Yes, I should quit my job.

I've been trying to find a job for 9 months. Thank you for being so transparent with the admission that you had a safety nets via your parents. Many people tell their stories and leave those things out, which is a very big difference.

"If you are imparting shame on someone else, you are wasting everyone's time". Adam you are a legend!

I start my new job Monday. Quitting my last job was the biggest feeling of relief. 13 years in an increasingly toxic environment. New job doesn't pay half what the old one did, but will have a huge amount of freedom. Just working by myself to get my job done. I cannot express how much better my mental state has been since I left.

I think the major difference between critique and criticism is not just "be nice about it" but also "make sure you're suggesting solutions, being as descriptive as possible, and working towards that solution together, not just pointing out problems and pointing fingers for blame".

I appreciate that Adam is slowly turning into Dr. Emmett Brown.

Remember that a company has no loyalty to the employees. You should always be on the lookout for a better job

What has been really helpful for me a supervisor over the years is to be completely transparent in the errors and then be supportive when they get upset. I will often get asked why didn't you punish me for this mistake? You know you messed up and are upset about it, why would I pile on when you're clearly punishing yourself about it. People that care already beat themselves up over things they did wrong. Those are the ones you need to fight super hard to keep and defend from shit rolling downhill.

I recently quit my job on my birthday 😂. My soul needed it. Sometimes you gotta quit to grow as a person. After almost 5 years of being with the company. Didn't leave because of the company but because of the management and how they manipulate the system.

I love the "tile" analogy. Having just one extra tile (parent's bank account, a partner with a really solid job, etc) makes it so much easier to maneuver the rest.

11:09 Adam, I want to thank you for acknowledging this privilege, I really respect your honesty. Many successful people choose to ignore that part of reality, and it can be very discouraging for those trying to climb up, if we're all suffering under the illusion that everyone who's successful got there alone via their own bootstraps.

When I left my job, I was no longer angry as I had been for too long. I had this calming confidence that it was the right move. It was my fear that I'd leave and immediately regret it, but it's been 3 years, and I don't even think about it. I never wasted a thought, even wondering what happened after I left.

A lot of people argue that college was not as useful as we all hoped, but if there’s one thing I took away from college that has helped me immensely throughout my career, it was how to take brutal critique. You take critique from your mentors, your colleagues, and most surprisingly your friends. Differentiating between personal attacks and critique becomes real easy when one minute your closest friend is tearing your work apart in front of 30 people and the next you both are enjoying lunch together as if nothing ever happened.

I love how respectful Adam is towards everyone. He’s always very respectful and admiring when talking about his wife, which a lot of people don’t do that, but also he never even shit-talks either his ex wife even though there were custody battles; or Jamie, and we all know that they were never personal friends. He still exudes respect. Even this bad supervisor under Bicentennial Man, he only points out what the person did wrong; he doesn’t get personal or vitriolic about it. I just love his example.

Adam, for what it's worth, some of us who are the common denominator in all of the interpersonal problems _do_ eventually have the epiphany that yes, indeed, _we_ are the problem. It was painful and shameful and I carry a lot of guilt and still make a lot of apologies to people who probably haven't thought of me in a decade or more, but it changed my life and the lives of people around me for the best and I am always so happy to hear someone like you, who is deeply respected for their wisdom while also being a relatable person, trying to point it out for others like me to at least _start_ letting the idea sink in. Keep doing your good works. ❤️

I have quit two jobs in my life. I knew it was time to quit not because I was looking for excuses to leave, but because I was looking for excuses to stay.

You acknowledged your parent’s money as a fall back was so impressive. Most successful people pretend they did it alone but your saying specifically that it was an advantage gave me that much more respect for you. Adam for PRESIDENT!

It’s really nice to hear successful people acknowledge they have a backstop. Good on you for mentioning it Adam.

Adam I'm not sure if you see this but most of your maker advice (98%) applies to every industry (military, manufacturing, gig work [rideshare etc], CSR) that I've been in. Some of the best critiques I've gotten & given are from a place of "I see your effort and ability but you can do this better" and it 98% yields the best responses from my subordinates then and as a team member now. P.S. I'm also super inspired to build things with old household items (old juice containers, lids for wheels, etc), gule gun, excato knife and unused hair beads to make anything with my kids, it feels good to get back to basics of building something with leftovers

Adam your timing is impeccable with these videos related around negativity at work, I'm currently dealing with alot of work related drama and these videos are a comfort

I left the navy with no job outlook and no idea what I was going to do. My wife backed me the entire way and now my job is literally what I dreamed of as a kid, but was always told it would never happen

When I think about constructive critique I always think about how some people aren’t looking for or aren’t ready for it like you’ve said and I have found that it not only needs to be constructive but also kind. Your tone, choice of words, approach to how you present your critique matters a lot too. Approaching every situation with a little empathy works wonders.

I love when you “get into the weeds”. This video touched on some very good points about critique vs. criticism. Anyone who has had music lessons (raises hand for 15 years worth) has been subject to critiques. I believe that musical training (or sports, etc.) teaches us to accept and learn from constructive critique. It is not supposed to be criticism,and it helps us in our future work lives.

Adam, always love your care and thoughtfulness in seeking to provide careful and honest answers - appreciate you! keep doing what you're doing!

Thank you for always being so real. I have enjoyed every video that I have watched of yours, and I feel I can relate on so many levels on how you lay things out there with your honesty and candor. Thanks.

It’s amazing watching you do these. I grew up watching Mythbusters and absorbing all the knowledge I could from you and the team. It’s uplifting to see you still teaching me to this day. Thank you.

What I've learned during my architecture career is for someone to give you a "real" critique, they need to have skin in the game. They need to put their own expertise, qualifications, discernment, and their value on the line as they give the critique. Much like a creative act, there's vulnerability in giving a critique. Otherwise, it's closer to criticism, which is closer to just an opinion. To which opinions can be fine! "I like this/don't like this" is valid, but it doesn't address the quality or the details of the work that is being commented on. Putting aside one's preferences to nakedly engage with the work is what's required. And this also includes not veering away from the work to pass character judgement, or to belittle or denigrate. Then once again it's no longer a critique, which, also once again, could be fine so long as everyone's clear that is what is actually being delivered. So if you want to be great at critique, you gotta engage with the work as the work, bring expertise to bear, and get on the court of vulnerability with the creator. :)

I’ve been watching you as a fellow maker, but I’m quickly realizing the raw wisdom you have gained in both life and career. Thanks for sharing. PS I’m really enjoying introducing my girls to Mythbusters.. They love it!!

Thank you Adam your comments make total sense to me. Thank you for sharing

Thanks for posting! Im always working independently, and this is nice to listen to.

What a wonderful way to frame these different work situations and it has helped me see them is so many different facets... I'm forwarding this video off to several people so they can benefit from this wisdom. I like the introspection and the honesty. I'm also dealing with life's tile puzzles and the physical space tile puzzles all the time... tile puzzle has become my go-to description to others when describing the chaos I am dealing with. Thank you so much... Please consider consolidating these in a book, you have such a wonderful way to express these things.... Really, I'm serious... Please do!

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. It isn't always easy to decide but once you come to a fork in the road, decide you must do!

Loving these videos, absolute gems of wisdom. Thank you so much.

You have no idea how badly I needed this today. Thank you.

Thank you so much for these episodes! So insightful, and lots of really good tips and tricks.

Legit taking this as a sign, I've been considering quitting my job for a while and then I decided to go watch a tested video for the first time in a while and this is what I opened it to

Totally needed to hear this today, thank you!

Jesus Adam, first the toxic workplace vid and now this... It's like you are listening in on my life right now. Thank you!

I always love to hear your candid opinions. I hope you are doing well my friend. stay well I wish you the best

Honestly, a lot of the way criticism is received comes down to how it's presented or how it's approached. A good point can be lost in a bad argument, and if you come in very abrasively you're more apt to have legitimate criticism ignored just based on the fact that you've come across as offensive and malicious with it, or you've completely devalued them or their work in the process.

That was some really useful advice. Thanks for being so honest

To quote the great poet and songwriter Tim Wilson from his profound piece "100 things to remember" "...you been married nine times... hell maybe its you," The song is full of wisdom.

Thank you for being so candid about your life Adam! Especially about your big decision making with your wife….

Thank you for those insights and your openness, Adam. Very interesting stories.

It’s not about quitting my job of 40 years - yes I know! - but transitioning to a new pursuit. I’m 68 and the self-doubt is overwhelming.

I needed this video today. I honestly did. Thanks.

Thanks for these videos, Adam.

Thank you for this. Just today I my contract just ended and decided to not renew. I have been feeling bitter sweet if I made the right decision or not. And listening to this made me feel better. Especially with how much stress i experienced and how much bad the environment was.

A colleague of mine lives by the mantra, “it’s better to be nice than to be right”. I find it generally to be a good guideline for myself. I have also been trained in norwegian academia, that tutoring (asking the student rethorical questions to help guide them towards identifying their own shortcomings and solutions) is usually better and yields more learning and better social relationships than supervising them by providing them my interpretation of their problem and my idea of a fix).

This is a great video. It's great life advice. My view on skirmishes at work formed when I found out someone on 3rd shift had been stealing from the company, and blaming me (working 2nd shift) for nearly 5 years and I never knew it, until I went to the next job and years later one of the crew sought me out to inform me they caught the actual guy doing it with cameras and he was fired on the spot. I always WONDERED why everyone in that department acted so weird and treated me just so... BAD. That was 10 years ago now, and when stuff happens like that now, I just demand to know what's REALLY behind it all. I wonder how many times terrible things happen because others are sabotaging them behind their back? Communication is key.

This video and the other Q&A ones with nuggets of creator job advice come at a wonderful time for me. I'm in the process of planning and saving money to quit my delivery job and (all going well) go full time with my small crafting business. I don't want or expect to make a fortune at it, just enough to support myself and put away a bit of a nest egg for the bad times. Maybe with enough left over to travel occasionally and visit friends in other parts of the country/world.

Thank you for this

Thank you for mentioning that you had your parents as a safety net. Ive struggled with quiting jobs that treat me badly due to the fear that I wont be able to find another. My wife always tries to convince me that everything will be okay but its hard to leave good paying work just because im unhappy. The fear of becoming homeless again is something that has stuck with me since i was homeless as a kid.

I used to be part of a local artists' group that encouraged sharing work during get togethers. I remember bringing my portfolio and getting the super positive comments, getting the useful constructive criticism, and just being criticized by some in the group. While it's always nice to hear compliments, it's also imperative to find the right critic who will be honest, but fair. I recognized the the difference between the ones who wanted to help, and the ones who wanted to tear down. I don't talk to any of the latter anymore. I'm still close with, and still look up to the ones who wanted to help.

I love hearing you going over questions. Just to learn about how to work... but like you saidnlife in general.

I really love this video and find it deeply applicable to my career. Thanks!

God bless you for recognizing the privilege of having your parents as a safety net. It's the one reason I listen to a guy like you who is extremely smart but also lucky. Thank you for your content Mr Savage.

I was a supervisor for about a year. Ultimately I decided it wasn't the job for me, but I had some good role models and learned a lot. One skill in particular that I had to learn was how to approach critique. And for me there were a few components to that skill. First was emotion. As a supervisor or leader, especially a new one, it can be easy to bring emotions into those conversations. And it can be any number of different emotions. You can be upset that a job isn't being done right. You can feel insecure about talking to someone about it. You can feel afraid that the conversation will turn into a conflict. But it's important that you don't bring those emotions to the table. If you bring negative emotions into the conversation then you very well might be the one creating the conflict. So if you feel something like that then you need to take a step back, ask yourself questions, and figure out why you're feeling those things. Address the conflict in yourself first and then approach the other person. You need to be calm and self assured. Remember, the goal is to improve the situation. Second, when you're going to critique someone's work make sure that you yourself have a clear understanding about it and can effectively communicate your thoughts. No one can read your mind. If you come in with only partial knowledge or a vague idea of what you're looking for then you'll never get the results you want. If there's an objective that isn't being met then that means the person working on it likely doesn't have a clear understanding of it either. You can't expect them to know how to change things if you can't explain it. And third, keep in mind two things. You don't know the whole situation and the person you're talking to most likely isn't trying to do a bad job. So when you approach these conversations, start by asking questions. Ask them what they're up to. Ask what their thought process is. And most importantly, be curious and listen to their answers. They might know something you don't. Maybe there are special circumstances. Maybe the customer asked for a change. Maybe they don't have all the tools they need. If their answers explain the situation then great, you can go from there and figure out what, if anything needs to change. If they don't, then you can probe a little bit deeper. Let them know directly, "x thing that you're doing doesn't match up with y expectation. Is there anything going on that changed things? Do you need any help? Does the way I've explained things make sense?" By asking questions and letting the person answer you can make things feel a little more collaborative for them rather than confrontational. There's always that one person who will get upset no matter how tactfully you approach them. But for the most part if you approach situations with a calm, clear mind, know exactly what you need and how to communicate it, ask questions, and listen to your people, then these conversations often aren't all that bad. Go in with the goal of improving the situation and giving the person the chance to shine. If they don't shine then you can talk to them again and try to figure out why. And if no matter what they just don't show improvement then you might consider having a more serious talk with them. But that's a different topic.

Derision is not supervision.

Criticism is destructive, where as critique is constructive. Mood is a HUGE part of crossing the line. Such a wonderful video Adam, thank you.

Signs you should quit your job? You're here watching this video.

That's one of my huge issues with unions: seniority is not experience. That's on top of all my other concerns like protecting poor behavior, inability to work where you want, failing to actually follow safety and medical advice despite claiming they're better for that.

Much respect

12:55 fun part is when you tell them what’s going on and it either needs fixed or we will have to let and they come back at you that everyone else is the problem and they’re doing it perfectly. After that conversation I recommended to my supervisor no more chances terminate their employment. I had a lot of patience (probably more than I should have had) but don’t argue with me when you are new and tell me that everyone else is doing it wrong.

1:40 there's a great Judge John Hodgeman episode about this sorta thing, and that is that there is a time and a place (the dispute at question was whether it's appropriate to give community theatre actors notes immediately after a performance). Time and a place when it comes to friends/non-professional environments

I already did. Low pay, long hours, shitty conditions, lack of affordable benefits, and long drive there and back with no appreciation for what you do then - YES you should quit your job! My hands now have severe carpal tunnel syndrome and I have plantar fascitis which BOTH cause me pain and numbness. So I had to quit my job as I was losing the feeling in my hands from it. Plus breathing in hydraulic oil from the presses was all just too much to deal with.

I will always love you and your content Mr Savage

YES I SHOULD. Thanks for asking.

Talking about pulling someone off a project, I've got to do that exact thing tomorrow. And I've had to do it in the past. I've never enjoyed it. It's also not been what cost someone a job. Honesty is key on that front. "Hey, I have to pull you from this thing and here's why. I'm going to put you on this other thing which I think will be a better fit."

What you say makes sense...but it doesn't answer the question. I have always said, if this is not working for you (for whatever reason)... maybe it's time for a change - if financially you can afford to make a change (most of us cannot afford that luxury 🙁). Thanks for the video!

So crucial what you said at the end there.

Lots of good points, thank you, sir! Also, WHERE can i get that same Nostromo jacket??

I lost count of the times I yelled "thank you!" at the screen. I needed this video this morning.

Thank you Adam! And if your allowed that little space to move than take it all Up!!

12:50 When you reach a moment where things aren't working out, letting someone go becomes necessary. You often don't need to provide an explanation, as the individual likely understands the situation too but may be reluctant to leave due to financial reasons or a false belief that things will improve. Giving them a gentle nudge in the right direction usually isn't a shock, except in cases where their departure is truly unwarranted (excluding budgetary concerns).

Criticism can be very destructive but there are those times when the truth about the situation/issue requires it, however how it’s delivered is crucial.

Adam, your timing is impeccable.

I find these videos so entertaining and informative

I agree with you 💯.

There is no better feeling than quitting a job you feel done with, but it doesn't solve any underlining feelings of lack or purpose or satisfaction. I have relearned this many times.

I tend to stick around jobs until i get the gist of what I came to it to learn and make some new friends, then I go back to doing what I do. Fwiw in terms of critique, when someone shows me something, I point out things I like and am very complimentary. I'm a self-taught artist and I prefer to encourage expression because they almost always feel bummed out they don't feel like they lived up to the "perfection" they see on social media. As a director, though, so long as the vibe is right, the individual moving parts of production mesh the best imo when everyone brings their own voice to the party and it all comes together.

Adam just giving a good life advice!!!!🤩🤩🤩

I left my main job last week as it was getting too much for me, now I'm doing my side gig of 3d printing and making as a full time job, it's uncharted waters but I'm happier and optimistic of the future

I am now at a point in life (I'm 40) where I'm learning a new trade - I'm taking a very professional training on woodworking and furniture making (1 day/week for 2 years) and I would LOVE to get a job in that business. But... I also REALLY love my current job (which is scheduler for a bus company, and is a lot more exciting than it sounds - been doing it for 10 years with a lot of changes throughout, and I don't see the changes stopping soon - no chance to be bored soon). So now I have to choose between two jobs. Doing both parttime would not really be an option because then I can not aquire the level of experience I want in either one.

I've gone through art school to post grad level, and subsequently taught for a while before I came to my senses, so critique was very much a daily thing and was a very fundamental part of the process in that environment, I do still have good friends that get together with for critique sessions. To me the biggest difference between critique and criticism is the relationship. In critique the feedback is part of building and maintaining a relationship with both the person and with their work. Normally in school it happened in a formal setting where you would go through what they are doing, ask questions, and if the person wants it then discussing options. Alternately how I usually engage with critique these days is phoning someone up or inviting them for coffee (or vice versa) and starting with 'hey, what do you think of this?' Criticism on the other hand (IMO) comes from a place where the provider of the feedback doesn't have (or isn't working to maintain) a relationship with the maker and their work, it's less about give and take and more about dropping an opinion that wasn't asked for. If I'm being shown something by someone I don't know well I'll compliment the work, and I'll maybe ask questions, but I won't offer advice unless they specifically ask for it.

In one of Aaron Draplin’s graphic design workshops, he made a point to clarify the difference between “this is good/bad” and “this is successful/unsuccessful.” The latter leaves out all the messy judgement and personal preference and boils the conversation down to “does this work?” That subtle but important difference is something that I always try to keep in mind.

I’m actually about to do a final interview for my dream job tomorrow. Wish me luck!! I hope I get it, I’ll also be able to quit the job I’m sick of.

From a therapist's perspective, criticism is when it is directed to devalue and label the person, critique is about the action, approach, the product, etc.... Sometimes word choice can make the impact different from intention

5:13 to me. Also, the difference between critique and criticism is criticism comes at something that you can’t necessarily change. Set and that with a critique, there are pointers in how you can change whatever the issue is to be more aligned with whatever the desired results are making something or a report or work productivity.

Well done. You're wise beyond your lathe.

I've learned there are basically three types of criticism. Destructive criticism tears down; constructive criticism builds up, and it identifies a problem and offers solutions. Instructive criticism adds to one's knowledge. That's based on 50+ years of management and leadership experience. Heck, there are many variations on the theme.

Often times when I'm in a position to critique someone, I attempt to ask more questions under the assumption that I do not know everything about the situation and that they may have acted appropriately given what they did and how and why they did it that way. I also try to highlight not only the things they may have done wrong or could have done better versus differently, but also the things they did well. The goal is not to tear them down, but to help them improve. I think this is also a good way to consider the difference between critique and criticism, that is, can you think of something good, or only negative things? If you are only looking for negatives and not positives, then you are looking to criticize, not critique.

what an interesting question, the difference between critique and criticism. this might be a good question to keep my brain occupied today.

Never regretted any of the times I've quit but you gotta think of the backup plans and it's rough out there right now.

12:20 I think about that a lot "check myself before I wreck myself" and I try to be mindful of it! lol

As a writer, I love the critique vs criticism discussion. I agree with you. Critique is constructive, criticism is not. Criticism is also usually personal, it's about the person criticizing as opposed to critique, which is about the growth of the one being critiqued and the progress of the project being discussed. The difficulty is those being critiqued taking offense to the idea that they and their work could improve in the first place. Some take critique as criticism when it is not. It's just as important to know how to express critique vs criticism as it is to accept critique for what it is and to not take it as a personal attack, i.e. misinterpret critique as criticism.

I've had this conversation with more than one supervisor. Their job is to make sure i am doing MY job. If i am messing up, i need to know. If i need to be yelled at, it's your job to yell at me. Now, i'd prefer a calm discussion, but if that isn't getting through (because i am a stubborn SOB), then you need to step up. I'd rather have a supervisor yell at me, than be let go because i'm not performing. That being said, i am lucky to be in a field where i am pretty much always on my own, and can pretty much do what i need to do to get the job done. And i don't need much supervision, point me at the problem and let me fix it. Except paperwork, i hate that crap. But it has to be done, and most of the time when i am getting scolded, it's because i haven't done the paperwork, or i am behind in it.

I have been at a job for 2 years and I realized after 6mo I did not like anything about it. So I gave it another 6mo, and another year after. It pays well, has great benefits, but I detest the work. I have no plans, but will be leaving. Just wanted to share, quite nervous.

I think I’ve been so unhappy at work for so long I’ve lost hope for anything else. But that’s me choosing an industry you don’t like and a paycheck you do 😅

🤔💼 Contemplating the big career move? This video offers valuable insights to help navigate the decision. Time to weigh the options and follow your heart!