Today, lots of women would love to integrate their passion with their career and are seeking advice on how to do just that. Michelle Goodman, a self proclaimed, "wage-slave" has written a fun, reassuring, girlfriend-to-girlfriend guide on identifying your passion, transitioning out of that unfulfilling job, and doing it all in a smart, practical way. The Anti 9-to-5 Guide realizes that not every woman wants the corner office, in fact, some women don't want to be in an office at all. Today's women are non-traditionalists, do it yourself sort of girls who want to travel the world, take up knitting, frolic in the land of freelancing but want to do it all without going broke. The Anti 9-to-5 Guide provides readers with the resources you need to have it all and still have a place to sleep. Michelle suggests great tips for easing into the life you want. With an entire chapter devoted to pursuing your passion on the side, The Anti 9-to-5 Guide encourages us to tweak our current career path or head down a new one, and ultimately succeed.
The Anti 9 to 5 Guide
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Snappy and practical, this guide to quitting your job at the "e-mail-saturated, meeting-happy cube farm" will prove indispensable to any young professional itching to strike out on her own. Goodman, a successful freelance writer, aims her book at women between 25 and 35, but young men will likely find her advice (always send a thank you note after an informational interview; play it cool if you snort coffee out your nose) just as relevant. From "sussing out the gigs" to guidance on taxes and health insurance to battling "the inertia that binds one's derriere to the sofa like a tongue to a frozen flagpole," Goodman covers all the aspects of going solo. A "Show Me the Money" section at the end of each chapter gives readers money-saving tips (eat all the food in your fridge before it "liquefies or grows spores"), and checklists covering steps readers must take before becoming self-employed. Goodman's advice is applicable to a broad range of careers, though the non-profit and international travel chapters are useful primarily for pointing to other, more in-depth sources. Goodman's tone is realistic-taking into account the obstacles facing a generation burdened early by debt-but she retains a sense of humor, making this information-dense guide an encouraging, buoyant lifesaver.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
In a practical guide for young women who are ready to abandon their cubicles and carve out their own dreams, Goodman offers tools and tips for joining the DIY career club. Echoing many career-advice books, Goodman focuses on defining what your passion is and then mapping out a series of transition plans to get from cubicle to dream job. The book is most appropriate for women early in their careers who have not invested much time or energy on a serious career path. Her recommendations for freelancing, temping, part-time work, and lots of career exploration speak to a woman who has not yet found her calling. How-to sections on networking, deciding about additional schooling, resume preparation, and information interviewing are most appropriate for the younger worker still figuring out her career path. Gail Whitcomb
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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More About the Author
I'm a freelance writer who fled the cube in 1992 and has yet to look back. My books -- "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube" -- offer an irreverent twist on the traditional career guidebook. I write a weekly career column for ABCNews.com and the work/life balance blog "Nine to Thrive" for the Seattle Times. My reported pieces about alternative careers, personal finance, and human mating rituals have been published by the New York Times, Salon, CNN.com, Entrepreneur, BUST, Bitch, The Bark, Yahoo, AOL, and more. My essays appear in several anthologies, including "P.S. What I Didn't Say: Unsent Letters to Our Female Friends" and "Single State of the Union: Single Women Speak Out on Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness." I live in Seattle with Buddy, my 80-pound lapdog. For more advice and dirt on the freelance life, visit me at www.anti9to5guide.com.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Goodman has created a helpful guide, extremely well-written with frankness and humor. She takes readers through the steps of feeling frustrated with life in a cube to considering alternative escape routes. Of course her own story will inspire readers, as she herself went from cube to freelance status, while managing to live comfortably and even make mortgage payments.
The best part of the book is the section on living the freelance life. She gives down-to-earth advice on organizing the ridiculous amount of paperwork that goes with the freelance life. (I got some good ideas I can use right awway!)
I also liked the section on interviewing for information. She's listed steps from dazzle (write a nice simple request) to prepare to saying thanks. I couldn't agree more.
Additionally, Goodman has some excellent resources in the back of the book. Any career-changer would benefit from readings the books she recommends.
This book will be most helpful to thirty-somethings - those who have worked for five to ten years and are now asking, "How can I express my creativity in the world?" The Anti Guide makes a great companion to a book that's similarly targeted, This Time I Dance, by Tama Kieves. Kieves focused more on the emotional and psychological elements,while Goodman deals with practical implementation.
My own career clients tend to be 45-60. While they'd benefit from some elements of this book, I find that senior executives and experiened professionals need to choose different networking approaches.
I have just three quibbles about the book's content.
First, career consultants often encourage clients to shadow someone who's in a career they're considering. I would rather encourage my own clients to talk to half a dozen or more people in a field to get a broader perspective. I wouldn't give up on a field based on a single shadowing day and I'd investigate further if a day appeared to be a "wow."
Second, Goodman recommends creating a website if you're a writer - and I agree completely. But you need to create a money-making website, which calls for copy as well as design. It's not reasonable to expect a whole treatise on the subject but I'd have liked to see some links to sources that can help.
Finally, I agree with Goodman that readers should be cautious before hiring a career coach or consultant. Again, I believe this advice makes moreo sense for the younger reader.
Goodman encourages readers to talk to HR departments and experts in fields of interest. My own experience is that getting through to an information source requires a referral and HR folks are in the business of recruiting and screening.
These days, you should expect to pay for mentors, especially if you're going off on your own. You might take a continuing ed class at the low end or hire a consultant at the high end, but you pay. I agree with the advice to buy an hour at a time and avoid long, expensive commitmentes. But thes packages work for some clients.
In summary, Goodman's book makes an excellent contribution to the field. And the writing is so good, it's a fun read for anyone.
The best part of the book is the section on living the freelance life. She gives down-to-earth advice on organizing the ridiculous amount of paperwork that goes with the freelance life. (I got some good ideas I can use right awway!)
I also liked the section on interviewing for information. She's listed steps from dazzle (write a nice simple request) to prepare to saying thanks. I couldn't agree more.
Additionally, Goodman has some excellent resources in the back of the book. Any career-changer would benefit from readings the books she recommends.
This book will be most helpful to thirty-somethings - those who have worked for five to ten years and are now asking, "How can I express my creativity in the world?" The Anti Guide makes a great companion to a book that's similarly targeted, This Time I Dance, by Tama Kieves. Kieves focused more on the emotional and psychological elements,while Goodman deals with practical implementation.
My own career clients tend to be 45-60. While they'd benefit from some elements of this book, I find that senior executives and experiened professionals need to choose different networking approaches.
I have just three quibbles about the book's content.
First, career consultants often encourage clients to shadow someone who's in a career they're considering. I would rather encourage my own clients to talk to half a dozen or more people in a field to get a broader perspective. I wouldn't give up on a field based on a single shadowing day and I'd investigate further if a day appeared to be a "wow."
Second, Goodman recommends creating a website if you're a writer - and I agree completely. But you need to create a money-making website, which calls for copy as well as design. It's not reasonable to expect a whole treatise on the subject but I'd have liked to see some links to sources that can help.
Finally, I agree with Goodman that readers should be cautious before hiring a career coach or consultant. Again, I believe this advice makes moreo sense for the younger reader.
Goodman encourages readers to talk to HR departments and experts in fields of interest. My own experience is that getting through to an information source requires a referral and HR folks are in the business of recruiting and screening.
These days, you should expect to pay for mentors, especially if you're going off on your own. You might take a continuing ed class at the low end or hire a consultant at the high end, but you pay. I agree with the advice to buy an hour at a time and avoid long, expensive commitmentes. But thes packages work for some clients.
In summary, Goodman's book makes an excellent contribution to the field. And the writing is so good, it's a fun read for anyone.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By C. Bold
Format:Paperback
I found this book at just the right time. I was beginning to give up on my dream of leaving my job, and doing something that I really love. People change. (How can we expect to stay in the same job we chose in our early 20's?) I began reading the book and doing the suggested exercises. I have to say that I had more in common with the way the author wrote, than other "follow your dream" books. Right when I would begin to doubt my plan, the author, Michelle Goodman had an answer! Thank you for a great book, with great topics! If you are aching to live a purposeful life and your current job is not part of that purpose, check out this book. Find out how you can begin living your dream today!
17 of 22 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
So you don't like your cube at work? Maybe it's time to move into a real office or start your own business?
August 30, 2007
Format:Paperback
This book was kind of fun to read. I liked the author's frankness and humor. But I wasn't particularly impressed with how the title of the book was matched to its content. The book totes itself as a supposedly helpful career guide for young women just out of high school or maybe college who work in a cubical in an office environment. And it explains how young women can do some investigating and networking to learn about opportunities outside of a cube. But many of the opportunities discussed in this book were 9 to 5 JOBS. And the title says it is against such career moves.
I would have liked the book much better if it had stuck to explaining how to get out of a cube and make the transition into self-employment. Or if the title were changed, I would have like the book much better if it had only explained how to escape a cube into a more meaningful and lucrative job with an office or a company car. Of course, I wouldn't have pulled this book from the bookstore shelf if it was about the latter because I pretty much just review books that relate to my volunteering for SCORE, the small business coaching nonprofit.
The part of the book that I enjoyed the most was the author's story of how she had found herself stuck in a cube at age 24 and not doing what she wanted to do with her life - which was to do freelance writing. She decided to quit her job and start her own freelancing small business. And she found she couldn't make money at it at first - but she was resourceful and started temping in order to pay her bills while she got her business off the ground. Of course, I would have liked her story better if she were to have said she got her business WELL off the ground within a year or two. But unfortunately she says she continues to dabble in temping jobs from time to time to make ends meet. That doesn't sound like she has really accumulated enough of her own success to be writing this book, but some company did publish it and there are quite a number of positive book reviews posted on Amazon for it. So who am I to judge?
My favorite chapters were "I want a more flexible work schedule" (4), and "I want to be my own boss" (6). These two chapters were right on point when it comes to dumping a day job and starting one's own business. And in the book's appendix I very much liked "A Temp's Survival Guide" and "Boss in a Box." The "Must-See Resources" section in the appendix also seemed to be fairly informative. The checklists at the end of each chapter were well-thought out, too. 4 stars!
I would have liked the book much better if it had stuck to explaining how to get out of a cube and make the transition into self-employment. Or if the title were changed, I would have like the book much better if it had only explained how to escape a cube into a more meaningful and lucrative job with an office or a company car. Of course, I wouldn't have pulled this book from the bookstore shelf if it was about the latter because I pretty much just review books that relate to my volunteering for SCORE, the small business coaching nonprofit.
The part of the book that I enjoyed the most was the author's story of how she had found herself stuck in a cube at age 24 and not doing what she wanted to do with her life - which was to do freelance writing. She decided to quit her job and start her own freelancing small business. And she found she couldn't make money at it at first - but she was resourceful and started temping in order to pay her bills while she got her business off the ground. Of course, I would have liked her story better if she were to have said she got her business WELL off the ground within a year or two. But unfortunately she says she continues to dabble in temping jobs from time to time to make ends meet. That doesn't sound like she has really accumulated enough of her own success to be writing this book, but some company did publish it and there are quite a number of positive book reviews posted on Amazon for it. So who am I to judge?
My favorite chapters were "I want a more flexible work schedule" (4), and "I want to be my own boss" (6). These two chapters were right on point when it comes to dumping a day job and starting one's own business. And in the book's appendix I very much liked "A Temp's Survival Guide" and "Boss in a Box." The "Must-See Resources" section in the appendix also seemed to be fairly informative. The checklists at the end of each chapter were well-thought out, too. 4 stars!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Cero
I think Tonto with Long Ranger and the silver bullet can write a better book. I never understand why I bought this book.
Published 4 months ago by Carl R. Mailhos
4.0 out of 5 stars
Anti 9 to 5 Guide
I love how practical and useful this book is. You can read other books for inspiration (Strangest Secret/How to charge your battery), but this book actually walks you through step... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Rharlan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Escape Tradition and Live Your Dreams
Summary
Michelle Goodman offers solid advice geared to women who want to work in nontraditional jobs but don't know where to begin. Read more
Michelle Goodman offers solid advice geared to women who want to work in nontraditional jobs but don't know where to begin. Read more
Published on October 5, 2010 by Melody & Words
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'll give it another try
Three years ago I quit a job I hated and although I was interested in contract work, I copped out and accepted the first full time gig I was offered. Read more
Published on September 4, 2010 by Elvira Morton
3.0 out of 5 stars
Would have been "5," but our Personalities Clashed
While the information offered in this book was fantastic, the "gal" talk constantly spewing off the pages made me feel strange and uncomfortable. Read more
Published on June 10, 2010 by B. Robinson
4.0 out of 5 stars
sing-songy tapdance through the issues
Lots and lots of helpful info for newbies and oldies like me, making their way back to freelance living, after falling off the wagon for corporate America's perceived charms (like... Read more
Published on January 25, 2010 by Bonnie V 1210
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE this book!
Fun and quirky, with the right amount of advice, tips, and reality check. Thank you!
Published on December 28, 2009 by Fun Aunt in MA
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good for some, not me though
This book seems like it would be ideal for a young woman who still feels stuck pre-career, almost pre- adult life. Read more
Published on February 10, 2009 by Mollificent
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely inspiring, genuinely helpful & useful
When I think of books on being your own boss and running a business, I imagine stuffy old text with boring design and content that wouldn't relate to me either on a generational... Read more
Published on October 16, 2008 by Amanda Anne Robbins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great, inspiring advice
This guide is a great way to think through all the ramifications of "living outside the cubical" BEFORE you commit to that lifestyle. Read more
Published on April 30, 2008 by A. K. Brinkmann
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