Get a Job, Build a Real Career, and Defy a Bewildering Economy

by Charles Hugh Smith

You hear it the days of good jobs, great careers - even with a college degree - are over and dead. That the economy has become so mystifyingly controlled, convoluted and convulsive that a lifetime career has become a fantasy pursuit for chumps. In this bewildering environment, how do you get direction, and more importantly, move forward? In Get a Job, Build a Real Career, and Defy a Bewildering Economy, respected financial blogger Charles Smith (oftwominds.com) turns the conventional wisdom on its head. This book delivers the insight and positive action plan to get you employed. Just starting out? Laid off? Trying to restart you career? Get a Job, Build a Real Career, and Defy a Bewildering Economy arms you with the knowledge you need. Are you a parent, grandparent, friend or counselor helping others sort education and career options? Get a Job, Build a Real Career, and Defy a Bewildering Economy assays the current economic maelstrom to give you a fresh, invigorating perspective - and the competitive edge - to understand how to get a job, and build the career you want.

Genres: Business

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2014

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written book, with a few typos that got past the editors. I thought that Smith's style was eminently readable, and shows a good grasp of economics and job markets in the US. For me, though, this fell a little short of what I was expecting. I was hoping for more practical tips for job-seeking or mid-life career change. I did appreciate his ideas about accrediting oneself for the job market, but I felt like he spent too much time delving into economic theories which, while interesting, were not really what I wanted. At the beginning of the book, he says that he will spend a short time giving a brief economic background explanation, but that "short" background ends up taking about 2/3 of the book.

Again, I think he did a good job of dealing with economic ideas, but if that's the main goal of the book, then perhaps a different title would be in order. All in all, I still recommend this as a worthy read.

[Todd Luallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books I've read all year. The book discusses the changing economy, the changing dynamics of higher education, and the changes regarding getting hired in our near future. The author is all about lists and data so just about every point has either evidence to back it up, or a list of five things to accomplish the goal. The author is very negative about higher education in America, and believes the best way to ensure success in the future is through multiple streams of income and through successfully completing AND documenting various projects with a trusted network of individuals. It's a short book (150 pages or so) with tons of good information.

[Adolf Garlic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has an interesting take on one possible way for millenials to get their feet on the life ladder.

[Danja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blueprint for the New Economy

Great read! Charles Hugh Smith has written a compelling blueprint for the new economy. It is about understanding the forces that are transforming the way we work and adapting accordingly. The material is presented in an insightful style that avoids jargon and the usual self-help b.s. to provide a practical guideline that readers can actually put to work themselves.

[Serena · Rating 2 out of 5]

In principle, this book was fine and had solid advice. Lacked the steps to help you make a plan in your job hunt, so I wouldn't recommend it for recent graduates who've never interacted with the workforce before.

Definitely helpful once you have a job though, in showing you how to promote your experiences and work to continue your career.

[James Mclallen]

Used the Audiobook edition. Heavily bookmarked. I will go back and review the more compelling sections. Might even spring for the ebook.

The book is approachable but dense. He makes strong arguments about the nature of the economy. Spends too much time dismantling the reputation of conventional schooling.