Wayward Youth is an opportunity for young adults (18- to 23-ish) to have a free, small-group, online conversation with me, Blake Boles, about the ridiculous expectations of modern work culture. It’s a chance to vent, share, problem-solve, and collectively brainstorm different paths through life.

All you need is a group of three or more people, a suggested topic, and the willingness to reach out.

To propose a meeting, simply email me: yourstruly@blakeboles.com.

Who’s this for?

Meeting with me might be right for you if…

  • You’ve decided not to attend college, seek regular employment, or do whatever else people seem to think is the good and responsible thing to do
  • You want to move out, be independent, and do more “adulting”—but you’re not sure how
  • You want more (or better) friends and social connections
  • You’re highly motivated by dreams of world travel, self-employment, artistic expression, wilderness immersion, and/or social activism

If may not be if…

  • You’re not ready to open up and share
  • You’re ready to complain but not make a change or try something new in life
  • You have a political ax to grind (i.e. you’re trying to convert people) or you’re seeking validation through feelings of moral superiority
  • You’re struggling with a substance addiction, diagnosed condition, or other Big Thing that’s dominating your life, and you are not yet receiving the professional attention you need

Who are you?

Wayward Youth is facilitated by me, Blake Boles. I am not a therapist, life coach, or licensed professional. But I am someone who:

  • has never lived a conventional life: no house, no regular job, lots of travel, purposefully low-income
  • spends most of his time doing what he loves: dancing, traveling, being with friends, being in nature
  • doesn’t believe in making yourself miserable in order to buy you the stuff you hope will make you less miserable
  • believes in the power and necessity of freedom, purpose, self-direction, vulnerability, and adventure for the survival of the human spirit
  • has spent a lot of time working with older teenagers and early 20-somethings, especially those who have taken unconventional life paths and are labeled “weird” or “neurodivergent”

To get a feel:

Why are you doing this?

I’m running these meetups because I derive meaning from coaching/mentoring young adults (which I’ve done since 2006 through Not Back to School Camp and my Unschool Adventures programs), and also because I want to learn more about the on-the-ground struggles of young adults today.

Let’s roll.

—Blake

El Chaltén, Argentina, 2023