Duct Tape For My Boot Straps: Climbing The Corporate Ladder To Unemployment [Paperback]

Karla Halbakken (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 14, 2009

She'd had an exciting and award-winning career. Then, like so many others, Karla Halbakken was laid-off after the company for which she worked was acquired. Armed with a great resume, she hit the road in search of the next rung on her career ladder - or perhaps even a new ladder. After years of again and again "pulling herself by her boot straps," the grueling search for steady employment began to take its toll. Her straps began to fray. Then they broke. She then began wrapping them with duct tape. Job application after interview after rejection letter after disappointment, she tried everything but no amount of networking provided her with an offer - much less one she could refuse. "Duct Tape for My Boot Straps" chronicles the frustration, tactics, and strange but true stories Karla endured during her new career search. In this sometimes funny, often insightful, and all too true book, you'll learn how one woman didn't give up...even when her boot straps did.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karla Halbakken is an author of materials in all media formats from broadcasting (radio and television) campaigns to Web content. Her creative and marketing copy has appeared in the Washington Post and the Washington Times; she has written articles which have been published in the Seattle Times, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and other communication channels. With the lion's share of her career as a writer/producer for television cause marketing campaigns, she has been "published" hundreds of thousands of times through promotional announcements she has created and executed - and have aired on television stations throughout the country. She has written creative stories, prose, as well as non-fiction pieces, and has more than twenty years of professional experience in a broad range of communications arenas including biotechnology, communications, and philanthropy. During her broadcast career - including WJLA (ABC) in Washington, DC and KING 5 (NBC) in Seattle, Washington - Karla won ten Emmy, three National Association of Broadcasters Service to Children Television campaign awards, and numerous other international and national honors. Karla began her career as a radio announcer and then moved to writing and producing for television in markets including Minneapolis, MN; Milwaukee, WI; Denver, CO; New Haven, CT; Washington, DC; and Seattle, WA. Karla has served on a numerous non-profit boards including Chicken Soup Brigade/Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Northwest Harvest, Neediest Kids (where she was executive director), and the American Red Cross. She is a 1997 graduate of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Tomorrow program and is a certified yoga instructor. Karla lives and works in Seattle.

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (April 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1441414088
• ISBN-13: 978-1441414083
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,954,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous, inspiring read that we can all relate to..., May 19, 2009

By 

R. Foster (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Duct Tape For My Boot Straps: Climbing The Corporate Ladder To Unemployment (Paperback)

The author has done a masterful job through humorous insights of relating the current job market to what everyone is going through: examining what we really want out of life, why we were put here and how we can positively contribute while still earning a paycheck. I could really identify with how she is approaching life. The book helped me understand what a lot of my friends are going through in this job market. A great read!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great ideas in a humorous, delightful package, April 20, 2009

By 

Denver Maddox "TV Cameraman" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Duct Tape For My Boot Straps: Climbing The Corporate Ladder To Unemployment (Paperback)

This book is for all those who are overwhelmed with too many things to do, too little time to do them, and a general sense of unease that something important is being missed. Everyone has experienced times when everything seemed effortless, and career growth was limitless. Halbakken has captured ways for you to achieve that wonderful state of mind and bring yourself back from the brink with illuminating personal stories and charming wit and humor.

After you have finished reading and applying the tricks and tools of this book, I suggest that you share your new learning with those you see around you who are also in a career crisis. By helping them gain better insight into the tools and tricks of finding yourself and a new career, you will also be able to enjoy the benefits of increased effectiveness in supporting your own efforts. This was a very funny and enlightening read and I highly recommend it to everyone.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!, August 18, 2009

By 

E. J. SMITH - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Duct Tape For My Boot Straps: Climbing The Corporate Ladder To Unemployment (Paperback)

A "must read" for all going through job search during these tough economic times. Karla candidly addresses the pain of rejection throughout her quest for a new job: with honesty, soul searching and humor. Along the way, she evolves to a more complete person, who not only redefines personal success but also puts a new perspective on life values. While this book is essential guidance to those seeking employment, her story provides fruitful insight and emotional support for your next move...regardless of age or stage...to address the next chapter in your life.