New York 50 Year Olds Share Advice for Younger Self

We asked New Yorkers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s to share advice for their younger self, offer advice to young people, and much more.

If you've ever been interested in hearing about wisdom from those much older than you, this is the video.

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[lizziethelemon]

This was great, the only thing I disagree with but empathize, with is the guy who feels he missed his chance to be an actor because he worked corporate too long. I was in the opposite scenario, working in hotels and restaurants (minimum wage jobs with almost no tips) till my late 30s. One day I decided if I could get my time and years back what would I do? As if time was imaginary, I always wanted to be an engineer. So I quit my job, took out a smallish student loan, did 3 engineering degrees, and now work in corporate tech building tools and I am now a subject matter expert in AI (expert via education and application). All I did was list my goals (what I would do if I knew I couldn't fail) and make a plan with a timeline. I decided I would never discuss, preface, or think about my age as a determinant for anything. People underestimate what they can do or change in 1 year, 2 years, 3 years all the way to 10 years. There is no age limit to your dreams, the only person who cares about your age is you if you choose to, and the person you decide to tell it to. So just don't center your life around age, age is valuable it's not meant to discriminate you from life. I made that decision in my late 30s and by 41 I was done and established in tech and it's like I never lost a decade + doing odd jobs. For the record, studying was challenging, but I outdid everyone literally and the average age in my classes was 20 years old, even 17-year-olds who had excellent grades in high school couldn't beat this lady who spent a decade + cleaning floors and tables. Working in odd jobs where time and organization are of the essence taught me how to be quick, efficient, and focused on the thing that would deliver the service. I used the same approach with my goals. So yeah, relationships, jobs, education, career, children you can do it at anytime. Never ever think about the time you spent or "wasted" or invested as a reason to stay, in economics this is called the sunk cost fallacy . The sunk cost fallacy is our tendency to continue with something we've invested money, effort, or time into—even if the current costs outweigh the benefits. It's what keeps many people from making a drastic change in their lives.

[ImOnAJourney]

Life is what you make of it. I’m in my 70’s but I look like I’m in my 50’s. Everyone asks me how I look so young, the answer is RELAX. You don’t have to be the first person to punch the time clock at work, you don’t have to be first in the checkout line, you don’t have to be first out of the theater when the show is over - just give yourself a few minutes. Be on time, but don’t make yourself rush. What’s in the mirror has _nothing_ to do with what’s in your heart - you have to choose which one is more important and then live that way. Be kind to everyone around you, their life might really suck but your smile as you pass on the sidewalk might just make their day. And remember that you’re not as important as you think you are; arrogance will stress you to your deathbed.

[John_Q]

I'm in my 30's, but the best life lesson I've learned so far is to not waste time or energy on unworthy people, things, and pursuits. Be selfish with your time, it's the most valuable asset along with good health.

[Turbo_Games_]

Best life advice I was ever given was “to enjoy the ride, it goes quick” can’t believe it’s been 20 years since he told me that. It’s true

[JL-fxcm]

I had a catastrophic year when I turned 30. My father died, and I had a brain tumor removed in the same year. I'm 47 now, yet I feel so much younger because over the years, I have been so focused on being super healthy and happy.

[colossusforbin]

I agree on the time thing. I'm 57 (I can't even believe I'm even typing those numbers). Time starts flying faster and faster with each decade you get older. I was born in 1967. The first 20-25 years will seem to go by very slow as a kid. You feel you had all the time in the world. You kind of did and you take that for granted. As you get older with each decade, time moves faster and faster. The last 24 years for me went by ridiculously fast. Seriously, it went by so fast that when someone says "20 years ago" to me, I'm still thinking 80's. So my advice to my younger self is: Time is of the essence. Do not procrastinate on any goals or things you want to do.

[_gypsysoul]

Save and invest 15% of the money you earn from the beginning. Don't touch it, don't get afraid of down markets, just let it grow. The first $100k is the hardest to save but it really grows quickly after that. Pay yourself first, your lifestyle will adapt around it. Compounding growth cannot be underestimated. Stay out of debt. Embrace a minimalist lifestyle and treat your body well.

[tigerlee]

I'm 47 years my entire 20s and 30s working 3 to 4 jobs and 100 hours a week to make enough money to buy my own house and move the heck out of my parents' house and be financially independent. I've finally become a multi-millionaire and own my own house mortgage free. But in the end, even though I've achieved all my goals, I feel empty inside 😢. I spent my entire life focusing on money and financial independence, I didn't enjoy my life. My parents are dead, and everyone that treated me horribly in the house I grew up in died.

I've come to realize enjoying your life while accomplishing your goals is very important. Don't be like me - just working away your life.

[nicholascreates]

I hope the 50 year old listens to himself and pursues his acting dream, he can still do it 💪

[GymGarageMan]

Was called too old at 50! Started training in crumbling garage lifting rocks doing pushups on paint cans pullups on beams got ripped af at 53 years old!!!

[K.C-]

"I've come to realize my feelings about things are one of the guiding influences in my life." so true, especially for women. we're constantly being told to second guess ourselves, our feelings and intuitions aren't real, just put up with this, give this guy a chance, that's not a red flag you're just too sensitive, then we end up dead.

[TheViralSneeze]

That 'working in a restaurant ' advise was a gem... It'll make one humble & empathetic

[mdodo]

I do like your channel a lot ❤ but I have a suggestion, could you interview a more diverse audience such as people from Asian and African descent? Just to get a bit more diverse perspective on how everyone feels about those issues you try to bring out 😊.

[JoeEli]

All the money in the world will not help, when you just don't want to be there… that hits hard!!

[JuliusFawcett]

I'm 50, my advice to the younger me is "Keep doing what you are doing, you are a good guy"

[jerseattle]

What I appreciate that even at 50 they don’t take the advice that they are giving. You should never give up. Be ambitious at any age!

[Mexicobeanpole]

Polishing the turf and working in a restaurant are 2 of the biggest gems in this video.

[NishaPrajapati_]

After watching your content in last few days I have started interacting with Locals and its been amazing. I don't know how I even lived before.

[biolife]

I’m actually happy I didn’t chase my dreams after seeing the reality of them. Simplicity and going down the easier road was a blessing to my life. Just being at peace is more important than anything.

[vinsonfamilycollectibles]

Enjoyed this vid. 61 yrs...I went to college to do corporate and held several finance related positions...not the Fortune 500 route but I was happy to participate in the game. Married and moved to a spot where the opportunities were somewhat limited. Eventually changed to travel related employment. Working for the airlines didn't require the education, but it led me to travel around the world. Eye opener and Life changer I will never regret!