Beat the Odds

This book, has a suspicious title that didnt really encourage me to want to read it--as it wa a gift to me but I read it. It is written quite well and provides some very useful information that is readily applicable. A suggested read.

While this book was clearly written by the author at least in part to placate his own ego, the basic concepts he touches on in the book are golden. The book is divided roughly into two parts; the first section describes how Mr. Yates feels the work-world will be divided up into basic categories like Knowlege-workers ,Service-workers, and the equivalent of the Assembly worker. He even points out that some jobs, at first glance might be considered knowlege worker, where in reality they are Assemby-line jobs. (some types of lawyers etc.) The second portion of the book discusses what it takes to become successful both in your personal life and your work life by embracing and improving on 8 key character traits or factors. He also brings in a third concept that each of us should have three 'jobs' simultaneously, (each of which focuses on a different combination of the 8 traits.) These three 'jobs' are; core career, entrepreneurial career, and dream career. Into the mix is thrown the idea that you should also balance your personal life with your work life.All in all, the book was well written, although you had to dig occasionally to pull the really good stuff out into the open. I'd recommend this as a good reference for anyone who wants to ensure that they remain fresh in whatever their current job is and who is interested in working toward that 'Dream job' they really would rather be doing!

While this book was clearly written by the author at least in part to placate his own ego, the basic concepts he touches on in the book are golden. The book is divided roughly into two parts; the first section describes how Mr. Yates feels the work-world will be divided up into basic categories like Knowlege-workers ,Service-workers, and the equivalent of the Assembly worker. He even points out that some jobs, at first glance might be considered knowlege worker, where in reality they are Assemby-line jobs. (some types of lawyers etc.) The second portion of the book discusses what it takes to become successful both in your personal life and your work life by embracing and improving on 8 key character traits or factors. He also brings in a third concept that each of us should have three 'jobs' simultaneously, (each of which focuses on a different combination of the 8 traits.) These three 'jobs' are; core career, entrepreneurial career, and dream career. Into the mix is thrown the idea that you should also balance your personal life with your work life.All in all, the book was well written, although you had to dig occasionally to pull the really good stuff out into the open. I'd recommend this as a good reference for anyone who wants to ensure that they remain fresh in whatever their current job is and who is interested in working toward that 'Dream job' they really would rather be doing!