Starting Over: 25 Rules When You've Bottomed Out [Paperback]

Mary Lee Gannon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2009

At age 36, Mary Lee Gannon was a mother with four young children and a self-employed husband. Suddenly she found herself in litigation and then homeless. Seven years later she was president and CEO of a large foundation. Gannon brings the lessons she learned to this timely book. These lessons, offered in 25 rules, are aimed at anyone facing an economic or personal challenge, from the fired or laid-off employee to the empty nester seeking to re-enter the workforce to those seeking new life goals. The rules are commonsense but also fresh, from "begin with the end in mind and sketch that vision on paper" to "find a mentor in an offbeat place" to "surround yourself with people who possess your weaknesses as their strengths and give the glory away." Gannon's clear, encouraging writing and interactive approach offers both inspiration and specific strategies for overcoming setbacks in business and in life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: New Horizon Press (November 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882823116
• ISBN-13: 978-0882823119
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #942,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and with a special personal touch, November 15, 2009

By 

Grant Bynum (Plano, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Starting Over: 25 Rules When You've Bottomed Out (Paperback)

Too often, it's difficult to relate to writers that seem to have it all together. Ms. Gannon struggled through a difficult divorce and financial setback (living off welfare, etc.) along with 4 children, to emerge as a success. It was difficult to put this book down. I found myself doing the simple exercises that helped me find out more of what makes me tick with joy.

Ms. Gannon's book is insightful and personal. Rather than giving a littany of suggestions (although she does have great insight and advice), she gives her own story of things that actually worked for her to give her a true career.

An important point of her book is that we as a person must change before we can grow into something better in our careers. She conveys excellent points to help do just that.

I feel like her advice came more from a mentor than an author. Terrific work, Ms. Gannon!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A guide for getting that fresh start, January 16, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Starting Over: 25 Rules When You've Bottomed Out (Paperback)

Unemployment can be a tough condition to get out of. "Starting Over: 25 Rules When You've Bottomed Out" is a guide for getting that fresh start so many want when faced with recent job loss. With much advice on completely rebooting one's career, making those new connections, filling out that resume, and getting the job you truly want, Mary Lee Gannon does not fail in arming readers the best she can.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid practical how-to survival skills, January 21, 2011

By 

Karl Zipf, Senior Engineer - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Starting Over: 25 Rules When You've Bottomed Out (Paperback)

Ms Gannon's book is full of solid practical how-to survival skills for job seekers, employees, and entreprenuers. Some specific examples that I liked are establishing SMART goals for whatever it is you wish to accomplish - get a job, change careers, move up the ladder. Another great example is the 30 second elevator speech introducing what you can do in the workplace. Other tidbits of good advice include dressing for the part, interview skills, writing a dynamite resume that showcases your skills for the potential job at hand, and achieving life-work balance. Ms Gannon peppers her book with many illustrative anecdotes from her amazing personal life and those of her family and friends. The book is especially useful to younger people in there 20's and 30's who want to get there career path off to a great start. It is an easy read and can be read in any particular order. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it very worthwhile.