Customer Reviews

Is It Too Late to Run Away and Join the Circus?

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Marti Smye has written a book for all of those 40 somethings and 50 somethings who are re-thinking how they want to spend the rest of their lives. Included are a number of very good exercises that provoke thought and are realistic in the application of the results and conclusions that are drawn. All in all, excellent and practical.

What I liked in this book is that it focuses on many different areas people usually don't think about when they want to make the change. It is a good analysis and it is flowing very easy, without too many stupid overestimations that are common in other self-help books.

I would recommend it to everybody to read.

This is a ridiculous book and the title reflects it. Poorly written, elementary and yet another attempt by an incompetent author to write.

A must NOT read. Other than perhaps being theraputic to the author this book offers little.

As circuses are becoming a thing of the past, so should this book, the author should just give it up. Her previous book was a big waste and so is this one. It says nothing but the obvious. Written for clowns

Don't waste your time or money on this one.

Its an embarassment--the Run Away and Circus collection--what a joke. AKA the clown collection

Pardon me while I trip over my big shoes... Run, the tiger just got loose!

Ok, I'm sorry. I'm pretty lousy at circus metaphors. Heck, I'm not the metaphoric type, which is why I'm gathing I didn't find this book to be of much use to me. Or maybe it's because I really am looking for a major change in my life and some real PRACTICAL advice on how to switch careers.

I'm also looking to work in the public or non-profit/NGO sector, which is possibly another reason why this book wasn't particularly useful. Much of the text consists of seeing how you, your personality, and your "being" fits into a corporate organization. To this end, the book is filled with mumbo-jumbo corporatespeak combined with crazy circus metaphors (Jumbo the Chief Elephant Officer). Basically, you have a crash course in crazy organizational behavior theories combined with advice on how you should know how to apply greasepaint. And it's practically incomprehensible-- Smye's background as a management consultant is especially evident here.

I love a good metaphor, actually. When used properly, a metaphor can uplift your understanding to a higher plane, illuminate like a 500 watt halogen torchiere, or like the brilliant light of divine inspiration. Sadly, the metaphors in this book, like my oh-so-lugubrious use of metaphors above, just weigh what small amount of "search advice" there is in the book down like a set of cement overshoes (hey, simile here!). So far (100 pages in), "Zen and the Art of Making a Living," is far more effective at using this literary device (phew!!!)-- it's actually inspiring, instead of heavy and annoying.

What's even more fun is when the interviewees the author quotes sink into metaphor as well: one, for example, spent her entire page and a half comparing her business to the gangs she was a member of in high school. The point was lost in the "gang" silliness. I probably wouldn't have noticed it so much had it not been the only explanation Smye used to make that particular point... I'd tell you what the point was, but honestly, I have no clue.

I thought about doing the exercises in the back of the book to try and clarify what I want out of life a little more, but honestly, they weren't very practical either. I know where I want to go (public policy and teaching political science at the community college level), but what I really need is a little advice on how to get there. Smye didn't assist me with that at all.

One extra star for being a mildly entertaining read...

How does this author get away with re-writing the same [stuff] over and again, and just changing the title.

Enough with the quasi-self help. Instead learn how to hold a job, sustain a relationship, make and keep commitments, take responsibility. Very immature and unrealistic. Its obvious that this book is simply the author's attempt to justify an empty and unproductive life.

I agree with the previous review that this book is a must NOT read.

This is an absolutely fabulous book! No, it is never to late to run away and join the circus, as a matter of fact, you can even be the "ringmaster" if you choose. You can do anything you want to do as long as your goals are realistic and achieveable. In teaching entrepreneurship and business management, one of the first key factors students need to eliminate is the fear of trying, the fear of failure. This will be one book that will definitely be on my list of recommendations. It does not matter what your age is or your current occupation, if you are not happy where you are and feel "stuck in the same rut," you should definitely read this book. The author has a ton of suggestions on how to "get out of that rut," and find fulfillment in your life. Filled with works sheets, case studies and encouragement, Syme has researched her book well and presented the information is a straight-forward, easy to understand manner.

Marti Smye, Ph.D. says that "between 1980 and 1995, 4.6 million Americans were downsized, smart-sized, right-sized, merged, purged, dehired, or rationalized out of their jobs," adding that "nothing I've read says it won't happen again." She wrote Is It Too Late To Run Away and Join the Circus? Finding the Life You Really Want, to help people plan for the inevitable changes in their employment status.

Her book, however, has nothing to do with preparing a resume or getting through an interview. It's about group dynamics and how organizations work, and how you, as an individual, can determine where you best fit. Her goal is to help you "get a jump on the trend and start now to organize your work around satisfaction, serenity, and self-esteem. You don't have to be at the mercy of technology, economic decisions made five time zones away, or someone else's manifest destiny." The key is to start planning your future now.

Exercises and quizzes throughout the book help you pinpoint current trends and how they will potentially affect you, what you want to accomplish and how you plan to accomplish it, what motivates you, what discourages you, and your personal history, dreams, and abilities. The bulk of the book teaches you how to be your own consultant and fit your plans, goals, and needs into the appropriate corporate position or self-employment opportunity. She emphasizes that "matching your belief systems is more important than matching your skills."

Leaving no ground uncovered, Smye also shows readers how to apply her principles to their personal relationships.

All readers will find Is It Too Late To Run Away and Join the Circus? helpful, because as Smye says, "change is not an option: it is going to happen to you." Whatever kinds of changes await you, her book has the practical techniques, encouragement, and humor needed to make turn those changes into a satisfying new life.

Is It Too Late to Run Away and Join the Circus? is a passionate book that inspires you to action. If you have ever considered making a career change, starting your second life or just plain daydreaming of running away to join the circus this is the book for you. Eloquent, articulate and easy to follow steps from an international celebrity with a practical common sense approach. This book is a must read.

This is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I am a voracious reader and was unable to put this book down. Marti Smye uses great life-changing samples/examples and has a wonderful way with words. I will be telling many of my friends and co-workers about this reading!