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Joel Thorn

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What advice would you give to your 24 year old self?

In this current economy, when uncertainty is pervasive, it can be difficult to get your career started, or to have the confidence to make life decisions that depend upon your career. It can be extremely intimidating at the age of 24, armed with just a Bachelor’s degree and minimal experience, to face the increasingly competitive job market and figure out a path to stability and security. I understand that there is no one path (or sure path) to that, but some degree of assurance would be nice. So, what advice/wisdom would you give to an unsure 24 year old?

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    Dorian Knus

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    Mar 4 2013: Invest in Microsoft, Facebook and Google
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    Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+

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    Feb 26 2013: Cheers! Real learning begins now.
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    peter lindsay 30+

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    Feb 24 2013: That cute blonde will be more trouble than you could possibly conceive!
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    Feyisayo Anjorin 50+

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    Feb 24 2013: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5 -6

    And also, as Michael McWatters says in the comment below, BE BOLD.
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    Allan Macdougall 30+

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    Feb 23 2013: I would say never, ever forget the importance and respect for the end user. Security and stability will follow from that, and is a sure way to establish an enviable reputation for quality and attentiveness.

    That probably means running your own business and not necessarily relying on the usual job market.

    One caveat is that establishing your own business can be a long, hard path, but probably no harder than seeking a job in a difficult time. If successful, the rewards can be nothing short of amazing.

    You might envisage doing any old part-time menial job just to help finance the new business venture and to keep you fed and warm. In the US there may also be business start-up grants available to help your venture get off the ground (I'm from UK, so not certain about that!)

    This is just a suggestion, but if you did decide to work for yourself, what would you imagine doing? What really interests you?
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    Sherrlene Uy

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    Feb 23 2013: It ain't all about loving and caring... You better start moving and make your dreams possible

  • Lionel Leigo

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    Feb 23 2013: stop mucking around, stop the waste, start saving, start building, dream, make, do, live.
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    Gail . 50+

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    Feb 23 2013: Watch a motivational video like this every single day

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqfYJ0Cf1OA&list=PLxNAh7QGXuiKPlScdf2d4ycmSrNlXWqNd&index=2

    Then meditate for 20 minutes and keep yourself physically fit.

    Know thyself. Know what you are thinking. Know what you are emoting. Know that thoughts precede emotions. Explore your emotions and as you explore them, walk toward your fears. Don't judge them. When you know what they are and how they work, you will never be intimidated again because you will not be owned by them. You will own them. That's how you tap into great power that is the core of your magnificent being.
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      Jedrek Stepien 10+

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      Feb 23 2013: Come on, I couldn watch more than 10sec. how could I bare 50minutes? EACH DAY??

    • Anand Kannan

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      Feb 25 2013: "Know that thoughts precede emotions."

      Brilliant. Thanks!

  • george lockwood 20+

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    Feb 23 2013: Okay you were a physics guy - now becoming a lawyer. Learn to communicate better. There is something called NLP coming along where you can imitate emotional intelligence which is so rare in our society. Also, learn about Meyers-Briggs as most people do not think like you, nor do they think like most other people. Also add other skills, and take fewer risks that you would otherwise. There are evil and selfish people out there and they will ruin this country. Other people often lie. You will hear people later babble about winners and losers. Most of the former are really wieners and most of the rest of us will be called losers. Social mobility in America will greatly decline during your life. Disturbing enough?
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    Michael McWatters

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    TED StaffTED Attendee
    Feb 23 2013: I would tell 24-year-old me to be braver.

    No, not in the sense of being a tough-guy or daredevil.

    In the sense that it's important to take more risks, be more adventurous. When you're young, unfettered by so many of life's bigger responsibilities, it's the best time to take risks, be bold, try new things, go on adventures.

    There are a million reasons our young selves come up with why it's not possible to be brave, but they're mostly excuses.

    Be brave.
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