Now, Near, Next: A Practical Guide for Mid-Career Women to Move from Professional Serendipity to Intentional Advancement

by Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, Kimberly K Rath

For many women, mid-career feels a lot like a merry-go-round. You start off, eager to jump in. You pick the pink pony and hold on tight. Uninhibited, you move to the zebra during the first stop. Look, Mom, no hands! However, at some point over the next twenty-plus years, you look up, and you’re still on the same ride, with the same cast of characters, going in circles. You need a bigger playground!

Now, Near, Next debunks the myth that putting your head down and working hard is the best way to realize your fullest potential. Energizing self-agency means taking control of your path ahead. Instead of conforming to social norms or other people’s expectations, you look forward with intentionality, action, and reflection.

It is time to amplify your potential by making room for yourself, bringing forethought to your journey, and developing a road map to your Now, Near, Next.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[MyNeverEndingTBRList · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, Near, Next is full of applicable suggestions. As a mid-career woman who is currently transitioning into a new career, this book came at the right time.

In addition to many recommendations and things to consider when evaluating your Now, Near, Next, there are also gentle reminders such as surrounding yourself with positive people and not letting guilt get the best of you.

Although this book primarily targets mid-career women, I do believe all of the 20-somethings could/should read this. There are so many tidbits and words of encouragement for anyone starting their career. After working in a toxic environment in my 20s, and feeling like I had nowhere to go, this book may have given me the courage to examine what I value most and what I shouldn’t have been willing to compromise on.

Since I received an ARC, the workbook mentioned wasn’t included, but having it would be a real asset. I appreciated the chapter recaps at the end of each section highlighting important questions and tasks to keep moving forward. I’m also happy to see Imposter Syndrome being talked about more and more.

Thank you Netgalley and Amplify Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Orie at Let's Take A Shelfie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now, Near, Next is more than a title to a book - it's a framework. It aims to inspire and guide mid-career women and prepare them for intentional advancement. Each chapter builds on the next with topics ranging from establishing boundaries, developing clear missions and values and surrounding yourself with a supportive network.

I requested this title as I would consider myself to be in the target audience for this book - mid-career woman. After reading the book and skimming through my notes, it just didn't hit the mark. The themes and approaches to remove obstacles did not resonate with my personal & professional experiences.

This could be an interesting read for those who are just starting their careers and/or are in the early stages of juggling family commitments and full time work.

*Thank you to Amplify Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its release date. Opinions are my own.*

[Denise Morse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Now, Near, Next had such a good blurb and premise. I am mid career and looking for direction, my initial career goals have been met and I feel stuck and floundering. And I was hoping this book would help unstick everything, unfortunately it was a no. The first section seemed like it was heading there with a good description of the problem and the issues but then the next sections are really geared towards really new career people- build your network, find a mentor, etc. Find a mentor ..... i am being asked to be a mentor! I just think this might have been marketed differently than it should. Also it seems to be a a companion book to a coaching product you need to buy so be warned when picking it up that a lot wont make sense unless you take an external quiz.

[Lynn Strickland · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Now, Near, and Next non-fiction book is really a practical guide in a profession. Even though this book is geared for women believe it or not men could learn from it. The authors may not agree but men can take knowledge away from reading this book. It is a great guide to learn how to advance in a career. Taking control of ones self and lives comes at a time when putting ones self in the forefront is most important. There is lots of conversations about tackling the internal and external barriers that hold a person back. There is so much offered in the leadership and career wisdom in this book. I think any professional working person could benefit from reading this book.

[Ashlee Beal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I’m not really looking for a career change but I am mid-career so I was interested in learning more about what I could be looking at with how to market myself so I can be prepared for the future. It did give some reasonable tips that I hadn’t thought of.

I’m giving this a low rating because it was soooooo boring. It’s not even that big of a book but I just couldn’t get motivated to keep picking it up. I finally decided I was going to read 10 pages a day so I could be done with it.
I’m glad to have gotten to the end of my goal.

[Ron Frampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to help guide mid-career women into the next step of their career advancement.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really for a mid career woman. Most advice is for women newer to the workforce:

[Serena Mancini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for women who struggle to move up in their career and don’t know where to start.