The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

by Timothy Ferriss

book data

1,863 ratings, 3.75 average rating, 531 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		27%
4		34%
3		24%
2		9%
1		3%

edit

published

April 24th 2007 by Crown

binding

Hardcover, 208 pages

isbn

0307353133 (isbn13: 9780307353139)

description

What do you do? Tim Ferriss has trouble answering the question. Depending on when you ask this
controversial Princeton University guest lecturer, he m...more

find at: Amazon | Half.com | Barnes & Noble | compare prices ($5.74)…

new topic
discuss this book

topics	posts	views	last activity
100+ Book Challenge: Jim Takchess 2009 100+ list	32	172	10 hours, 49 min ago
Achieving the life style	5	56	09/04/2008 06:22AM

friend reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

lists with this book

Best Books of the Decade: 2000's

625 books | 2326 voters

More lists...

other reviews (showing 1-20 of 3,246)

sort: default (?) | date
filters: all | text-only

01/21/08

Todd rated it:

Read in January, 2008

Timothy Ferriss spoke at a management meeting last week where I work. A few of the managers came back pretty impressed, so I cadged a copy off of a manager and skimmed/read it one sitting Friday night.

The effect of this book is like being trapped in a room with a manic-depressive during the manic part of his cycle. Imagine a cross between Brad Pitt in 12 Monkeys and a late-night infomercial. Then add a dash of narcissistic personality disorder to get an idea of the tone of this book....more Timothy Ferriss spoke at a management meeting last week where I work. A few of the managers came back pretty impressed, so I cadged a copy off of a manager and skimmed/read it one sitting Friday night.

The effect of this book is like being trapped in a room with a manic-depressive during the manic part of his cycle. Imagine a cross between Brad Pitt in 12 Monkeys and a late-night infomercial. Then add a dash of narcissistic personality disorder to get an idea of the tone of this book.

This book is one in a series of books lately -- including Rich Dad, Poor Dad -- that damns the middle class for a lack of imagination as demonstrated by showing up for work every day and upholding the social contract, among other things. The middle class, far from being admired for being the people that the economy and that this country is built on, should be pitied as they pathetically roll down 101 in their Civics and Jettas to their white collar jobs. Why build a career when you could be selling can openers at a profit through the miracle of AdWords?

Offered as an example of the breakthrough thinking in this book is the time the author won a kickboxing championship by reading the rules, finding loopholes, and then winning on a technicality. It's hard to imagine an attitude further from the Greek concept of virtu than this.

The part of the book that I greatly enjoyed concerned "time management" and gave valuable tips on how not to be such a fucking patsy at work. I put "time management" in quotes because he believes that time management is part of the problem. He offers great advice on handling email (check only twice a day) and handling it (send clear if-then emails). He also gives great advice on how to make yourself valuable and productive enough to negotiate a better work-life balance, assuming you have the talent and energy to pull it off. But in this day of telecommuting, this is really less radical than he makes it sound. He makes a good case for quitting any job that doesn't allow working from home on a regular basis.

Another highlight of this book is a reprint of a hilarious article from Esquire about outsourcing personal chores to India. It's too bad that the rest of the book couldn't take on the same humorous and likable tone while making its sometimes valid points.

I guess you could sum up this book like this: "There's no TEAM in I."(less)

Like this review? yes (15 people liked it)

add a comment

10/21/08

Craig rated it:

bookshelves: --business, books-ive-actually-thrown, overrated

Instead of focusing on this book's lame contents (it was really bad) I decided to share my review of how it was otherwise used in the hopes that it might inspire others.

First of all, I found the book's paper a little rough in texture. This precluded it from being used in the outhouse or camping, if you know what I mean. The raspy paper DID, however, have just the right stuff to be 'ripped and rolled' into some really effective starter wicks in the old fireplace. Went up like a cha...more

Like this review? yes (6 people liked it)

1 comment

08/08/08

Emma rated it:

bookshelves: biz-marketing-money

Read in January, 2007

recommends it for: a desperate wage slave who has no picture of how things could be different for them

At first I thought this was the bee's knees, toes, and ankles. But as I read further I began to realize that this guy "wins" by cheating, "delegates" by leaving everything in the hands of his $5/hour personal assistant in India, and sells books by promising to tell you how to get rich, and delivers a book on how to get everyone around you to be really annoyed with you for shirking any responsibility.

He encourages you to lease expensive cars so you can feel like y...more At first I thought this was the bee's knees, toes, and ankles. But as I read further I began to realize that this guy "wins" by cheating, "delegates" by leaving everything in the hands of his $5/hour personal assistant in India, and sells books by promising to tell you how to get rich, and delivers a book on how to get everyone around you to be really annoyed with you for shirking any responsibility.

He encourages you to lease expensive cars so you can feel like you are living the "life of your dreams". And then he puts Walden in his list of resources. I'm confused. I guess he's saying that if you really want to drive a fancy car, then make that your priority, and then when you can afford to lease it, you'll be happy. I'm hoping that would then teach you that maybe a car is not the most important thing in your life and you might want to spend your $2500 a month on rent, food, health insurance and the like. So you don't have to live in Borneo in order to drive your new car.

Reading this book made me realize that I already have a life that involves meaningful work, setting my own schedule, and choosing whatever projects I want to do. And oh yeah, passive income. No, I don't drive a Ferrari and vacation in Argentina because the exchange rate is awesome. But you know? I don't really want to.

I agree with some of his instructions on automation, especially the importance of not having decision-making bottlenecks. However, if you care about the reputation of your company you might want to have *some* input on its day to day operations. I guess now we know why he is described as a "serial" entrepreneur on the book jacket.

I give him points for being honest. If someone wanted his kind of lifestyle, this would be a fairly good roadmap. Except for one thing: his sales ability. Which he doesn't really teach in this book.

He definitely has a different take on business and the point of life, and perhaps it is useful just in that sense. He is definitely marching to the beat of his own drummer. I just am not sure I want to march with him.(less)

Like this review? yes (7 people liked it)

1 comment

01/05/08

Maria rated it:

bookshelves: personal-development

Read in January, 2008

A few weeks ago in NYC, I sat with two of the smartest people I know at a cool brunch.

"But explain it to me," I said. "Just what is it about the 4-Hour Work Week that we haven't already seen?" Having a background in a "work-smarter-not-harder" industry (the coaching industry), what I'd heard about 4HWW had not impressed me as anything particularly fresh and new.

"Well," said one friend, "It's just never all been put in a book ...more A few weeks ago in NYC, I sat with two of the smartest people I know at a cool brunch.

"But explain it to me," I said. "Just what is it about the 4-Hour Work Week that we haven't already seen?" Having a background in a "work-smarter-not-harder" industry (the coaching industry), what I'd heard about 4HWW had not impressed me as anything particularly fresh and new.

"Well," said one friend, "It's just never all been put in a book like this before."

"Okay." That didn't sound so compelling to me.

"Well," attempted the other. "It's Tim, too. His personality. The way he gets things across." Still unimpressed.

But here's the thing - two people I really believe in and trust were telling me I HAD to read this book. So I sucked it up and ordered it from Amazon (who, I believe, I single-handedly keep in business, though my scant GoodReads list may not yet reflect it).

So I decided to give it a shot and ate it up in a weekend. A fun and easy read. The premise is basically this: so many of us "follow the rules" and strive to tolerate the best job we can get for 40 years, holding off for retirement. Tim Ferriss, the 30-year-old author of this book, posits an entirely different worldview and a straightforward plan for achieving living it - set up automatic profit centers, and take "mini retirements" throughout your life (which he does, and explains in fun and interesting detail. He's studied tango in Argentina, martial arts in Berlin. Cool reading).

The thing I most enjoyed about this book were the practical tips. I was familiar with many of them, having an internet entrepreneur background, but still found plenty of interesting information to make it worth my while. Lots of good detail on the travel side too. He gives you not just the theory, but the web addresses and the exact plan for setting up your own online business and "mini-retirement-lifestyle."

It's interesting to look at the negative reviews of this book. A lot of them sound like, "Yes, that would be nice, but..." A careful read of the book should push you out of that "it could never work for me," mentality. Worth giving a shot.(less)

Like this review? yes (7 people liked it)

3 comments

10/24/07

Otis Chandler rated it:

bookshelves: nonfiction, selfhelp

Read in January, 2008

recommended to Otis by: kareem
recommends it for: free thinkers, entrepreneurs, graham myhre

I found this book on a recommendation from a good friend, and if it wasn't for that I might have put it down right away, because the tone is very markety, and the author makes a lot of big claims with little substance.

That being said, the author must be a smart guy because there is a lot of good stuff in this book.

Big Takeaways
1. Most of us have the idea that we are supposed to work until we are 60, then retire and live the good life. Tim does a great job pointing o...more I found this book on a recommendation from a good friend, and if it wasn't for that I might have put it down right away, because the tone is very markety, and the author makes a lot of big claims with little substance.

That being said, the author must be a smart guy because there is a lot of good stuff in this book.

Big Takeaways
1. Most of us have the idea that we are supposed to work until we are 60, then retire and live the good life. Tim does a great job pointing out how backwards that idea is, and gives lots of suggestions for how to change your life to accommodate. He calls those who have done so the "New Rich", as they are rich in life - which is not related to being rich in dollars.
2. Take 'mini-retirements' throughout your life instead of planning to retire at the end of your life (which I probably wouldn't do anyways). This means every 5 years take a year off to go on a big adventure. Tim's point is you don't need to be rich to do this, and gives a lot of advice on how to go about it. I don't think he'll convince too many people, but it does sound like he's starting to have a following.
3. Be a business owner - not a business runner. One gives you lots of free time - the other consumes your life (which I can currently attest to :)
4. Time is your most valuable asset. Tim gives a lot of good tips for time management - which aren't unique, but every time you read them helps you. The ones that stuck out for me were:
- only check email 3 times a day at set intervals
- outsource everything you can to 3rd parties (like a virtual concierge in India who works for $5/hr)
- batch activities like paying bills for max efficiency
- give employees autonomous rules/guidelines
- avoid meetings whenever possible - use emails instead (works wonders)
5. Try to start businesses that can be completely outsourced after you've set them up, so they run on auto-pilot. The author did it with a nutrient company - I'm dubious on this one though.
6. 80/20 rule. 80% of your revenue probably comes from 20% of your customers. You can save a lot of time and make more money by focusing where it matters - on the 20%. This applies to most things in life, and although I've read it before it was a good refresher.
7. Reach out to important people. Don't be afraid to reach out to important/famous people for advice. They are often more accessible than you think. Tim had good tips for this - like always uses phone's and not emails.
8. Avoid excessive information: too much information input can overload you, so avoid reading news on subjects that don't relate to what you do. If something important happens in the world you will hear about it - or its good conversation when you meet with a friend ("whats new in the world?")
(less)

Like this review? yes (8 people liked it)

5 comments

05/27/08

Aaron Minks rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction, repeats

Read in January, 2008

recommended to Aaron by: Wendy

One of the few books I have read more than once. Timothy Feriss does an excellent job of explaining the lifestyle and methods of the new rich. Not only that, but he provides web addresses, phone numbers, and more for manufacturers, drop shippers, and mentors. This is a life changing book for any person involved or interested in business.

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

add a comment

02/03/08

Tommy rated it:

bookshelves: business-leadership

One of the best books out there for breaking you out of the routine way of THINKING about your job, even if some of the model suggestions are a bit preposterous for a non-entrepreneur. Very inspiring!

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

2 comments

05/10/08

Chip and Katie Moore rated it:

bookshelves: chip

Read in May, 2008

Overall, I appreciate the idea he brings up in the fact that people waste their days with nonsense (this may come from the fact that I worked in the government for years). As a computer guy, I also appreciate the fact that many people don't fully harness the power of auto-replies, faqs, macros, scripts, batching, etc. to eliminate a good 80% of their work in an office environment. That being the case, the idea of doing all of this doesn't work everywhere (only certain office/sales jobs I suspe...more Overall, I appreciate the idea he brings up in the fact that people waste their days with nonsense (this may come from the fact that I worked in the government for years). As a computer guy, I also appreciate the fact that many people don't fully harness the power of auto-replies, faqs, macros, scripts, batching, etc. to eliminate a good 80% of their work in an office environment. That being the case, the idea of doing all of this doesn't work everywhere (only certain office/sales jobs I suspect), and no boss I've had has ever really appreciated the work I went through to be more efficient either. Even when my work propagated to others and our unit had plenty of free time, all that happened was more filler was added to our workload to make us look busy, or our staff was assigned elsewhere to places not as efficient. So, I'd recommend following the advise he offers for being more efficient and less plugged in, but not necessarily making it known you're doing so unless you're forced into a corner.

The other part of the book espousing the benefits of Direct Marketing are much like the ideas of Rich Dad/Poor Dad for real estate - cute ideas, and I truly believe they will work for some, but not everyone has what it takes to get in on these 'get-rich-quick' ideas at the right time. I feel like success in these field requires a type of personality not everyone has, or wants to have (he references the 'Girls Gone Wild' videos as a good example of direct marketing)?? That may be a true example - but all the money in the world can't make taking advantage of a bunch of drunk girls appealing to me - so, for me it's not a good example.

I'll end by saying the book is short enough to warrant reading. It has some interesting enough ideas peppered throughout that if you can plow through the stuff that you don't like, get it out from the library and read it or flip through it at the book store to see if you get anything from it, but don't necessarily buy thinking it will change your life.(less)

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

add a comment

04/13/08

Amber rated it:

Reading the first third of this book was one of the most self-indulgent activities I’ve ever done. (And yes, I read fiction.) It was so nice to hear that someone else in the world doesn't understand why we spend so much time on meaningless meetings and other time-fillers when there are so many meaningful things we long to do.

This book is worth reading though there are a few things you'll have to endure to finish it:
-potty-mouth words
-author-coined terms and antonyms tha...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

2 comments

08/17/07

Kara rated it:

Read in October, 2007

recommends it for: People who hate their lives

I just started this book, and I can't even finish it. Aside from the author grating on my last nerve with each page turn, I find his outlook on life to be overly fantastical. This book appeals to people who are working in dead end jobs that are hellish to say the least, and offers a way out to people who have lost hope. But I'll tell you something. If making a ton of money, working a 4-hour work week, and living like a millionaire were easy, everyone would do it. The fact that he's one of FEW th...more

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

add a comment

04/14/08

Rasmus rated it:

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: Scumbags.

Although mr. Ferriss has some good ideas and goals, there is one word that describes why, I am not a fan of this book: Scumbaggery.

While I totally agree with Tim Ferriss, when he says that most meetings are useless and should be avoided, I cannot agree with his recommendation of making up excuses and lies, in order to leave early or not show up. This is just one example of behavior recommended in this book, and it quite frankly disgusts me.

I am all for automating the dull...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

add a comment

11/08/07

Douglas rated it:

Read in March, 2008

recommends it for: Everybody

Many of my friends have read this book and my friend Alex kept talking it up, so I picked it up.

Very few books have really changed the way I envision how I am going to live my life. So far, I have only two: Rich Dad Poor Dad and this one. Though Rich Dad introduced me to the concept of owning assets that pay you to free your time, 4-hour workweek dispels a lot of myths about the need to make millions to live the life that we all dream about. In actuality, its a lot closer than we ...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

add a comment

07/07/08

fbuser770109357 rated it:

Read in May, 2008

recommended to John by: Ryan Clauson

Ryan Clauson, a Northeastern student and friend who I informally mentor and advise, gave me a copy of this book. The book is about how you can arrange your life so that you only need to spend 4 hours per week to attain the income that you need. Then with all the time that you freed up, you should do the things you love. The overall premise is less applicable to people who already love what they do for a living (like me and many of you on my list). However, there are definitely nuggest of useful ...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

03/26/08

Joy Hopkins rated it:

Read in January, 2008

recommended to Joy by: Roee

I received Timothy Ferriss’ hot, new bestseller “The 4-Hour Workweek” for Christmas and, cautiously optimistic, proceeded to read what I hoped would not be yet another rendition of a worthless get rich quick scheme. While at times a bit pompous for my taste, I found the author succeeded to deliver readers a realistic, executable plan that, with the right amount of effort, could actually work. Unlike many others who have taken their stab at the genre, Ferriss does not package a timeless, ...more I received Timothy Ferriss’ hot, new bestseller “The 4-Hour Workweek” for Christmas and, cautiously optimistic, proceeded to read what I hoped would not be yet another rendition of a worthless get rich quick scheme. While at times a bit pompous for my taste, I found the author succeeded to deliver readers a realistic, executable plan that, with the right amount of effort, could actually work. Unlike many others who have taken their stab at the genre, Ferriss does not package a timeless, one size fits all solution. Instead, he urges readers to assess their personal goals and systematically assess, through use of tools and templates in the book and on the sister website, what exactly it is that prevents realization of those goals.

What I found most compelling is that he does this within a context that challenges the widely accepted retirement framework that the vast majority of us submit to today. With the advent of the internet and globalization, Ferriss maintains that the employable population is increasingly being filled with people who no longer are satisfied with the school, work 30+ years, and then retire model. Unlike our parents and grandparents, who were largely concerned with maintaining a stable 9-5 job and saving money for retirement, Ferriss argues that the younger generations crave more of a work-life balance in every day life. Ferriss proposes a solution to those who want to join what he calls the “New Rich,” whom the internet and other human advances have made into very curious beings, who demand more flexibility, and who have figured out how to travel now, not 30+ years down the line. The goal is not to save the world, but to maintain a steady cash flow to support a more balanced life filled with things like shorter, more productive work schedules and “mini-retirements.”

The main point of the book is to actually do the exercises and complete the templates in order to figure out your own personal path to freedom. However, once that is all said and done, the real challenge is coming up with that cash cow idea that will support your new lifestyle. Ferriss suggests going into the products versus service industry, as providing a service is typically a more time-consuming endeavor. He even gives marketing, pricing and supply chain tips to set you on your way. Overall, I was impressed with Ferriss’ unconventional stance and determination to not only live a more balanced life, but help others do the same.

(less)

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

06/24/07

brian rated it:

Read in June, 2007

recommends it for: Working Stiffs

It is nice to know that somebody is out there attempting to shed some light on the American rat-race lifestyle...

Although this book has its obvious flaws, namely:

1. Author is an ivy league entrepreneur (of course he's not worried about money).

2. Many of his "time-saving" work tips have no relevance in many fields of work. In fact, I cant really see how they would work unless you already have some independence in your job.

3. The Get-Rich-...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

10/10/07

George Heller rated it:

Read in September, 2007

recommends it for: to anyone who wants to "live" now not later.

It was interesting to read about the author's journey to his current lifestyle. It was even more interesting to read about his ideas for redesigning your lifestyle from the soul crushing 40 hr. week 30 year cycle of work, to one that does not defer your "retirement". Some of his ideas are not for everyone and he does not say it is all or nothing. Take what you want and leave the rest. I read this book in a day and have gone back to it and I bought two copies of this book and gave one a...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

06/17/07

Shannon rated it:

bookshelves: currently-reading

Just finishing up this book and although it isn't a complete waste of time it is SOOOO friggin annoying that 1 star remains generous. The first 1/4 of the book is filler...plenty of little tidbits and setting the stage with the author going on and on [and ON AND ON AND ON] about his tango dancing or trip here or eating there...like anyone cares! Do yourself a favor and skip 80% of the book while looking for the 20% that has anything whatsoever of value to add.

The author makes a big t...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

02/03/08

Emily rated it:

bookshelves: lifestyle-management

Read in December, 2007

recommended to Emily by: Ryan Fisher
recommends it for: kevin smith

I have mixed feelings about this book. The author is someone you don't like from the beginning, and so it is hard to want to be like him. Thankfully, he offers some interesting tips for time management and challenges your work paradigm...maybe even life paradigm. I do look at my definition of productivity differently, and have challenged my idea that if I'm not busy doing something work-related for 8 hours a day that I am a sloth. There are other things of value in this life that we will reg...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

02/09/08

Joy rated it:

Read in February, 2008

recommends it for: the pretentious

So glad I got this book from the library. If I'd purchased the book I would have felt cheated out of money, not just time. Really, this is a book with a great title but it's more a brag book. There was so much talk of self indulgence, living the 'rock star life'. So much talk in fact , it is almost laughable at page 272 he devotes 4 paragraphs to service. Which he defines as "doing something that improves life besides your own." It was a lame afterthought.

In my opinion - us...more

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

add a comment

10/10/07

Sarah rated it:

Read in September, 2007

The other reviews of this book are pretty spot on. I did want to say that I found the idea of mini-retirements interesting. Why should we wait until we are old to enjoy what life has to offer?

I like the idea of taking a month or two off and exploring something new, interesting and educational. This can be done individually and as a family.

I also thought Ferriss' time saving tips can be applied not only to a work, but even to running a household. I didn't really agree wit...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 162 163 next »

recent status updates | recommend it | blog it

combine
other editions (12)

More editions...

quotes from this book

"By using money as the scapegoat and work as our all-consuming routine, we are able to conveniently disallow ourselves to do otherwise: 'John, I'd love to talk about the gaping void I feel in my life, the hopelessness that hits me like a punch in the eye every time I start my computer in the morning, but I have so much work to do! I've got at least three hours of unimportant email to reply to before calling prospects who said 'no' yesterday. Gotta run!'" More quotes...