Middle-Class Lifeboat: Careers and Life Choices for Navigating a Changing Economy

As a top-producing residential real estate agent living and working in a small rural community, my feeling is that "Middle Class Lifeboat" could not have been published and distributed at a better time! With over 500 pages of tips and solid information about how to downsize, minimize, save and earn money without feeling the edge, I recommend this book not only to the middle class, but all who are concerned with the future for themselves, their children, grandchildren and beyond. Developing a quality tool such as "Lifeboat" could not have been an easy job. But Paul and Sarah Edwards have done the research, put it all together in an easy to read and understand paperback that is affordable as it is useful. Clearly, the knowledge and class of these brilliant authors will allow millions to get on track and realize a higher quality of life with just a few minor adjustments in their earning and spending habits. I have purchased ten copies of this book to pass on to my clients as helpful information on how they can survive not only living in a rural community but also in today's economy. I'm looking forward to the reaction of each person that reads "Lifeboat" and implements some or many of the ideas that The Edwards have so thoughtfully brought together in this fabulous book. Clearly written for today, I see myself referring to this valuable information for years to come. I hope you will, too! Other books written by Paul and Sarah Edwards that I have read and highly recommend are: Making Money With Your Computer At Home Changing Direction Without Losing Your Way The Best Home Businesses For People 50+

I'm a career counselor and am delighted that the Edwards have written this forward-thinking book. It's the first of its kind I've seen that's written for a new time and a new economy. I'm recommending it to my clients who are struggling to maintain a middle-class life in turbulent economic times. It helps them realize that things have really changed and we need to be considering new options and new approaches that seem counter-intuitive and different from what we've explored in the past. I urge those of you who are resisting what the Edwards are saying to take a second look. Don't shoot the messenger! Realize that they're offering really helpful advice for rapidly changing conditions. The book doesn't recommend any one choice over any other, but instead puts forward a well-researched smorgesboard of choices that other people are actually pursuing successfully. The Edwards point out the pros and cons of each of these occupations. The list they present can help trigger people's imaginations as they search for a way forward into a richer but perhaps simpler way of life. They don't pull any punches in telling us that to survive and thrive in future economic conditions, we'll need to get out of debt, curb our shopping addictions and be open to new ways of doing things. You may not want to hear this, but it's excellent and practical advice. Even Alan Greenspan admitted yesterday that we're in a recession. Wake up and smell the coffee, folks!

In my time of mid-life career transition, this book was helpful in helping to point me to a new career that wouldn't be gone in a few years. And, since I'm closing in on retirement age, lots of helpful ideas on how to make it enjoyable.

Paul and Sarah Edwards are seasoned writers and know home business intimately. This is their latest book, and will not disappoint the reader. Subtitle is Careers and Life Choices for Navigating a Changing Economy. This huge book is over 500 pages of research, ideas, and strategic plans for thriving in any economy. Back cover reads: "Inside, you will discover ways to safeguard your livelihood, provide for your family, and pursue a career you love." The book introduces many new outside-the-box ways of living, earning money, and enjoying your life. The authors are extremely thorough and lay out options, ideas, views, and then they have put in sections that say "our advice," so you can consider and weigh new concepts in living your life while viewing many pros and cons. Some ideas presented are about becoming more "green" and doing "greener" businesses; others are about living with roommates or having elderly parents live with you to share expenses and make for tighter bonds; others are about bartering and other financial matters. The ideas presented have extensive details for how to execute them so you can actually picture what each scenario might be like for you and your family. The authors present dozens of jobs, tell you the projected start up costs, and other details about considering each as a new career or something to add to what you currently do for a living. Excellent book for people who realize they have to be more creative to make a living, as well as a life, in the USA and in other countries. Lifeboat has lists of numerous web sites and resources to contact for further information in dozens of categories, including food, shelter, clothing, family and living dynamics, jobs, careers, and how to change your situation from surviving to thriving. Lifeboat is a reference book that can save you countless hours of research and lots of money. The Edwards' have done most of the homework, due diligence, and legwork, so that you can make informed decisions and wise choices for your future.

I could not be more enthusiastic about the usefuleness of this book. Anyone who has seen the erosion of his paycheck or retirement fund will find value in the huge number of ideas and resources useful in re-directing a future to cope with a very slippery economy. It's motivating to read accounts of people not just scrimping to get by, but living life largely with big ideas--and happily. What a piece of work to pull all this together! My copy is already marked up and tagged with sections that inspire me.