Reconsidering Work, Life, and Meaning During the Great Resignation

You were handed a myth at the start of your career: success is inevitable if you find and follow your passion. But what if you don’t know what that passion even is? The New York Times reports that an estimated 25 million Americans left their jobs in the second half of 2021—the highest number since the Bureau of Labor Statistics has recorded. Known as The Great Resignation, this post-pandemic period of a mass exodus from the world of work is far more complex than it seems. Even if you have no (actual) plans to quit your job, chances are you’re wondering about the meaning of work in your life. Terri Trespicio, author of the new book Unfollow Your Passion, whose TEDx talk, “Stop Searching for Your Passion” has more than 7 million views, will lead an insightful hour of ideas and discussion as we reframe work, ambition, and yes, passion in our work and our lives. 

About the author: Terri Trespicio is an award-winning writer, speaker, brand advisor, and author of  Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You. Her TEDx talk, “Stop Searching for Your Passion,” has surpassed 7 million views, and Hubspot named her one of the “Top 18 female speakers who are killing it” and one of the world’s leading creatives by Creative Boom magazine. A former magazine editor and radio host at Martha Stewart, she has appeared on the Today show, Dr. Oz, The Early Show, The Martha Stewart Show, and The Anderson Cooper Show. Her work has been featured in Oprah magazine, Marie Claire, Prevention, Business Insider, Forbes.com, and Inc.com. 


The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by University of Maryland, College Park.