You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates

by J.R. Parrish

Chock-full of practical advice for teen and college-age readers on everything,

* Nailing that first big job interview
* Avoiding dangerous relationship mistakes
* Mastering the art of managing your finances
* Circumventing the typical pitfalls of adjusting to the adult world
* Making friends and forging career alliances
* Choosing the right mentors

This valuable guidebook synthesizes a life's worth of wisdom into one engaging volume. The author, a self-made multimillionaire who did learn the hard way, offers what he wishes someone would have given him when he was starting out—a no-nonsense blueprint for personal and professional success. Written with self-deprecating humor and grace, this book is never preachy and features irresistible self-discovery quizzes that guide young readers to deeper self-understanding.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

296 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

J.R. Parrish went from being a milkman to a multimillionaire. In 1974, he founded J. R. Parrish Inc., a commercial real estate company in Silicon Valley. He ran the company based on the premise that to succeed in life, you must treat people with fairness and respect, a premise that not only won him friends, but made him a fortune. J.R. spent the next 25 years studying and teaching his employees and brokers about human relations. The company grew to be a huge success and one of the premier real estate brokerage firms in Silicon Valley. J.R. retired in 1999. Today, he and his wife Lisa live in one of the most idyllic spots in the Hawaiian Islands, on their own coffee plantation. He continues to support the ideals he believes in through his foundation.

Reviews

[Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book! J.R. Parrish knows exactly what he's talking about. He went from being a milkman to a multimillionaire, not even with the motive of making a lot of money, but just living how he wanted to live; happy. The money wasn't/isn't the reason for his happiness, his LIFE is. His desire to truly live is inspiring to say the least. This book is not a typical self-help/guide on how to improve; this is a book that WILL change your life IF you let it. He goes through and breaks down some of the most important areas of life and how to not only excel, but to have unlimited access on the good that you can do and the person you can become. I will be honest, when I first started reading through the first chapter, I thought that he wasn't really mentioning anything new; that it was just a bunch of common sense. However, as I powered through, I let myself open up to the ideas and the possibilities of what he teaches. The results are incredible. I already feel more free and passionate about life than I think I ever have, and I've only just finished the book. These words of wisdom from J.R. Parrish will linger in my mind forever, and I WILL become the person I've always wanted to be. PLEASE, do yourself a favor and read this book. Have an open mind, and actually think about the results that you would have if you put his teachings in to effect. I know I can't be the only one who wants to live a beautiful life.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making it in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates is sort of a handbook/workbook all rolled up into one. Mr. Parrish writes this book ideally for high school and college age students in mind. Though adults can learn and take away things from this book

I like that it was very easy to read. Each chapter is broken out into different topics like Human Relations, Making you dreams come true, and dating, marriage and parenting are just a few of the subjects touched on in this guide. At the beginning of each chapter, Mr. Parrish explains what the objective is for that chapter. He than shares true events that happened to him. Than the subject matter is broken down into sections. Those sections explain why it is important for eye contact, listening, etc. The reader follows the steps on how to help them achieve these skills or goals.

This book is very interactive as there are quizzes throughout this book. You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making it in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates would make a perfect gift for any young adult just learning how to make their own way in the real world, especially now in these times. Pick up two copies of this book today as you will want to keep one for yourself.

[Lenore Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I am thrilled to be able to share with College Girl J. R. Parrish's book "You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way-Making it in the Real World: A guide for Graduates". This is just the book I wanted for her. Here she can get great road worthy advice and it is not coming from her Parental Units (as she calls us). J.R. has sound and heartfelt advice on how to develop invaluable people skills and setting priorities for life and career. Here he shares how to understand the long-term benefits of self-discipline and recognizing the consequences of your choices. Also sharing how to avoid romantic involvement that can derail your goals and how to reap the rewarding payback for kindness and generosity. It really is a great book for study on how to make it that next step.

There is also the You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way Mentor Appreciation Scholarship competition to celebrate the adult heroes who have nurture the potential in others. Entrants answered the question "How was your life changed by a mentor or by mentoring someone else?" And this year Meril Smith was awarded a $10,000 college scholarship to give to a high school senior or college undergraduate of his choice. What a wonderful legacy that J. R. Parrish has created.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished this. It took exactly 2 weeks. I'm surprised it has not been widely read by the Goodreads population as of yet. I'm quite impressed by this book, considering I'm on the self-help genre for some time now. This book; it is simple and the instruction is genuine - coming from a man who has made many of those mistakes himself. I think he is awesome for teaching others his secrets without reservation. The voice in the book is sincere - it is abridged - it is effective. I especially like the summary of 68 small quotes at the back. Though he didn't mention he was trained in psychology, I felt his small quizzes were thoughtfully and accurately created. Alot of sweat, I feel, went into this book - as it wasn't an easy read. It is like a distillation of life experience only the most heartened and sincere of teachers would want to impart.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student whose parents control the bulk of my finances still, this book has been remarkably helpful in explaining the basics of every financial decision I will need to make in the future, whether it be a simple budget or taking out a loan to buy a car.

The title says its for graduates, but it really is for upper high school aged and all of college aged students who need the basic footing in the financial world.

[Michele Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty interesting. There are some great concepts and I think anyone could put this book to good use. It might not make you rich, but it could definitely make you a better person.

[Sherzod Tursunov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like it, very useful advise and recommendations were given