Life's a Bitch and Then You Change Careers: 9 Steps to Get You Out of Your Funk & on to Your Future

by Andrea Kay

Most people agree there are few things worse than being stuck in a career you hate. It's not just the daily drudgery of work that has become tedious; it's also the hopeless feeling of life moving in the wrong direction and not knowing how to turn it around. Renowned career consultant Andrea Kay knows it's possible for people in such predicaments to make a change, and in this book she offers her time-tested, nine-step program to show you how.

The process begins with readers doing some soul-searching to define a career objective that's based on who they are, not what others think they should be. The author then offers a methodical plan for successfully making the shift, addressing every issue from research and training to networking and interviewing to ultimately landing that new job. Along the way, she provides helpful exercises and real-life examples of clients who have made the transition to a happier working life. Kay's personable writing style, vast knowledge, and years of experience make this life-changing book the next best thing to one-on-one sessions with one of the best career counselors in the country.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2005

Reviews

[Lindsey Lang · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok, i didn't actually completely finish it, the exercises were actually rather frustrating. you couldn't really keep going if you didn't think of like 3 words to describe yourself or what you're good at or what you wanted.........just seemed sort of elementary and nothing that you can't figure out for yourself. i was kind of disappointed and thus never finished it. a better book i can recommend is one i'm currently reading by barbara winter called making a living without a job. see my review on that one! =)

[Kristie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's an excellent book to read if you're not sure how to change careers or what you want to do next. The nine steps were very easy to follow. I liked being led me step-by-step in a straightforward manner to figure out what I like and dislike about my current job, skills I enjoy using, and how I should approach changing careers. I wrote directly in the book on the lines provided. I feel more confident and prepared to change careers after reading this book.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the somewhat tacky title, a re-read of this book was most helpful with some suggestions on how to focus my job search and best present my qualifications, based on the person I want to be in the work world, and where I want to be that person...really opened my eyes to some options I had not considered. Also, has enough humor built in to not be boring.

[Abd Alaziz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am taking a really long time into reading this book. Soul-searching, pondering, wondering, writing it down..

Making sure I am asking myself the right questions, answering them, and keeping a record of it before making a career change.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great questions to get you to reflect on what aspects of your past jobs you like and what skills you enjoy using as a means to finding a career that suits those best.

[Mnhawkhoya]

Excellent so far.

[Barb Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as career counseling goes, face-to-face help is preferable. As far as books go though, this one is as good as you could get. I found it helpful.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good workbook for thinking through the possibilities for a change of career. Anyone looking for work should listen to Andrea Kay.

[Booktart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a library book so I couldn't mark it up but it seems very useful. I will likely buy it.

[Marla]

placeholder - didnt read this but something like it

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of the better career books I've read.

[Donna Pender · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it was pretty good. I've read similar books and this has the same feel.