the brazen careerist

"the only way to lead an interesting life is to encounter uncertainty and make a choice. otherwise, your life is not your own - it is a path someone else has chosen. moments of uncertainty are when you create your life, when you become who you truly are."

- penelope trunk, the brazen careerist

ah! uncertainty. it's what life is about. if you have a detailed career plan and think you know exactly where you will be in twenty years, i can guarantee things will not go according to plan. life is full of surprises. it's also full of opportunities. have a plan, but be ready to be flexible.

that quote is just one of many points in penelope trunk's book, the brazen careerist, where i thought, "absolutely! that's it!" while the brazen careerist blog is one of my favorites, i honestly thought "oh great, another great career advice/business book....blah blah blah". but i was more than pleasantly surprised to find many inspiring pieces of writing.

if you're starting out in the workforce, this is a great book for you. if you're considering a job or career change, this is the book for you. if, like me, you're on the older side of generation x that is examining where you are in your career and what you might want to do about it, this is the book for you. even if you're happy where you are, this book offers, if not great advice, great reminders and tips anyone can use no matter where they are in their career.

things like:
1) tips on resume writing and interviewing
2) how to get plum assignments and either move up - or at least like the work you're doing more
3) happiness is not a job (it's really not, folks)
4) the reality of office politics (even if, like me, you're one who doesn't exactly love office politics - and that's putting it mildly)
5) the importance (and power) of authenticity
6) the new workplace currency - training
7) how hard (or how much) to work
8) the dream is about time, not money

and that's just a sampling of the good advice in this book. i wish someone had told me all of this when i was starting my career. whether you're facing a quarter-life crisis, or a mid-life one, this is worth a read.

i'll be writing more on this book later!
in the meantime, get the book. you can also check penelope trunk out on her brazen careerist blog here.

all the best!
deb

Comments

[Lisa]

I enjoyed the book too and posted similarly. I had Friday off and actually read it in Barnes and Noble drinking an iced fruit tea. Ahhh, very relaxing!

[deb]

thanks lisa!
and boy, that sounds very very relaxing!
all the best!
deb