Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More [Paperback]

John D. Drake (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2001

Today's organizations put extraordinary pressure on their employees to work harder and longer. This book shows readers how to resist this pressure and actually spend less time in the office. John Drake, who successfully downshifted his own work life, examines the frantic pace of today's business environment, helps readers overcome the fear of working less, and shows them how to make the change. He uses real-life examples to provide practical strategies for freeing up personal time and for using that time to create a happier, more satisfying life.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Drake offers practical advice to today's workers who dream of turning their hectic lives into something more peaceful. It took Drake only 15 years to build his own human-resources consulting firm into the largest of its kind in the world before he sold it to Harcourt General and "walked away." Now he counsels others on how to make the same move--even if they don't have the proceeds from the sale of a company to live on. Drake is also a psychologist, and he documents the heavy mental and physical toll extracted by a life on the fast track. He suggests simple, low-risk downshifting options that are as basic as taking a walk during lunch; these steps allow harried workers to make more time for themselves. Drake also identifies bigger moves, such as adopting a flextime schedule, taking gradual retirement, or requesting a lower level job within the organization. He recommends strategies for convincing employers of the benefits of such changes, and he offers tips on how to cut the ties if the boss says no. David Rouse
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From the Publisher

WHO HAS NEVER WISHED to step off the ever-accelerating treadmill of work, just to gain some kind of balance in life? Downshifting is a practical, hands-on guide that actually shows how to move from the fast track to a more satisfying, healthier, less work-focused lifestyle. John Drake, himself a former high-level executive who chose to downshift, details a wide range of realistic, doable alternatives to a work-dominated life. He guides readers through all they need to know and do to make a good living, yet find more free time for themselves and those they care most about.

Organized by level of risk—from such low-risk steps as simply changing work style to bold actions, such as flextime, lateral or downward moves, and shortened work weeks—this book is the first to really show how to put specific downshifting options into action. Using real-life stories of people who have successfully downshifted, Drake reveals how to get past the wistful dreaming and hand-wringing stages to taking decisive, thoughtful steps for implementing real change in your work-life.

Step by step, the author walks the potential downshifter through all the stages of preparation, from examining personal fears and psychological readiness for change to analyzing the impact on loved ones and personal finances. And for those ready to initiate downshifting changes, he provides practical strategies and specific guidelines for selling downshifting plans to the organization, including vital information for determining the approach, timing, and presentation of a downshift proposal. Should the organization reject your downshifting plan, Drake shows how to leave bridges unburned, regroup, and wisely assess your alternatives.

For readers just beginning to contemplate a work-life change or those eager to downshift, Downshifting provides the guidance, tools, encouragement, and proof needed to create a more balanced, relaxed, and fulfilling life.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 135 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers (January 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576751163
• ISBN-13: 978-1576751169
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #559,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Made a difference, January 2, 2001

By 

Vivi - See all my reviews

This review is from: Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More (Paperback)

Drake clearly accomplishes his goal. In an easy-to-read, logical, step-by-step progression he helps the reader overcome doubts and fears, and then provides a wide range of downshifting actions-some risky; some involving little risk. I was impressed by his understanding of the corporate arena and the dangers that accompany cutting back at work. The clincher is his description about how to use any newfound time for increasing personal happiness.

I am writing this review because, on a personal level, it had a great impact on me. For years I've thought about finding a better work/life balance, but did nothing about it. This book brought me into action. Downshifting addressed two fears I had-lower income and less security. It helped me plan around these concerns and cope with the tradeoffs I have to make. I was most impressed with how the book's "enjoying life more" portion introduces concepts that have already improved my close relationships and how I feel about myself. I recommend it to anyone who has ever thought about a better balance in his or her life.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Directions, January 25, 2001

By 

Robert McLoone (Dunedin, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More (Paperback)

If you are on the fence, Downshifting will get you to move. Great psychological and spiritual insights to help live a more peace filled life.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Also Great For Volunteer Workers, January 2, 2001

By 

Dorothy S. Miller (College Station, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More (Paperback)

While this book is focused on people who are in paid jobs, I found it provides unbelievable help to me as a near-full-time-volunteer who works for love. Drake has helped me see ways to slow down, do volunteer work more effectively, get rid of feelings of resentment that build up from over-involvement, and truly get back to enjoying life more.