or psychological resistance. I love what I do, yet need assistance to reach the people who can most benefit by what my company offers. I was hoping you would be able to be my guide... Thank you. Jodi Stolove, Creator and Owner Chair Dancing® Fitness
*This is what I got out from this talk:* The person who drowned three times is now an expert on preventing drowning rather than the swim coach that teaches you how to swim, so you don't drown again. To many cliches, memes, and generalizations.
Fair enough perspective, but I really do believe it's useful to have gone through some of the struggles so you can help others understand what might be coming their way. Some of my best teachers have been those who didn't have everything figured out from the start--because most people don't. My objective in this talk to remind people that it's okay to change careers rather than to give a step-by-step plan of exactly how to do it, especially since everyone's situation is quite unique.
Not being funny but why do these career changers make it sound so easy like they didn't have any problems. I am still yet to hear the how with all these talks I'm listening to!!!
One of the thing I tried to highlight in my talk was how bumpy the road can be and how messy the transitions inevitably are. I wish there was one simple solution to changing careers, but I suppose if it was easy, all those people out there with dissatisfying careers would have made the leap. I'd really recommend you start by asking yourself some of the questions I posed here as a starting point, which can then hopefully help uncover some of your potential next steps, which really do vary on a case-by-case basis.
I just quit my job 3 days ago. I was in a negative environment making the best money I ever had. I couldn't sleep at night and I went to work most days with fear. It has been tough because I feel lost. I have known for a while that I should be doing something different. I have always been a square peg in a round hole. This video gives me hope and another perspective. Maybe this is my catalyst. My chaos, where I find who I am.
Christina, how have things been going for you since you left your job a couple months ago? I think when your work starts to affect the rest of your life, overall well-being, and emotional state, that's definitely a clear sign that something needs to change, so I commend you for making the brave decision to move on. Even when a job is a poor fit, it's never easy to let go. I do hope this new chapter in your career has been an improvement, even during the confusing transitional moments along the way.
I'm so glad you left! You stood for what is best for your life and it takes courage to walk in this life knowing your standards are higher than where you were. I'm glad you left before more harm could have happened inside yourself. I believe you're on your way to greatness! Blessings
Can you give an update to where you are now? I am in a very similar situation now
Brittany B I am doing great now. I am working for myself and I have hope. I have spent a lot of time working on my mental health. For me it wasn’t just the job, I was struggling with depression too. I didn’t realize it till I saw someone. People don’t talk about mental health but if you think this might be an issue, I urge you to see someone.
It's challenging when you are not in the right environment for work, because that's where you spent the most of time in. You want to work with people that enjoy with. A lot of time look at your talents, skills and strengths would lead you to find the career path that's more fulfilling.
Honest and timely. Found this 7years later...best Ted talk I've ever listened to. Excellent communicator.
This is one of the few TedTalks that seemed completely genuine, non-fluffy, and actually helpful! Thank you!!
I'm really happy to hear you found my talk useful. Thanks so much for your kind comments.
I loved listening to Joseph so eloquently tell us his story of his journey of self-discovery and search for the type of contribution and work that would really give him joy.
Many cultures, families and at times everyone of us wish for career straight lines but these are rarely reflective of life's realities, curveballs and how we're in constant self-reinvention and new challenges.
Joseph's story should inspire many of us who may think: "is something wrong with me?" or "why can't I keep a job?", from my own experience sometimes getting laid off is the best thing that can happen to one and it can be a great opportunity for finding goodness and bliss. The divine is always there shaping our experiences and building up our learning and wisdom. Thanks Joseph for a great talk.
Ash, thanks so much for your kind comments here. I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed my talk. Part of my motivation in giving this talk was to remind people that it's completely normal and acceptable for you to change your mind and want something that falls outside the path you chose or the traditional path most other people follow. You're absolutely right. Sometimes, getting laid off can be a blessing in disguise--one that may not reveal itself as quickly as you would like ;)
Joseph Liu yes so true Joseph. Long struggle for some. Here is to good prospects to all and your work helps in shortening and guiding the path for some now
Great talk! I walk away thinking how awesome life would be if everyone, who needed to reshape their career, had the courage to take the leap. Thank you!
Courageous, insightful and warm-hearted
Anne, thank you for your kind comments.
Wow! I so needed to hear this!! I am in a present situation where my 20 year marriage is now being decided by someone else other than me. I am a woman with a masters degree in counseling asking myself now, "What do you want to do now?" I have been a stay at home mom, who has kept her mind and time busy with volunteering, and small stay at home businesses. I am a natural born cheerleader. I am up with the sun, upbeat person ready to tell everyone I meet that they are awesome, although I fail to see or tell myself that. I'm a giver, sometimes to a fault. Now, here I sit contemplating what do I do now? What should I do now? How can I relaunch myself to be self sufficient and still be there for my 13 year old daughter? I will watch this video over again to encourage me and to guide me with those decisions. Thank you!!
Deb, I'm so glad you enjoyed seeing this. It sounds like you're at a real crossroads, and perhaps it can help get you thinking about where you want to take your career. Have you considered how to tap into some of your natural strengths in a way that can help provide value to others at the same time? If you can pinpoint the intersection between your values and others' needs, that could serve as a clue for you.
Joseph Liu Wow! Thank you for your response!! Soul searching in deed. Like I said, I am a natural born cheerleader. I believe in others. I'm currently Looking for work where I can show this side of myself 😀
Deb, I tend to avoid jumping straight to solution mode, but just to float some ideas by you, what about considering professions focused on supporting and encouraging others when they need it most? I'm intentionally leaving that a big vague to avoid being too prescriptive here, but if you want some more concrete, I do have a couple that come to mind.😉
Joseph Liu Vague. Ya think? I actually used to be a Director of Career Development for Goodwill Industries. I worked with the homeless population as well as those with a mental or physical disability to help them secure what they needed to find employment. 😀
Deb, I see. Sounds like you've done some work in this space that taps into your natural strengths, which is great. Feel free to drop me a note if you feel like a further conversation could be helpful to you. josephpliu.com/contact. In the meantime, I wish you the best in your ongoing reflections. You might also find this post helpful, given where you are: josephpliu.com/define-what-matters/
Do work that makes the most of who you are!
Excellent Ted talk.. I truly enjoy listening to your podcasts, keep them coming. Informative, gut wrenching, honest, thought provoking, intuitive, uplifting, motivating and encouraging. Your personal story was quite heart wrenching and humbling. On a side note, you have great stage presence, a terrific speaking voice and natural presentation skills.
Thanks so much for your kind comments. I really enjoyed giving this talk, although I was extremely nervous that day too! So I'm very humbled to hear your feedback on my stage presence. Thank you! I'm also really happy to hear you enjoy my Career Relaunch podcast. Thanks so much for being part of the listener community. I hope you are finding them useful to your career.
Thank you for showing others that it is ok to move on. I am at a loss, and I am still trying to find meaning and I have no idea where I will end up. Already onto my second career, and this step might be my third.
Joanne, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed my talk. Navigating change is never easy, and sometimes, it does take a couple iterations, so even if you don't get it right on the first try, do your best to hang in there because you never know when you're going to turn a corner.
Thank goodness YT's algorithm led me here. Been watching similar videos but this felt more relatable. Been in the medical field for quite a while but deep down it always felt like a misfit. Hoping to switch to a completely diff path. Have ideas, just not certain what it is yet. Just want to be able to actually look forward to what i do rather than just merely getting by and waiting for the day to be over..
This video speaks so much to me. People stay in careers as they see it as an investment that they somehow have to pay back.
I had the pleasure of seeing one of his talks in person in London last Wednesday. I have already decided on my career change but had I discovered Joseph earlier on, I would certainly have enlisted his professional help.
Tom, thanks so much for attending my talk in London. Glad you enjoyed it. Best of luck with your new endeavours!
Amazing talk. Currently ending my university with what I thought was a career in marketing to what I think I love more, my own photography and videography business. I spend more hours searching Camara related topics at work than doing the work in supposed to be doing. Time to brace for some radical change!
+kevingp12, great to hear you're pursuing your passion. Definitely seems you're much more interested in photography! Good luck, and as an idea, be sure to check out some online platforms like Upwork or PeoplePerHour where you can set up your own freelance profile to start doing work.
Got teary eyed in most of his powerful thoughts. May you continue to help others see their real purpose. More power to you sir.
Good to hear, laid off 1.5 years ago, staying at home working on my mental problems. Now I think it's not so bad to have free time so I can tackle those problems I have since my childhood. And I'm more prepared for company work with trauma PTSD cleared.
I love this guy so much. Authenticity, heart-centred and courageous. Inspring. Thank you.
This hit home in a profound way. I too am at the end of my studies changing up completely for a new direction. I have many friends in similar situations.
There are a lot of TED talks out there on career (which is what you do seeking for confirmation) which shows me how relevant the topic is, but this one is a most direct reflection of my own process. The idea of going for something at all cost, I was proud of that but at the same time completely unaware of its effect on where you then find yourself ending up.
Thank you for being so open about your story and giving us the opportunity to feel connected and full of hope.
+Jonathan Broekhuizen, I'm so happy to hear you found this to be useful and relevant to your specific situation. It's funny how easy it can be to lose your way in your career, how you can be climbing up a ladder leaned up against the wrong building, which isn't always obvious until you've climbed for a while. Glad you found this helpful. Thanks so much for your kind comment.
I can listen to you all day Joseph. Thank you so much! You're such an inspiration for people like me who are trying to make a career change. It's scary but at the same time there's this feeling of excitement when I think about quitting my job! I don't know why I feel this way but I think it's time to make a change...and you look gorgeous when you talk...with so much passion and a genuine heart. Thanks again and keep smiling! Have a great day ahead! :)
George Kelly's construct theory provides a lot of insights into this. We need to have many layers of constructs/identities to build our resilience and not have "so what do you do" define who we are.
I do think 2020 is the best time to change. A lot of companies are merging, and some are separating. We want more people to get into a career path that they truly enjoy.
Fantastic presentation. I lost my job due to Covid and now I'm pivoting into a completely new industry. I'm so scared.
Dear Joseph, this really resonated with me. Especially the 3 questions you mentioned and whether it is really worth when you have that nice pay check and stability of a big corporation, but perhaps you are never home and your family life is falling apart. I’m in a similar situation. I cannot say anything bad about the corporation I work with. Had always great bosses and they were so understanding and helpful when my partner was going thr cancer treatment (successfully). I also love the field I work in, employee engagement, working with leaders and motivation. But in the end currently my job is imposing on me so much stress, that I can literally see how it impacts my body and mental health. And that is the cost I’m no longer willing to accept. And you know what? I feel excited about the next chapter of my live. I’m also scared a bit, but mostly I love the idea I can just write it and recreate myself!
Petra, so glad to hear this resonated with you. I do feel it's worth considering what really matters to you, and in your case, it sounds like you're no longer willing to tolerate doing the work you do at the expense of your own well-being, which is completely acceptable. Given what you mentioned here, you might enjoy listening to this episode from my Career Relaunch podcast about work-life balance and the importance of taking care of yourself: CareerRelaunch.net/episode16
Thank you. It felt as if you had spoken directly to me.
Intersting.I was an Army paratruper. Then worked in Qa and programming. My majure is Bsc... But after my reserve unit friends died I went on working at my Hobi as a Karate teacher... Now Corona virus..New changes new challanges new life.
Thank you, Joseph! Finally I heard something fresh: that constant chasing of goals actually makes you limited and closed to new opportunities
Thank you for sharing such a humble story of yourself. I am also very goal-oriented to begin with. Because of that, I have not considered other alternative methods of making my dreams come true before I graduated from university. My journey has been a rough one as I moved to a different country where people have different values. I'm still regretting for doing my graduate studies outside of North America, but I currently know myself and my values more than ever. Sometimes, I think people have to make wrong life decisions here and there to rediscover themselves.
+YoAddicts, you're absolutely right about having to make a couple wrong turns to figure out where you really want to take your life. I also did a geographical relocation away from North America a few years ago, and it certainly took some major adjustments to find my footing again. I wish you the best with getting back on track.
***** The best way, however, is to take the challenge head on even if you know that's not what you really want. That's really difficult to do, and it requires faith. I may be strayed off from my desired path, but I think I can still take the good from here and learn from it. Thanks again.
+YoAddicts, I'm a big believer in making the most of each situation, even if it's suboptimal. Sometimes, you never know how the dots are going to connect in your life. I hope you manage to extract some good from your current situation and learn as much as you can that may just end up serving you well down the road.
Really enjoyed this video. It's empowering to see that we're not trapped by a single path, and that it's ok not to know your destination from day one. The journey is half the experience after all..
Richard, glad you enjoyed this. We're definitely not limited to a single path, and at the same time, stepping off the beaten path is certainly not easy. Your point about focusing on the journey, not the final destination, is definitely on target.
Thank you Joseph, there are profound messages in your speech. A great summary of what you have gone through and now using it to help others.
This vid deserves more viewers
I finally found the ted talk I needed (unless 7 this morning) for that mental click, which takes you to another level. Thk, thk, thk you very much!🎉
Joseph thanks for this great insight! After 6 years of working in a very hard and stressful position. I have decided to leave this position with a good company to go and follow a complete new and different career path with a new company. Up to now it has been a very disruptive transition for me. And as I am reaching my final week at my current company, all these questions are popping up in mind; is this the correct desicion? What if I fail in my new venture? Etc.. seeing this talk kind of opened my mind a little bit. And it is getting me excited for this new chapter in my life. Thanks Joseph once more for this insightful video.
Joseph, I came across your article on fast company around how to shake off limiting beliefs before becoming your own boss. Then one article led to another and then to this talk. Everything you say is GOLD. Gold for people like me, sitting here in the largest tech company in the world but .. questioning why I am here, every day. I don't know what my path is meant to be but I want to at least try to walk it. I feel like a ticking time bomb. I've set a date for myself but my question is - is there ever a right time? Would be a pleasure to speak with you and learn more in detail about how you did it. Your story reminds me of a motivational speaker from South Australia - Vinh Giang. Like you he is inspirational. Thank you for being so!
Joseph gives a very inspiring talk and I'm sure many people can relate to it as we all find ourselves at various forks in the road in our lives.
Stephen, thanks so much for your comment. I'm so pleased to hear you found the talk inspiring. -Joseph
Right now i m totally lost..I don't know what to do..no job no money..i left my job because i don't want to do that..but now my situation is like hell..I lost my father brother and wasted 2 years after my engineering..now no company wants to give job..they are asking for the gap but i have no words to explain my condition..This ted speech motivated me..maybe something good happen with me in future..i hope
How did things go?
Fantastic!!! I think I need to watch this every year... to ensure I am still on track!
I'm happy to hear you found this useful!
Joseph, thank you so much for this. It comes at a great time for me in my personal journey... and I can relate to so much of what you talk about. This talk is both inspiring and reassuring.
+Jason Blank, absolutely! I'm so happy to hear you stumbled upon my talk at a time in your life when it's relevant and found it inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for your kind comment.
That is a very rewarding video find. What a great man and an inspiring story
Andrew, thanks so much for your kind words. I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed hearing my story.
Hey, this guy is super nice! I actually created some music for hire for him years back. I kinda dropped the ball on the deadlines and still feel bad about it. Anyway, doubt he'll read this but great talk!! :)
such a great talk, i am really in need of this
Joseph, truly thank you for this
You're welcome. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch my talk.
Still don't understand how the algorithm is under valuing the quality of this video
This is a great story Joseph, beautifully narrated. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to listen to more of your videos/ podcasts. It made me want to ask you, what is the one thing you’re the proudest of having accomplished?
I'm in the interchange of my life.
+Pedro Pitoyko, good luck with what sounds like a major decision. Hope this has been helpful to you.
Great speech. Thank you. shared.
Rebecca, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it with others. -Joseph
Great advice from Joseph - he is fantastic!
Thanks so much for your kind comment.
Hi Joseph. This was one of the most thought provoking ted talks I have heard. I am currently in the same situation where you were 10 years back . I did my engineering . And then I found that I have no passion for it. I have a family business of textiles which I really don't enjoy doing . I love photography . Especially wildlife . But in our country India , its not a very respectable job . And it cant pay you suffiecient income for survival . Now I am in this dilemma of whether I should stick to our family business which I am not very passionate about or I should do something else .
I am good at talking to people. I can develop good relations. Will getting a mba degree in marketing be a sensible thing ? Or I should go work under some photographer ?
This constant struggle of trying to pursue an alternative path is actually draining my energy and self esteem. Yet I don't feel very comfortable at where I am and I want to change my career
Can you please help me ?
I pray you get closer to what is better for you (in both worlds) and that thing to come closer to you what is better for you (in both worlds) and I pray you get distant to what is not better for you (in both worlds) and that thing to get distant to you what is not better for you (in both worlds) and I pray for your heart to find peace and contentment in it.
NEEDED THIS. thanks!! so good!
what a powerful message... 👌 hats off Sir.
I needed this motivation. thank you so much for this.
Ashwini R.S I'm happy to hear you found this motivating & helpful. Hope it helps you open up the next stage in your own career.
Thank you for sharing !
Of course! Thanks for watching.
I needed this. Thank you!
Reina Fe, glad it was useful!
This spoke to me. Thank you
Rafeal, really happy to hear this struck a chord with you.
Much needed . . . thank you!
Really wise and insightful. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad to hear you found this useful.
Wow such a simple yet powerful talk. I can totally relate to this. Thanks
I'm happy to hear you could relate the the story I shared. Hope you found it useful to your career and life.
great talk, and this is what i needed to hear at this moment in my life. very inspiring, thank you
Needed
Brilliant Talk!
The best video about change I've seen. (y) Joseph :)
Pratishtha, very kind of you to say that. I'm glad you've found this useful!
Powerful stuff, thank you.
+Laura Best, glad you found it relevant & useful to you. Thanks for watching my talk.
Joseph Liu, what would be your advice for someone who's at this point, realizing they need to change from what they're currently doing, and the only alternative now seems to go the entrepreneurial route - but they have seemingly little to no entrepreneurial acumen??
But I don't know how to choose.. how do I make a decision of what I want to work in? There's meaning in lot's of things.
Great talk!
Please study-Bruce Lipton and Ernesto Sirolli thanks 😇🌎
Really helpful thanks so much!
+Cinnamon Warrior14, so happy to hear you found this helpful.
Awesome video. Makes me feel reassured
What keeps you here?
What is the opportunity cost?
Is it worth it?
I used to work in a Career Center at a university as a Career Counselor. If you are looking for some help identifying gifts, gaining clarity for your career path, or just want to learn how to reach your potential, comment or send me a message!
I’ve been wrestling with getting out of my job, I’ve been here for 4 and a half years before that I jumped from job to job never feeling satisfied.
James, it's never easy to step away from what your'e doing, even if you're not fully satisfied. Just maintaining your current momentum is always easier than trying to change directions, so it's a very normal challenge to feel what you're currently feeling.
Thank u for this
Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed this.
I would love to work with you Joseph Liu. I've had the same discovery.
Joe, how does one get in touch with you for more inspiration or coaching?
+Adele DeMartino, sorry for not responding earlier. Because TEDx owns this video, I do not get notifications when people comment, so thanks for your patience! Feel free to visit josephpliu.com/contact to drop me a note anytime. You might also find my Career Relaunch podcast useful to you at CareerRelaunch.net
can i be selfish???
My personal and professional goal is to take away all barriers to fitness and provide fun and efficient exercise to all who have physical or psychological resistance. I love what I do, yet need assistance to reach the people who can most benefit by what my company offers. I was hoping you would be able to be my guide... Thank you. Jodi Stolove, Creator and Owner Chair Dancing® Fitness
👍👍👍
*This is what I got out from this talk:* The person who drowned three times is now an expert on preventing drowning rather than the swim coach that teaches you how to swim, so you don't drown again.
To many cliches, memes, and generalizations.
Fair enough perspective, but I really do believe it's useful to have gone through some of the struggles so you can help others understand what might be coming their way. Some of my best teachers have been those who didn't have everything figured out from the start--because most people don't. My objective in this talk to remind people that it's okay to change careers rather than to give a step-by-step plan of exactly how to do it, especially since everyone's situation is quite unique.
Not being funny but why do these career changers make it sound so easy like they didn't have any problems. I am still yet to hear the how with all these talks I'm listening to!!!
One of the thing I tried to highlight in my talk was how bumpy the road can be and how messy the transitions inevitably are. I wish there was one simple solution to changing careers, but I suppose if it was easy, all those people out there with dissatisfying careers would have made the leap. I'd really recommend you start by asking yourself some of the questions I posed here as a starting point, which can then hopefully help uncover some of your potential next steps, which really do vary on a case-by-case basis.
Nah I don't even see myself living in another year let alone 3 months 6 months
Reshaping your career by paying child labour wages to freelancers from the Phillipines on Upwork. Way to go pal.
the audio is really poor. unwatchable.
I haven't received this feedback from any other viewers before. Perhaps double check your audio settings?