What Next? : The Complete Guide to Taking Control of Your Working Life

by Barbara Moses

What does work mean to you? WHAT NEXT? is your personal coach to self discovery. Reveal your authentic self and gain a deeper understanding of what motivates you in your quest for fulfilling and meaningful work.WHAT NEXT? is the ultimate career resource for every stage of your working starting out, searching for your unique path, moving ahead, re-evaluating priorities, considering flexible work arrangements, shifting careers, or evaluating later career options.WHAT NEXT? resonates with the tough realities of what you face at work today- both the challenges and opportunities. Dr. Barbara Moses has worked with thousands of people of all ages and from every type of work. She has learned what people struggle with, what causes them to derail, and what they need to rise above the frenetic busyness and make successful career and life choices.Your journey to work that matters.A comprehensive career bible, WHAT NEXT? features self-assessment tools, diagnostic instruments, quizzes, guided exercises, easy-to-follow samples, models, and savvy career advice. Its age and career stage targeted advice will enable you discover your unique talents, values, and motivational type- find your fit in ten industry sectors and roles within those sectors- identify your best work and work configuration from self-employment to part-time and all points in between- find, pitch yourself for, and create great work- overcome career challenges such as burn-out, boredom, and lack of passion- restore balance in your life- become a career activist and express your authentic self in your work- apply twelve new strategies for career successMore than one million people have completed Barbara Moses' internationally acclaimed Career Planning Workbook, a corporate bestseller. Now, Moses reveals the secrets behind that success in WHAT NEXT?, an inspiring, insightful, and intelligent work that provides caring advice that works. Beautifully designed, the book motivates and guides you through the process of revealing your unique talents and translating those features into work that matters to you.Managers, career coaches, and human resource professionals will find fresh ideas and information on attracting, retaining and developing new workers, - developing and rewarding people based on their motivational type- designing work environments and cultures that meet the needs of today's worker- coaching bored, stressed or burned-out individuals- understanding the skill and attitude requirements for success in different roles and functions- making work/life balance work for individuals, types of work, and in the culture- inspiring individuals to become career activists

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published April 21, 2003

Reviews

[Scout Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Next? is a book for anyone doing some thinking about their career - whether you're trying to figure out what you should do after university or you're getting older and worried companies won't hire you. It encourages self assessment and reflection so YOU can find the answer inside you--Barbara Moses can't tell you what job you'd be perfect at.

I enjoyed the "1: Know Yourself" and the "4: Overcome career challenges: Age-related dilemmas" chapters. The first chapter included detailed self-assessments, and the 4th chapter talked about young-age related dilemmas which I could relate to.

Reading this you will question your preferences on all areas of work life (part time or full time? what kind of benefits do I want? do I like working with people? what is my key motivator? etc.). You will find out your motivational type(s) (I had 3), what industry sector suits you best, and more. Moses talks about career changes and career "shifts"; she teaches about writing résumés, cover letters, and how to do well in interviews and networking.

The author had good things to say on:
Know Where Your Passion Comes From
"People often say, "I want to find my passion" as though it was something they expected to stumble across in the woods or pick up at a department store. The fact is, passion is not a commodity, it is the by-product of doing something that really engages you. Look for what will truly hold your attention--psychologically and technically--and the passion should take of itself." (Moses, 253).

"There are no prizes given out for having stuck to a job you hated." (Moses, 263).

(I had another quote too but I lost the page number 😓😢)

Overall it was a well-designed book full of good content. I would recommend this to others(!) who might be struggling with enjoying their work, workplace, or career. It was sure helpful to me.

[Sandy BP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Barbara for this book 💕 You have been an extraordinary mentor and guide, during this pandemic. Your book had helped and guide me immensely in all direction. I am pleased to have your remarkable book.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but only somewhat useful. My main takeaway from the interviews in the book is that it's a really good idea to have already had an unfulfilling but lucrative career and received a lovely buyout before you embark on a "second act." A nice position from which to explore your options, but not available to most people.

[Martin Bihl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for getting the gears going and re-thinking what you're doing and why.

[Marlo Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't have to read this entire book to gain new insight and get the boost you need. I recommend it.

[Jan Vandermeer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for Career changers.