你大概想表达的意思：（不用直译）
我曾经认为人生的意义是寻找快乐
人人都觉得成功后就能变幸福
因此我追求理想工作、完美伴侣、舒适住所
但我还是觉得很焦虑和迷茫
而且我的很多朋友也和我情况类似
你说的：
I used to think the value of life is looking for happiness.
People think if you are success，you will be happy.
So I tried to find a good job, a perfect boyfriend, and buy a comfortable house.
but I still feel anxious. And my friends are the same with me.
TED原文，超强语言组织：
中文英文
我曾经认为人生的意义是追寻快乐
I used to think the whole purpose of life was pursuing happiness.
人人都说成功是通往幸福的路
Everyone said the path to happiness was success.
因此我追求理想工作、完美伴侣、舒适住所
so I searched for that ideal job, that perfect boyfriend, that beautiful apartment.
但我并没有感到满足，反而感到焦虑和迷茫
But instead of ever feeling fulfilled, I felt anxious and adrift.
adrift [əˈdrɪft] adj. 漫无目的;随波逐流
instead of 中文意思是代替，但翻译时常常翻译为，而...；反而...或者不翻译。 尝试用 instead of 造句
eg1. 我不想混日子，我想做点更有意义的事情。
Instead of rushing at life, I wanted something more meaningful.
eg2. 他们没有降低成本，而是抬高价格、削减产量。
They raised prices and cut production, instead of cutting costs.
这种情况不止发生在我身上 ，我身边的朋友也有一样的情况
And I wasn't alone， my friends -- they struggled with this, too.
struggled with 与..做斗争；艰难进行着