Growth-opportunity Books

The title "Rehired, not Retired" caught my fancy to find out what the recipe is or is it another job search book! I was pleasantly surprised to read through and discover many new ideas Dilip Saraf has presented that gets you thinking out of the box. Especially appealing to me was how to apply one's vast experience in a given industry to other industries that can then open opportunities many times. I have worked in the semiconductor industry for the last 30 years and when the last job in an executive position came to an end, I tried similar positions at other companies, but the semi industry was in a consolidation mode and the new openings were for younger workers. But the idea to apply all this experience in other industries that are in growth mode sounds very appealing. He has illustrated this with many success stories that he has been personally involved with as a career consultant. Dilip Saraf has addressed the impact of outsourcing in the technology workforce and outlined strategies that one can use to his or her advantage. The table in the book of the Emerging Job Trends in Today's Economy is very helpful. He has also provided an excel spread-sheet for the readers to project and determine their retirement cash flow needs. One can use this to figure out the individual situation by simply plugging the numbers that apply to them and figure out where they stand. In summary, this book provides a valuable guidance to people who are at the cross-roads after their long and successful career has come to a sudden halt and find themselves clueless as to the next step.

Although technically I am past the baby-boomer age (I am 64) I was tempted to try the prescription the author gives to reinvent yourself using your own genius. In addition to being almost ready to retire (at least in that age bracket), I also appear that because of how I present myself (people have told me that) to others. So, when I lost my job nearly a year back, I had no will to go back into the job market and get rejected. I was willing to cruise down the retirement path with my pension and social security benefits. I always yearned, though, to get back to work and make good money at least for a few more years. Well, using the specific ideas in Rehired, Not Retired, I was amazed by how much of what is presented applied directly to me. Using one of the tools and the genius exercise, I was able to redo me resume and confidently send it out in response to jobs that I would not have even considered before reading the book. I have not had any action yet, but it is early. This book was a breakthrough for me personally. I am confident of my message now, something that I was not, before.

Two years ago, I "retired" from a high-tech company in the Silicon Valley at 58. This was a forced situation that was not possible to avoid. With the cash I received as a parachute I decided to really retire and not look back. In just one year I came to realize that this is a pipe dream. I must get another job that paid me almost the same salary and continue until I can no longer do it. I think I need another ten years to protect my golden years. During the past year I tried responding to all kinds of jobs but this was a waste of time. No one was hiring, and even now, people with semiconductor experience are in trouble. Reading Rehired, not Retired, gave me some ideas of how to reinvent. Using the tools in the book I have now become a process quality control engineer at a local biotech company. I was so hung up on my old background that I forgot who I was and merely focused on what I did. This book opened my eyes to that possibility and after taking couple of certification courses I was qualified to apply and now I am employed again. Thanks for a great idea in the book on how to reinvent.

I found this book to be very enlightening indeed. I thought it was going to be sample answers and it was, but it also includes great info about the types of interview questions one can be asked such as behavioural and competency both of which are very now for interviewers. It also includes chapters on the basic theory of interviewing and a section on how to guess the questions which worked ok for me, I managed to guess about 50% of the questions I was aked. Anyway I have another interview next week so will have another read.

I purchased the download version of this book as I didnt have much time to prepare for my interview and it was exactly what I needed. I hadnt done an interview for many years and this book gave me lots of pointers in terms of what to say and not to say. It is nicely written and very well laid out and I was able to get to the answers I needed very easily. It worked for me.

I had job interview with a large bank in DC and I needed some help quickly so I ordered the download version. Too long to wait for the paperback. I liked this book because it gave me what I wanted, a way to answer the interview questions. I took the advice given by the authors and created my own answrs but they gave some great tips on what to say and not to say. Overall I would recommend this book, I m sure it gave me extra confidence. Still waitimg to hear about the job tho'

The emotional impact that a divorce creates, causes paralysis when one cannot move through the various stages necessary to become a "whole person" again, after a divorce. This book helps the reader to avoid getting "stuck" in one or more of the stages which are the natural progression of recovery to emotional wellbeing, before being strong enough to proceed with one's life in a constructive manner. I would recommend it to anyone facing divorce today! There is another book that I read,which is a good follow up and the title is Learning To Love Again, by another author whose name slips my mind, but I'm sure can be easily found.

Mr. Krantzler's discussion of his personal divorce experience sets the tone for the remainder of the book. It shows the reader how to deal with the emotional impact of divorce. The reader follows the stages of divorce via numerous case studies. Its timeless information is must reading for anyone considering or going through a divorce.

apply the concepts that author will munson states in his book and see a change in your life. one concept that he talks about (which i will mention on here) is about (believing). it has many elements on the Christian light(which is great) and i say this is an excellent book. A book that provides a map or a road toward the endgoal.i agree with will munson, about all of us having luck, it just takes more hard work, applying the principles that he talks about, being optimistic, and simply believing (having faith)in oneself-always-and not to be overtaken/conquered by the negatism that comes our way(it is hard but you must do:always).

if you ever wondered, why am i not lucky? then get this book and give it a try. there is nothing to lose at all (just a couple of dollars) but gain new direction in your present very important life.

i am keeping my copy forever. recommended 5 stars.

I felt lucky the minute I picked up this book just a few short years ago. You see, I had taken a class that the author taught on publishing books. Later on I went on to publishing many books for other authors and I met my future husband, all when I least expected. How did this happen? By using the guidelines in Mr. Munson's book. Believe me he is an expert in his field. The book is well written and a happy type of book, very upbeat and the readers subconsciously follow his advice after reading it. I am happy to see his success as an author. I hope he goes on to write more.

I read this book in its first edition back in 1974 or 1975, when it had just been published for the first time. I'd completely forgotten about it all these years, but then came across a copy in a used book store, instantly recognized it, started reading it, and realized how much it had influenced my life these past 30+ years -- for the better. I just bought a copy of the revised edition for my daughters, one graduating high school, the other mid-way through college. This is probably the best book I've read on how to rationally plan one's life, emphasizing the probable outcomes of different choices, how to make the most of one's assets, and the importance of forging ahead while making sure to create options because while life is fairly predictable in its general outline, it is highly unpredictable in its specifics. The balance of optimism and realism in the book is perfect. This book should be required reading for every teenager. The revised version updates this classic making it even more valuable. I recommend it without qualification.

I LOVE this little primer about planning an effective and satisfying life. I first discovered If You Don't Know Where You're Going, You'll Probably End up Somewhere Else about 15 years ago and can well recall sitting on the beach and sharing passages from it with a friend. She liked what I was reading to her so much that she borrowed the book from me, and within a week she and her husband had resigned from their jobs, put their house on the market, and sent out resumes to potential employers. The message of Dr. Campbell's book is that powerful!

David Campbell's book is easy to read, sprinkled with neat quotes, and packed with practical advice written in an engaging, upbeat style. I recently reordered and reread the book and was just as delighted this time around as I was the first time, especially with certain passages. The one in which he describes life as a pathway with paths off to the side is a favorite, and I've always remembered his admoniton to make certain the choice is in your hands, not a gatekeeper's. Speaking of choices, Dr. Campbell says that the greatest tragedy in life is to have no options, and this book is all about helping the reader find and develop them.

To repeat, I loved it. How could anyone not like a book that ends with this quote by Henry Van Dyke? "Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look at the stars."

I liked this book because it offers two things - motivation and direction. The author has done an excellent job of setting the stage for being able to implement much of what is in this book. A good find and a helpful read. I'm definitely glad that I bought it.

It's All About the Client: Consulting for Results
By Douglas B. Reeves

I'm always interested in learning more about my profession. Every day I find that I am both adding value at my clients and at the same time being humbled by how much I still have to learn about governance, ethics process, organizational development, and managing organizational change. On rare occasions I have learned something valuable and practical from books, but that is an exception. Such an exciting exception occurred when I was asked to review Dr. Douglas Reeves' book. What a delight and surprise!

It's All About the Client is written in a clear and professional voice with many first hand accounts of actual client engagements. Yet, while entertaining and interesting to read, this book is full of textbook quality practical ideas, procedures, charts, and forms. Reeves has perfectly balanced these often mutually exclusive styles, and the take-away applications for you consulting practice from this "how to" manual are many indeed.

From busting the "Myth of Balance" (let's face it, if you love what you do, you will spend as much time as possible doing it!) to the ever practical "It's not about you, it's all about the client," Reeves dispenses sound advice for both those hiring consultants and the consulting firm itself. His no nonsense approach to the issues confronting consultants is refreshing and obviously comes from years of experience. The reader learns what to consider when deciding between staying a sole practitioner and building an organization - with no holds barred. Reeves gives us practical advice for aligning our time with our mission, along with the practical forms used to track how we spend our time. And the appendix is chock-full of additional practical outlines for engagement, task prioritization, etc.

Dr. Reeves has successfully distilled years of experience in building his consulting practice into accessible and invaluable advice for consultants in particular and business people in general. I believe this to be the single most important and practical book of the many I have read on the consulting profession. Reading this book will give the committed consultant confidence that done well, his or her chosen work has meaning and purpose.

Spare yourself the ordeal of researching the hundreds of books out there on career guidance. Ken Lawson's KISS GUIDE TO MANAGING YOUR CAREER is the most comprehensive, beautifully written and visually appealing work on the subject you'll ever need (and I speak with authority: I'm a 40-something professional with over 20 years of experience in changing jobs and reading books about it). Lawson helps you think seriously about yourself ("What moves you?"), how to take charge of your career, plan and implement your job search, and how to keep networking ("the most important career management activity you can pursue") for continued career vitality. He's also provided excellent Appendices, including "Good Books" that go into greater depth about resumes, interviewing, recruiters, freelancing and consulting, networking, on-line job sites, negotiating, starting a business, office politics and more. In short, the KISS GUIDE TO MANAGING YOUR CAREER is simply terrific.

With this guide in hand, you can finally take charge and manage your career. Discover your key career objectives and personal goals and then navigate the job market to land the right job. Ken Lawson will show you how to develop options, make choices and maximize your strengths through identifying your values, skills and personal qualities.

Ken Lawson is a counselor, coach and educator who works with individuals and groups in a variety of career management roles. He discusses how you can manage your career, find out what you are really good at, move from one job to another, develop a career action plan, take charge of a job search, present yourself in the best light and how to network for career vitality.

Throughout the book you will find little extras. These are fun boxes of trivia, a definition of an term, a Web site address or a fun character pointing out a very important point, a complete no-no, a technical detail or whispering the inside scoop to you.

If you want success and satisfaction from your career, Ken advises you to put yourself in command of your life. He empowers you by helping you to paint your own career canvas. When you go to a party, are you proud of your answer to: "So, what do you do?"

Are you more interested in objects, information, concepts or people? This question can lead you into a job which consists of arranging items (perhaps this could be a secretary who is organizing files) or coaching (where you are helping people on a more personal level to improve their lives through your own life skills). They are quite different types of jobs and your interests will show you how you will fit into one of the four basic categories of interest.

Once you have taken inventory of your interests and skills, you can then determine your own personal style. Are you dependable, detail-minded, frank, fair-minded? Are you an extrovert or an introvert? You can actually determine your personality type as well. Once you know who you are and what you want to do, Ken takes you to the next step. Gearing up for your job search.

The all important resume is discussed in detail. What do you put in a resume? What should you NEVER put in a resume?

If you still want to do more research (this book is comprehensive), you can look for some of the books in the resource section. There is also a list of Web sites you can visit that look very helpful. A simple glossary and index, make your life easier and help you save time. Perhaps if more people would read this book before making a career choice they would have a great map for their future.

~The Rebecca Review

It's a very well written book. It helps you go on the right path to your passion & career. I highly recommend this for high school and college students.

Major in Success can be misleading if you buy by impulse. It WONT teach you how to study or how to have great grades. However, it will do more than that - it WILL teach you to be successful and get your dream career.

What if you don't know what your dream career is? Well, you are not alone! Before reading this book I didn't know either, but the first part of the book will guide you in learning all your interests and then mix them to discover the perfect job for you.

And if that wasn't enough, you will then learn how to actually get it: break your fears, enrich your life, and have fun in college, while building the curriculum and getting the connections that will get you there.

This book changed my life and totally inspired me. It also has some wonderful cartoons and inspiring stories about real people. And toward the end has a wonderful manual, The Rules of Being Human, that our soul certainly read before dropping on earth but which, according to the last term of the contract, it forgot.

A refreshing attitude toward college, wonderfully written and inspiring, Major in Success is more than a book about success in college; it is a book about success in LIFE - all aspects of it.

PS: In case you didn't get the message: *buy it*; it will change your life!

As I read "A Mind to Work" to prepare to write my resume, I was drawn by Ms. Harrison into an unexpected self-evaluation of my life both realistically and spiritually that I was more motivated to write my last will and testament.

Genre: Business/Self Help
A MIND TO WORK-THE LIFE AND CAREER PLANNING GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO WORK
AUTHOR: FRANCINA R. HARRISON
A Mind to Work will empower you to become all that you can be. Not only at work but, in all aspects of your life. This tiny little book is packed full of tools to get you out of the rut you are in and send you on the way to fulfilling your life's purpose, achieve ultimate happiness and succeed at any career you choose. Sound too good to be true? I suggest that you buy a copy of this book today. It will be the best $10.95 you have ever invested in your future-in YOU!
Author, Francina Harrison will take the reader on a journey of self- discovery and self- recognition that will reshape the mind, attitude and appearance of the individual. She introduces simple instructions for achieving what you want. Simple vocabulary, easily identifiable examples both add to the easy read. Power statements are listed throughout the book to empower the reader and send him/her on the road to self- recovery. Readers learn to first embrace themselves and then go after what they want. Lessons on professional interviews, presentations, thank you notes and resumes will help you to get the job you want- the job you will love.
Francina R. Harrison, holds a Master's Degree in social work and has been helping job seekers for more than 10 years. She has contributed to program designs for welfare reform, correctional treatment, private re-habilitation and faith- based groups.
The writer's style is straight- forward, concise and to the point. Humor is sprinkled throughout making this an enjoyable journey. The list at the back of the book provides a daily inspirational power statement to reinforce the lessons learned-An excellent book for anyone facing career or life challenges. It is time to take responsibility for the rest of your life. Pick up a copy today. Highly recommended. Books may be purchased directly from the publisher and is available on: www.amazon.com OR www.thecareerengineers.com Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews.

Written by a former high-tech executive, inventor, and consultant, Pathways To Career Nirvana breaks down and codifies the core rules that drive a career, simplifying career pathways to a 10-element framework that any reader can quickly and intuitively understand. Chapters focus on elements such as the value proposition, identifying and understanding trends, the importance of skillfull risk management, how to discover the career goals that are best for oneself, and much more. Appendices go into further detail how to stay focused and deal with such major changes as losing one's job, or negotiating when things are in a state of transition. Written in plain terms with clear examples, succinct summaries, and a heavy dose of realism, Pathways To Career Nirvana is highly recommended for all members of the working world.

I graduated last year with a degree in engineering. My excitement was soon tamped by a complete lack of response to my countless resumes I sent out to every job opening in sight. Some of these openings did not ask for much experience. Pretty soon I was discouraged at what I found. There was no interest in what I had to offer, so after waiting for nearly six months, I took a job at my local Coffee shop. Then a friend pointed out to me this new book, "Pathways to Career Nirvana." After reading the first two chapters in Pathways, I soon realized that my whole approach, including my resume, was all wrong. My resume was too focused on my college life and achievements that were somewhat irrelevant to the practical experience the market was really looking for. So, using one of the samples in the book (before and after) I was able to redo my resume. Amazingly, I got two calls in the first month. This book also shows you why going from getting a degree to landing a first job is one of the biggest and most challenging transitions in life. I never thought of it that way before. This book has sparked a new flame of excitement in my life to get going on my career path. I feel encouraged again!