Customer Reviews

Work + Life: Finding the Fit That's Right for You

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Work+Life is a well-written handbook which helps you to discover the work-life balance (she redefines it as "Fit") that is best for you and make it a reality step-by-step. The numerous examples of others who have dealt with and conquered this problem will inspire you to move forward with your own plan. For some reason this book wasn't easy to find at Amazon.com, but once I reviewed the table of contents and learned the qualifications of the author including her popular blog, I instantly downloaded it to my Kindle.

This book is useful for a wide variety of readers who have all come to the same conclusion - that working fewer hours or having a more flexible work schedule is essential to their lives right now. Cali knows from firsthand experience and training all the reasons for wanting greater work-life balance. She never limits the target of this book to just working mothers that want to spend more time with their children which is probably the most common reason, or maybe just the one most commonly cited by the media. She makes a clear point that it doesn't matter what the reason and it certainly shouldn't matter to your employer. All that matters is you have reached a stage in life and career where more time and flexibility are needed outside of the workplace and typical M-F 40+(+) hour work week. Her many stories of actual people seeking greater balance include life scenarios such as:

* Caring for a child or simply being there more often for your kids

* Caring for an aging parent

* Volunteering

* Pursuing an avocation including any hobby or travel (my personal favorite)

* Going back to school to continue your education (in any field)

* Working during retirement (to continue as a productive employee without a full-time job)

There is no one size fits all approach to work-life balance (fit) so while your employer may offer flexible policies, it is NOT up to them to figure out how to meet your specific needs. It is up to you to discover this through introspection, discussion with family and friends, and focused exercises (as supplied by this book) the right fit at this point in your life and then to go ask for it.

The book is divided into three sections:

Step 1: The Work+Life Fit Fundamentals - Defining the terms, process, and getting started

Step 2: The Work+Life Fit Roadblocks - Overcoming the reasons, both personal and career related, why so many never ask for a better Work+Life Fit.

Step 3: The Work+Life Fit Roadmap - Creating the vision and plan to propose, negotiate, and implement.

Of key importance is realizing and reaffirming the value you provide to the organization and how the relationship should be of mutual benefit. I would say Step 2 is the most useful part of this book as it is crucial to take the time to evaluate what is important to you from both a life and career perspective and not be blocked by cultural norms and expectations. This book works because there is no one right way to create balance - all you need is to build the right plan of action and an employer willing to listen and make the smart decision.

As an at-home mother who has slowly let her work-life fade out, this book was an inspiration. I knew I could bring work back into my life, I just wasn't sure of how to do it. Yost walks you through the steps of identifying how much or how little work you want at a given point in your life and how to attain that schedule. The personal stories throughout bring up the common fears of missing promotions or losing the all-important "edge". Yost knows her business. She realistically addresses both the benefits and compromises of identifying your wants and making them heard.

This book has helped me create boundaries around my at-home work so I have time for some career. Making the boundaries helped me focus my time, my energy and my long-term vision.

Thank you Yost!

After the birth of my first child, I found that the corporate 8-to-6 grind was no longer for me. Cali Yost's practical, easy-to-follow and well-thought-out approach helped me to consider, not only my personal needs, but also the realities of my work when tailoring a work+life fit that works for me. As a result, I am now working as an independent consultant, which allows me to have the flexibility I want while continuing to do the work that I love. With all of the negative articles of recent months focusing on women "opting out", Cali Yost's message that "work doesn't have to be all or nothing" is not only positive, it is empowering. I have now creating a work+life fit that works for me and I have never been happier!

I read this book both from a personal perspective as well as an employer's perspective. How do I attract and RETAIN the best and the brightest for a long period of time? This book is so compelling and full of actionable information that a copy now resides in my company's library.

If you are thinking of quiting your job, read this first.

Cali Williams Yost shows us that the largest of changes are indeed possible AND she demonstrates that even the smallest of changes can make the world of difference.

Susan Torroella, CEO

The author offers so much more than the typical "improve your life" books. For the stressed-out, overworked cubicle slave, it's a must read.

Are you struggling to balance work with your personal life? You are not alone. Most workers don't know exactly what they want, but they know they want something different. Cali Williams Yost warns that her book will not hold your hand and present you with the perfect solution. Instead, she says, the job is up to you. Nevertheless, she manages to be surprisingly reassuring. She provides practical exercises at the end of each chapter, explains time-tested strategies and presents case studies to illustrate her claim that anyone can find a satisfying balance between his or her career and personal life. We recommend this book to any employee seeking a better work-life fit. Managers may feel reassured to hear that Yost places the responsibility on the worker, rather than simply blaming companies for being too rigid.