ATTENTION: They Lied To You About Your Degree...
"A DEGREE ISN'T THE GOLDEN TICKET TO FREEDOM ANYMORE... IT'S THE TRAP."
- “Rated 4.9/5 by early readers”
“This book made me feel seen. I’d been sitting in uni lectures wondering if I was the crazy one for not wanting the 9-5 life. Sam’s words gave language to thoughts I couldn’t explain. It helped me realise I’m not lost — I’m just on the wrong map, and I can do something about it.”
"Sam has a massive heart for young people and speaks clearly to a generation hungry for better answers. Any young person seeking more out of life would be well served reading his book."
Jay Topp, author of Drop Out And Travel
WELCOME TO
THE 3RD PATH
How to Escape the University Trap and Create Freedom on Your Own Terms
ATTENTION: They Lied To You About Your Degree...
"A DEGREE ISN'T THE GOLDEN TICKET TO FREEDOM ANYMORE... IT'S THE TRAP."
“This book made me feel seen. I’d been sitting in uni lectures wondering if I was the crazy one for not wanting the 9-5 life. Sam’s words gave language to thoughts I couldn’t explain. It helped me realise I’m not lost — I’m just on the wrong map, and I can do something about it.”
"Sam has a massive heart for young people and speaks clearly to a generation hungry for better answers. Any young person seeking more out of life would be well served reading his book."
Jay Topp, author of Drop Out And Travel
WELCOME TO
THE 3RD PATH
How to Escape the University Trap and Create Freedom on Your Own Terms
You're Following a Path Built for a World That No Longer Exists.
Most people believe a degree is the golden ticket to a dream career.
But in reality, it locks you into the University Tunnel: a narrow, predetermined track designed for predictable workers - not fulfilling, meaningful careers.
In the past, degrees made you stand out. Today, they do the opposite.
They’re no longer rare, valuable, or protective.
In the 21st century, with AI, global competition, and new creative industries, a degree doesn’t separate you.
It makes you a commodity, entering a job market that’s already full.
The very system that promised to build your dream career is now the thing that blinds you to it.
Why The Traditional Pathway Keeps
You Trapped
We’re constantly told to “find your purpose” or “chase what feels right.”
But what if you’ve been stuck not because you’re lost…
But because the map you were given was never made for someone like you?
The traditional path was never built for you to thrive.
It was built for safety, conformity, and predictability.
The traditional path produces reliable workers who fit the corporate mould.
And while this remains unchanged...
Mental health problems are sky-rocketing.
Technology is disrupting every industry.
The cost of University is baffling.
And young people are clawing for a way out.
I know what it feels like...
Two years ago, I was slouched in lecture theatres.
I was anxious, distracted, wondering if any of this would matter.
It felt like I had two choices:
1. Stay and study something I didn’t care about.
2. Drop out and do a trade.
But deep down, I kept seeing proof of a third path — creators, travellers and young entrepreneurs building real freedom.
I wasn’t rebellious. I ticked the boxes and got the grades through school.
But I knew I was built for something else.
One lecture, I walked out early, grabbed my dad’s old camera, and hit record.
That was the first time I stopped waiting for permission, and started building something of my own.
A few weeks later...
I Dropped Out.
I set out on a mission to find another way, and poured myself into creating my own business, travelling as much as I could, and deeply reflecting on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
2 and a half years later, I feel like I've cracked the code.
I now work for myself, wake up with purpose every day, and have taken 70,000 other young people on the same journey.
As I help others on their journey, I've realised that there's a repeatable, simple methodology that anyone can follow to escape the University Tunnel and create freedom...
This book is your key to breaking out.
Introducing
The Freedom Flywheel
A Revolutionary Approach That Helps You Find Clarity, Meaning & Freedom
The Freedom Flywheel™ reveals the key elements to escaping the system trapping young people in confusion and unfulfilling work.
THE PHASES OF
THE FREEDOM FLYWHEEL
Clarity
Break free from the traditional career mindset and uncover your authentic desires, strengths, and values.
Action
Take bold, aligned steps using real-world experiments that move you forward.
Opportunity
Learn to spot hidden doors the old system blinds you to.
Compounding
Stack aligned actions and let clarity multiply into unstoppable momentum.
Freedom
Design a career and lifestyle that's yours—not what someone else told you to want.
When properly applied, these phases create a life of unbound freedom.
You're Following a Path Built for a World That No Longer Exists.
Most people believe a degree is the golden ticket to a dream career.
But in reality, it locks you into the University Tunnel: a narrow, predetermined track designed for predictable workers - not fulfilling, meaningful careers.
In the past, degrees made you stand out. Today, they do the opposite.
They’re no longer rare, valuable, or protective.
In the 21st century, with AI, global competition, and new creative industries, a degree doesn’t separate you.
It makes you a commodity, entering a job market that’s already full.
The very system that promised to build your dream career is now the thing that blinds you to it.
Why The Traditional Pathway Keeps
You Trapped
We’re constantly told to “find your purpose” or “chase what feels right.”
But what if you’ve been stuck not because you’re lost…
But because the map you were given was never made for someone like you?
The traditional path was never built for you to thrive.
It was built for safety, conformity, and predictability.
The traditional path produces reliable workers who fit the corporate mould.
And while this remains unchanged...
Mental health problems are sky-rocketing.
Technology is disrupting every industry.
The cost of University is baffling.
And young people are clawing for a way out.
I know what it feels like...
Two years ago, I was slouched in lecture theatres.
I was anxious, distracted, wondering if any of this would matter.
It felt like I had two choices:
1. Stay and study something I didn’t care about.
2. Drop out and do a trade.
But deep down, I kept seeing proof of a third path — creators, travellers and young entrepreneurs building real freedom.
I wasn’t rebellious. I ticked the boxes and got the grades through school.
But I knew I was built for something else.
One lecture, I walked out early, grabbed my dad’s old camera, and hit record.
That was the first time I stopped waiting for permission, and started building something of my own.
A few weeks later...
I Dropped Out.
I set out on a mission to find another way, and poured myself into creating my own business, travelling as much as I could, and deeply reflecting on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
2 and a half years later, I feel like I've cracked the code.
I now work for myself, wake up with purpose every day, and have taken 70,000 other young people on the same journey.
As I help others on their journey, I've realised that there's a repeatable, simple methodology that anyone can follow to escape the University Tunnel and create freedom...
This book is your key to breaking out.
Introducing
Your UNIQUE Framework™
A Revolutionary Approach That Helps You [Achieve X, Y, Z.]
The Freedom Flywheel reveals the key elements to escaping the system trapping young people in confusion and unfulfilling work.
THE 5 PHASES OF
THE FREEDOM FLYWHEEL
Clarity
Break free from the traditional career mindset and uncover your authentic desires, strengths, and values.
Action
Take bold, aligned steps using real-world experiments that move you forward.
Opportunity
Learn to spot hidden doors the old system blinds you to.
Compounding
Stack aligned actions and let clarity multiply into unstoppable momentum.
Freedom
Design a career and lifestyle that's yours— not what someone else told you to want.
When properly applied, these phases create a life of unbound freedom.
What Others Are Saying
What Others Are Saying
What You'll Discover Inside
The 3rd Path
1. Why the System Isn't Broken, but Built This Way
Understand the hidden design of the education-to-career pipeline, and why it keeps smart, creative people stuck playing small.
2. The Myth of Finding Your Purpose
Why trying to “figure out your purpose” too early keeps you overwhelmed, and the radical shift that unlocks momentum instead.
3. The University Tunnel vs The 3rd Path
Break free from default thinking with a clear contrast between the path you were handed — and the one you get to create.
4. Breaking Out of your Identity Crisis
Explore how your identity gets shaped (and trapped) by your environment, and how to rebuild from the inside out.
5. The Real Cost of the University Tunnel
“When you settle into the Tunnel, something inside you dies… You stop listening to the inner spark that wanted something more.”
6. Action Creates Clarity, Not Thinking Harder
How the key to magic radical change in your life doesn't come from overthinking, but from taking aligned actions before you're entirely ready.
7. The 72-Hour Rule
The counter-intuitive way to take action on your sparks of clarity within 3 days to radically transform your life.
8. Exposing the Most Under-Explored Freedom of All.
Learn about how your Inner Freedom can be tapped into today, to live a more peaceful and meaningful life right now.
9. An Antidote to a Broken System
The exact framework I've used (with countless examples), to create a life of freedom beyond the traditional path.
10. The Counter-Education System All Around You
I'll expose you to a new home & support system for people serious enough about changing their lives and embracing their own path.
Is This Right For You?
The 3rd Path is designed for 17-25 year olds who know:
They were meant for more
The system is broken
Something has to change
You don’t need more grades, or even to “figure it all out”.
You need to walk your own 3rd path.
That starts here.
This is NOT for those who:
Want get rich quick schemes
Expect success without doing the work
Are comfortable with mediocrity
Aren’t willing to let go of their old beliefs
What You'll Discover Inside
The 3rd Path
1. Why the System Isn't Broken, but Built This Way
Understand the hidden design of the education-to-career pipeline, and why it keeps smart, creative people stuck playing small.
2. The Myth of Finding Your Purpose
Why trying to “figure out your purpose” too early keeps you overwhelmed, and the radical shift that unlocks momentum instead.
3. The University Tunnel vs The 3rd Path
Break free from default thinking with a clear contrast between the path you were handed — and the one you get to create.
4. Breaking Out of your Identity Crisis
Explore how your identity gets shaped (and trapped) by your environment, and how to rebuild from the inside out.
5. The Real Cost of the University Tunnel
“When you settle into the Tunnel, something inside you dies… You stop listening to the inner spark that wanted something more.”
6. Action Creates Clarity, Not Thinking Harder
How the key to magic radical change in your life doesn't come from overthinking, but from taking aligned actions before you're entirely ready.
7. The 72-Hour Rule
The counter-intuitive way to take action on your sparks of clarity within 3 days to radically transform your life.
8. Exposing the Most Under-Explored Freedom of All.
Learn about how your Inner Freedom can be tapped into today, to live a more peaceful and meaningful life right now.
9. An Antidote to a Broken System
The exact framework I've used (with countless examples), to create a life of freedom beyond the traditional path.
10. The Counter-Education System All Around You
I'll expose you to a new home & support system for people serious enough about changing their lives and embracing their own path.
Is This Right For You?
The 3rd Path is designed for 17-25 year olds who know:
They were meant for more
The system is broken
Something has to change
You don’t need more grades, or even to “figure it all out”.
You need to walk your own 3rd path.
That starts here.
This is NOT for those who:
Want get rich quick schemes
Expect success without doing the work
Are comfortable with mediocrity
Aren’t willing to let go of their old beliefs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don't know what I want to do yet?
You don’t need perfect clarity to begin! The 3rd Path is designed to help you find direction through action, not endless overthinking and waiting.
If you don't know what to do with your life, this has found you at the perfect time.
I'm scared to disappoint my family. What do I do?
You’re not alone... this fear is one of the biggest reasons people stay stuck.
The 3rd Path helps you separate what you truly want from what you feel pressured to pursue.
As you gain momentum, your results will speak louder than explanations ever could.
Do I need to drop out to follow the 3rd Path?
No you don't!
Your 3rd Path is exactly that, yours. This book will help you stop walking blindly through life and discovering a lifestyle that brings you fulfilment, whether you're in University or not.
I'm worried I'm wasting time and falling behind...
Every step you take looking for a deeper, more aligned life, is progress very few people ever make.
By being here reading this, you're already ahead of 90% of other young people.
The real waste is years spent climbing a ladder that’s leaning against the wrong wall.
Can this really work for someone like me?
The 3rd Path was written by a guy who didn’t have it all figured out (me) and built a life of freedom anyway.
It’s not about being special. It’s about thinking differently, acting intentionally, and refusing to settle.
If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you… it’s because it wasn’t. This is your alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don't know what I want to do yet?
You don’t need perfect clarity to begin! The 3rd Path is designed to help you find direction through action, not endless overthinking and waiting.
If you don't know what to do with your life, this has found you at the perfect time.
I'm scared to disappoint my family. What do I do?
You’re not alone... this fear is one of the biggest reasons people stay stuck.
The 3rd Path helps you separate what you truly want from what you feel pressured to pursue.
As you gain momentum, your results will speak louder than explanations ever could.
Do I need to drop out to follow the 3rd Path?
No you don't!
Your 3rd Path is exactly that, yours. This book will help you stop walking blindly through life and discovering a lifestyle that brings you fulfilment, whether you're in University or not.
I'm worried I'm wasting time and falling behind...
Every step you take looking for a deeper, more aligned life, is progress very few people ever make.
By being here reading this, you're already ahead of 90% of other young people.
The real waste is years spent climbing a ladder that’s leaning against the wrong wall.
Can this really work for someone like me?
The 3rd Path was written by a guy who didn’t have it all figured out (me) and built a life of freedom anyway.
It’s not about being special. It’s about thinking differently, acting intentionally, and refusing to settle.
If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you… it’s because it wasn’t. This is your alternative.
About The Author
Sam Witness is a filmmaker, mentor, and creator who helps young people escape the University Tunnel and design lives of freedom, creativity, and purpose.
After dropping out of university at 20 with no plan—just a camera and a calling—Sam turned his passion into a global movement inspiring thousands to choose a different path. Through his videos, writing, and mentorship, he equips young adults to ditch the script and build a life that’s truly their own.
The 3rd Path is his first book—a rallying cry for those who were never meant to fit in.
-
© Copyright 2025 The 3rd Path. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Sam Witness is a filmmaker, mentor, and creator who helps young people escape the University Tunnel and design lives of freedom, creativity, and purpose.
After dropping out of university at 20 with no plan — just a camera and a calling — Sam turned his passion into a global movement inspiring thousands to choose a different path. Through his videos, writing, and mentorship, he equips young adults to ditch the script and build a life that’s truly their own.
The 3rd Path is his first book—a rallying cry for those who were never meant to fit in.
© Copyright 2025 The 3rd Path. All rights reserved.