The Quarter-Life Breakthrough [Kindle Edition]

Adam Smiley Poswolsky

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Book Description

THE QUARTER-LIFE BREAKTHROUGH is an inspiring career guide for twentysomethings to get unstuck, pursue work that matters, and change the world. With practical exercises and helpful resources, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to get paid for who they are and what they believe in.

Most books and articles about twentysomethings focus on the problem: why young people are doomed, in debt, depressed, lazy, unlucky, entitled, or addicted to Facebook. Instead, Adam Smiley Poswolsky writes about the solution, so that anyone going through a quarter-life crisis can turn a moment of being stuck into a breakthrough and find meaningful work.

Insightful and inspiring, THE QUARTER-LIFE BREAKTHROUGH shares the stories of many twenty- (and thirty-) somethings who are discovering how to work with purpose (and still pay their rent). Despite being shackled by debt, recession, and the jobs crisis—these millennials aren’t motivated by money. Rather, they’re driven to make the world more compassionate, innovative, and sustainable.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Quarter-Life Breakthrough is chock full of smart, practical, relatable, and timely tips for hungry young meaning-makers of the world who are looking to make a bigger impact in others' lives (and find fulfillment their own). Smiley's book contains the perfect blend of stories and exercises to move you from quarter-life crisis to your own bona-fide inspiring breakthrough."
-Jenny Blake, author of Life After College

"This book helps you create a life of meaning and purpose.  One of the stand out exercises in this book is the breakthrough goal map. This process allows for momentum on all levels and gets you from being stuck to moving forward with action, clarity and alignment." 
-Christine Hassler, author of 20 Something, 20 Everything and 20 Something Manifesto 

"Smiley offers heaps of illustrations and mounds of inspiration for young people seeking to tap into their purpose and find a career with passion. Dazed and confused? Look no further than The Quarter-Life Breakthrough!"
-MeiMei Fox, New York Times bestselling author of Bend, Not Break and Fortytude

"Smiley has laid out a practical and personal guidebook for even the most cynical millennial. Humorous yet deeply moving, this excellent book should come with a warning: DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE." 
-Lodro Rinzler, author of The Buddha Walks into the Office

"A kick-in-the-ass for anyone who wants to break free of mediocrity and step into a life of meaning! Beware: This book will open your mind." 
-Amber Rae, lifestyle coach, contributor at Fast Company

From the Back Cover

PRE-ORDERED IN 38 COUNTRIES

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 723 KB
• Print Length: 216 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: 20s & 30s Press; 1 edition (March 26, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00JAQN7N2
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray:
  Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,512 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #6 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Business & Money > Job Hunting & Careers > Internships
  • #79 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Business & Money > Job Hunting & Careers > Job Hunting

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The book that millennials have been asking for years! March 31, 2014

By Cesar Romero

Format:Kindle Edition

The book made me feel that there’s hope in finding meaningful work even if you feel stuck knowing you need to make a change in your life but you are too afraid to take the leap and that it is possible to spend your days doing something that not only inspires you but also makes an impact in the lives of others.

When I read Adam’s book , I learned that:

Intentional Experimentation is not a waste of time when it’s done with the purpose of getting closer to your true self.

We grow by the questions we ask ourselves like: What contributions do I want to make to the world?

There’s no more linear career path, only a breakthrough career mindset where you figure out your next steps as you go aligning your actions with your purpose and surrounding yourself with people holding you accountable to your goals.

No matter how bad things get, there are always people willing to help out if we have the courage to ask

Meaningful work it’s all about doing work that reflects your interests and allows you to share your gifts to help others living in alignment with your purpose surrounded by supportive communities.

Life is a never ending journey but the time for intentional learning, experimentation, and action is now.

If you feel stuck knowing you need to make a change but are afraid to take the leap, then you should read this book. It will give you the hope and much needed courage to start living your life through intentional experimentation.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A practical and honest guide to seeking a more purposeful and meaningful life March 29, 2014

By Cassie Leung

Format:Kindle Edition

If you're a cynic, think that chasing your dreams is foolish, and work is what you suffer through to make money for what you really want, then this book isn't for you.

But if you're someone who wants to find a way to tap into your passions, unleash your potential and live life in alignment with your purpose, then The Quarter-life Breakthrough is a great place to start!

I found this book really easy to read and full of practical advice (including a part on finances). It contained simple, yet powerful exercises that got me thinking and tons of resources to lean on. Smiley's style of writing made me feel like he was a loveable big brother, letting me know that what I hope for is possible and that I'm not alone in wanting work that's more than just about a pay cheque.

You're not going to find quick fixes or secret tricks, but you will find a good framework for thinking about work/life differently. Whether you're feeling lost just out of school or ready for a big change mid-career, this book will guide you on how to get to where you want to be.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book of the Millenial Generation April 2, 2014

By Tara

Format:Kindle Edition

I wish I had this book two years ago when I thought I was crazy for wanting to skip college and go straight into purpose-driven work. Again and again I heard "that will never make you money," "who are you to write/design/sell," or "you should settle for community college so you can at least get a job." And yet after a lot of doubt and pessimism, I can finally say that being realistic is a sad way to go in this life. This is what I had to learn on my own with a lot of struggling in the the dark, but you don't have to.

If you have ever wanted to learn how to build you tribe, find passionate work, and transcend all of the fear holding you back, this book is for you. Smiley is radically honest in his own journey and the journeys of others as he describes the compromises that must be made in order to achieve your vision of success. Instead of some impossible guide to fulfillment and financial success, Smiley drives The Quarter-Life Breakthrough with purpose and empathy toward the reader. Where there is heart, you will never be left unsatisfied.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars We've all been there April 3, 2014

By Daniel Kahn

Format:Kindle Edition

If you're a millennial, you've probably already gone through a life transition or two or three. Maybe it involved packing up and moving to a new city, quitting your job, or taking the plunge as an entrepreneur.

These can be scary choices and most people to struggle with navigating them. The Quarter-Life Breakthrough doesn't have all the answers, but it does provide useful tips and activities that encourage real self reflection. And it is all packaged in an easy to read, conversational format that makes plotting your next life change seem far less intimidating and potentially fun!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Voice for Millennials April 2, 2014

By Kyla A O'Neill

Format:Kindle Edition

The Quarter-Life Breakthrough gives a voice to millennials, who are navigating a very different work world than our parents and grandparents did. Adam not only makes it clear that this generation's work ethic is not lazy, but rather focused on pursuing fulfillment through meaningful work. His perspective promotes following dreams and passions while also staying grounded and giving back to the world.

As many of us try out different careers, we may encounter skepticism from older generations, who purport that we are fickle and do not know the meaning of hard work. Adam gives numerous examples of millennials who are quite the opposite--working multiple jobs at times, in order to follow their true passions and find a way to make them into sustainable, meaningful work.

Not only is this book an exploration of our changing workforce, but it is also a great resource for those interested in prioritizing meaning in their work. Useful exercises as well as an extensive resource section make it a great interactive book for those who are at the beginning stages of seeking meaning in their work lives.