Ideas worth spreading

Why some of us don't have one true calling

8,664,240 views | Emilie Wapnick • TEDxBend

What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, if you're not sure you want to do just one thing for the rest of your life, you're not alone. In this illuminating talk, writer and artist Emilie Wapnick describes the kind of people they call "multipotentialites" -- who have a range of interests and jobs over one lifetime. Are you one?

What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, if you're not sure you want to do just one thing for the rest of your life, you're not alone. In this illuminating talk, writer and artist Emilie Wapnick describes the kind of people they call "multipotentialites" -- who have a range of interests and jobs over one lifetime. Are you one?

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBend, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Are you a multipotentialite? Take this free quiz to find out.

About the speaker

Emilie Wapnick

Writer and community builder

See speaker profile

Emilie Wapnick celebrates the "multipotentialite" -- those of us with many interests, many jobs over a lifetime, and many interlocking potentials.

Learn more

About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

Find a TEDx event near you

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBend, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Are you a multipotentialite? Take this free quiz to find out.