Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More (Paperback)

by John D. Drake (Author) "I should have left an hour ago..." (more)
Key Phrases: downshifting options, newfound time, portfolio career, Higher Being

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Drake offers practical advice to today's workers who dream of turning their hectic lives into something more peaceful. It took Drake only 15 years to build his own human-resources consulting firm into the largest of its kind in the world before he sold it to Harcourt General and "walked away." Now he counsels others on how to make the same move--even if they don't have the proceeds from the sale of a company to live on. Drake is also a psychologist, and he documents the heavy mental and physical toll extracted by a life on the fast track. He suggests simple, low-risk downshifting options that are as basic as taking a walk during lunch; these steps allow harried workers to make more time for themselves. Drake also identifies bigger moves, such as adopting a flextime schedule, taking gradual retirement, or requesting a lower level job within the organization. He recommends strategies for convincing employers of the benefits of such changes, and he offers tips on how to cut the ties if the boss says no. David Rouse
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description
o

From the founder and former CEO of Drake Beam & Associates (now Drake Bean Morin, Inc.) the world’s largest human resources consulting firm
o Offers clear, step-by-step guidance on how to cut back on work—including how to convince employers to agree to downshifting
o Details a wide range of practical downshifting options
o Real-life stories from successful downshifters provide inspiration and encouragement This practical how-to book will help you move from the "fast track" to a more satisfying, less work-focused lifestyle. It teaches you to cope with the extraordinary time commitments demanded by today’s downsized, re-engineered organizations and details a wide range of options to 12-hour workdays. John Drake, himself a successful executive who chose to downshift, describes doable approaches to downshifting and even offers practical advice on how to sell these plans to employers.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 135 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers (January 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576751163
• ISBN-13: 978-1576751169
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #367,952 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Made a difference, January 2, 2001

By	Vivi - See all my reviews

Drake clearly accomplishes his goal. In an easy-to-read, logical, step-by-step progression he helps the reader overcome doubts and fears, and then provides a wide range of downshifting actions-some risky; some involving little risk. I was impressed by his understanding of the corporate arena and the dangers that accompany cutting back at work. The clincher is his description about how to use any newfound time for increasing personal happiness.

I am writing this review because, on a personal level, it had a great impact on me. For years I've thought about finding a better work/life balance, but did nothing about it. This book brought me into action. Downshifting addressed two fears I had-lower income and less security. It helped me plan around these concerns and cope with the tradeoffs I have to make. I was most impressed with how the book's "enjoying life more" portion introduces concepts that have already improved my close relationships and how I feel about myself. I recommend it to anyone who has ever thought about a better balance in his or her life.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Also Great For Volunteer Workers, January 2, 2001

By	Dorothy S. Miller "millerhild" (College Station, TX USA) - See all my reviews

While this book is focused on people who are in paid jobs, I found it provides unbelievable help to me as a near-full-time-volunteer who works for love. Drake has helped me see ways to slow down, do volunteer work more effectively, get rid of feelings of resentment that build up from over-involvement, and truly get back to enjoying life more.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Directions, January 25, 2001

By	Robert McLoone (Dunedin, FL) - See all my reviews

If you are on the fence, Downshifting will get you to move. Great psychological and spiritual insights to help live a more peace filled life.