Born for This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do

by Chris Guillebeau

Have you ever met someone with the perfect job? To the outside observer, it seems like they've won the career lottery—that by some stroke of luck or circumstance they've found the one thing they love so much that it doesn't even feel like work—and they're getting paid well to do it.  In reality, their good fortune has nothing to do with chance. There’s a method for finding your perfect job, and Chris Guillebeau, the bestselling author of The $100 Startup, has created a practical guide for how to do it—whether within a traditional company or business, or by striking out on your own. Finding the work you were “born to do” isn’t just about discovering your passion. Doing what brings you joy is great, but if you aren’t earning a living, it’s a hobby, not a career. And those who jump out of bed excited to go to work every morning don’t just have jobs that turn their passions into paychecks. They have jobs where they also can lose themselves for hours in the flow of meaningful work. This intersection of joy, money, and flow is what Guillebeau will help you find in this book. Through inspiring stories of those who have successfully landed their dream career, as well as actionable tools, exercises, and thought experiments, he’ll guide you through today’s vast menu of career options to discover the work perfectly suited to your unique interests, skills, and experiences.You’ll learn how • Hack the job of your dreams within a traditional organization by making it work for you• Find not only your ideal work but also your ideal working conditions• Create plans that will allow you to take smarter career risks and “beat the house” every time• Start a profitable “side hustle” and earn extra cash on top of your primary stream of income• Escape the prison of working for someone else and build a mini-empire as an entrepreneur• Become a rock star at any creative endeavor by creating a loyal base of fans and followersWhichever path you choose, this book will show you how to find that one job or career that feels so right, it’s like you were born to do it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Personal Development, Productivity, Entrepreneurship, Audiobook

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2016

About the author

Chris Guillebeau is the New York Times bestselling author of The $100 Startup and other books. During a lifetime of self-employment, he visited every country in the world (193 in total) before his 35th birthday. Every summer in Portland, Oregon he hosts the World Domination Summit, a gathering of creative, remarkable people. Chris also hosts Side Hustle School, a popular podcast that is downloaded more than 2 million times a month.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for these type of books. I read them thinking that 'this will surely be the book that maps out my future for me!' And then I end up learning virtually nothing new. Writing is fine and there are a few interesting stories of how others found their dream work....I am still waiting for my great epiphany....

[Mike]

Well that was another mild disappointment. Lots of rah-rah cheerleading talk, some really short, superficial stories of when (not how) people achieved their dream job or what they thought differently but not how they exercised the demons of doubt we all carry.

Some interesting notions to consider like "write your resume of the future to help define your goals", but it's also spoiled by unhelpful BS like "don't just be good - be so good they can't ignore you".

Did not finish - moving on to The Pathfinder (Lore) to see what a practical workbook has to offer.

[Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was only ok. If you’ve never thought about work outside of the classical 9-5 setup, this might be an ok starting point. It’s not very focused or action-oriented, which is how I prefer my self help
Books and this is definitely a career self help book. It’s heavy on the anecdotes - something I hate in self help books. I still agree with most of the content, there just wasn’t anything new, especially if you’ve already read another book by the same author. I got more out of the 100 $ startup book.

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives you a framework for thinking about your life and what work might be your best suited match. The first half of the book is a lot of conceptual/inspirational stuff and the second half gets into slightly more specific information on various topics, however this book is really just a starting point to get you thinking - if you want a career change you will have to do a lot more thinking and research than just what this book provides.

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think there was anything all that new in here to enlighten readers. Some of the metaphors didn't quite fit, many of the situations were oversimplified and generic, and some of the stories (and ultimately, advice) is contradictory. The writing style was average, but accessible. But, maybe that was your point: appeal to the masses. 300+pages of blah

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had some interesting ideas, but not very complex or revelating. One of the first interesting takeaways for me: you don't need to subscribe to a seemingly established career path, as careers don't follow strict scripts. You never signed a contract saying you'll do the same thing for the rest of your life, and that's a good thing because life is everchanging.
One mistake I often did is getting too attached and distracted with wanting to know the journey of other people and how theye made it... But just because something worked for someone else's career doesn't mean it will for mine and that's definitely boosting my anxiety for my eventual career shift.
The mook toots the ideal that your job should be the perfect mix of joy, money, and flow, with working conditions that match your needs - I find it difficult to aim at in this economy, but then again I constantly struggle to get myself out of my own way.
Fear is definitely holding me back from following my dreams and I got a solid reminder I need to keep working on it.
Definitely going to try the 100 people project as I'm busy rebuilding my contact list.
Although I did learn a thing or two from this book, most of it was a refresher/reflection for me, but perhaps it could be more interesting and useful for others.

[Jocelin Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born for This is an easy to understand and quite useful guide to exploring and navigating one's career world in the current age.

Chris reaches out to people that are still looking for their optimal and best fit career or who want to find more than one to increase their income with a side hustle.

He offers practical advice and gives plenty of examples of people who are working their dream job, which is encouraging for people to read who haven't found theirs yet.
He stresses finding work with the most combination of joy, money and flow.

It does lean more on being an entrepreneur and how you can rise to success faster following this model, but the advice can apply also to those wanting to work within larger organizations or corporations as well.

The important aspect is that you are happy with your choice and able to bring your gifts forward in the way that you most desire.

The only advice missing from this helpful guidebook, is exploring the spiritual side. He doesn't address the how to find "what you were put on the planet to do" by seeking wisdom from the other side--the non-ordinary realm or the metaphysical side. No mediation, prayer or journeying is touched on.

He does discuss how "being is the flow" is a great sign and how to keep seeking for what you are born to do until you find it, as this is what will truly allow you to win the "career lottery" and be a more fulfilled and content person. He teaches how we often need to re-write our "mind scripts" because we have been programmed to limit ourselves or not see opportunities and have the faith to go for them.

I've written a more in-depth review of this book on my blog, www.feelbetterwellness.com.

Lastly, he has created a free and interesting quiz to learn about your preferred work style here: www.bornforthisbook.com/quiz

[Pam Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I'd like to say that I am not one who received an ARC. I know some think reviews from ARC readers might be biased, so please dispense with that thinking straight away.

I have, however, followed Chris' blog for many years, although I've done so mostly 'in the shadows.' I've read two of his other books, and this one pales in comparison, in my opinion. It is still a good read. A book like this one is necessarily generic. It would be impossible to be specific, so if you're looking for advice on finding the exact career for which you were born, a la "What Color is Your Parachute?" et al, this would not meet those criteria. It isn't a blueprint-type book.

Rather, Chris presents us with a virtual buffet of career delectables, with many islands to navigate. He doesn't draw any roadmaps, but he shows us how to figure out which is the best navigation system for us. It's like taking a trip: some of us prefer to drive; others fly. Some prefer booking tours with guides. Others, we rent cars on arrival and find our own way. Still others hike the wilderness. There is no right or wrong way, as he mentions more than once.

He is a very motivational writer and great storyteller, as well as knowledgeable on business building. This book is an exceptional guide for the person who wants general information and a swift kick (motivation) to get off their duffs. For someone wanting specific guidance, not so much.

[Colleen Wainwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I adore Chris Guillebeau as both an all-around great human and a writer. He is generous, curious, kind. He is true blue. He looks out for other people's best interest, and has as his main goal in life to help other people connect with what will help them most fully come alive (which I believe means to either to find that particular thing you're meant to be doing, or to adopt a way of being that allows you to be in deepest service no matter where you are—and hopefully, both).

Like his other books, this is both practical and inspiring. He shrinks at the "inspiring" part; he really is all about actions. But hey, sometimes a little motivation is required to get people to vote in their own interests, so not much harm in being inspiring (provided you're also providing the goods).

I hate to even look, but I'm a snoop by nature, and I see that the reviews really range for this, from over-the-top glowing to utterly dismissive. I might offer up this, by way of being helpful: if you're new to the notion of self-direction or if you're in need of an infusion of inspiration AND the voice of this book speaks to you, get it. There is a backlash of shaming around the self-help genre these days which I find spectacularly non-useful. There is not now, nor has there ever been, any shame in going after the help you need.

[Cosmic Arcata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book twice! I loved the examples and the path to finding what you were born to do. It is organic as opposed to linear (school). I have seen these ideas in action both in my own life and in others. The ideas expressed here are a jumping off point for your own growth. No one can tell you what you were born to do. But listening to this book can give you channels that you might not have thought of for finding that next opportunity.

[Ayelet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me re-think my own work in terms of the intersection of joy/work/flow. Are all three needs being met? Is this the job I was born to do? Should I be developing a side hustle? Definite yes on that last part.

[Emmy Hermina Nathasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Born For This shows you how to find the work you were meant to do, which actually might consist of many different forms of work over the course of your life, by showing you the power of a side hustle, proper risk-assessment, creating your own job and pursuing all of your passions – one at a time."

This is the second book of Chris Guillebeau that I read after Side Hustle. And I am not disappointed. Where Side Hustle is an 123-ABC type of to-do-list type of book, Born for This is at a higher level. Not as brief and with longer explanation. I definitely benefitted more from this book.

Among useful take-aways that I can share here is:

1) to always have a back-up plan. If A doesn't work, there's still 25 more alphabets to choose from.

2) find the right work for yourself. You can do this by making a list of all the skills you’re good at and the things you hate doing. Another thing that you might not do/didn't notice is to pay attention to what other people ask you for help with. Sometimes we ourselves didn't realise what our skills are and needed other people to point it out.

3) to be aware that people change. It is okay to change change your work or passion as time goes. We make the mistake to be attached to the idea that we have to settle for one thing in our entire life!

I definitely encourage people who are dissatisfied with current work/life, who are looking for answers, or who are merely intrigue, to read this. I wouldn't want to guarantee that you will find an answer, and you will suddenly be happy with life and find a purpose what-so-ever. In the end, it's up to the individual. If one is positive and open mind to the possibilities in life, I'm sure this book will benefit you.

[Jason Pettus · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 reads, #31. Digested as a synopsis through the summarizing service Blinkist. This was of standard quality for the kind of short business book that gets summarized regularly at these synopsis services like Blinkist (aka the same kind of short business books that do well at Kindle Unlimited), a solid and fundamentals-filled guide to how to get a paid job the way that entrepreneurs do it, which was basically the way we were taught to do it during the career week of the computer coding bootcamp I attended in 2015, then finally was able to put into successful practice when becoming a freelance book editor starting in 2020. Basically, that starts with throwing away everything you've known up to now about "applying" for jobs, because competing against thousands of others while bumping heads with HR filtering software is a sucker's game from the start. Instead you start by figuring out what you really want to do, and what you're really good at, then going out and convincing someone to make that specific job for you exist, whether that's a traditional company creating a new role for you or becoming a freelancer and soliciting your salary directly from your end customers. There's a fine art to that, and a lot of specific steps, so this book is as good a basic guide as any to them, which I can attest work when put into practice exactly as recommended. It comes recommended in that "self-taught textbook" spirit.

[panatda · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF
ทนอ่านจนจะจบอยู่แล้วแต่นึกขึ้นได้ว่าทำไมกูต้องทนวะ พอเถอะ ต่อล้อต่อเถียงกับหนังสือจนหงุดหงิด

[Sumit Singla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Born for This is a bit of a disappointment. And in hindsight, the title does appear to be that of a self-help book - something that promises you a pot of gold. And if you haven't got your pot of gold already, then clearly you're not trying hard enough.

I thought the author tries too hard to oversimplify things and preach at the reader. The stories and anecdotes are sketchy and honestly not enough to make a significant enough change in my life.

Advice like "Don't just be good, be so good they can't ignore you." is utterly pointless and lame. I've been a fan of the author's blog and his earlier book, but this one is surely not for me.

All the author really needed to make his point was a one-page blog post talking about the intersection of joy, work, and flow.

[Teri Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The 3 Minute MBA is spot on. I would not trade my MBA experience, but if you are short on time or money - this is all you need to know! Chris does it again

[Judge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started following Chris Guillebeau because of his knowledge of travel and travel hacking. I then read his book 'The Art of Non-Conformity' and enjoyed that one. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of his latest book 'Born For This' and got to meet him in person on his book tour.
These kind of books are great reinforcements for the thoughts I already have as well as introducing new ideas for me to mull over. Each reader will take away different things from this book. Some may find it very helpful on kick starting their quest on finding their dream job and others may take only a few things away from it. Ultimately it is the reader who must take the actions in their life to land that dream job, promotion, etc. in life. This book has many helpful steps that one can utilize to help them down that path.
I usually read a book like this with a pen, underlining, taking notes and then going back re-reading those notes and passages. Also great to pass along the book to a friend when done with it; share the knowledge.
I recommend this book to anyone searching to find the work they were meant to do.

[Karen Fasimpaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you met someone who seems to have the perfect job or career? Have you wondered if there’s something more for you in the world of work, but felt like it was out of reach? Finding the work you were born for is one of the best things in the world, and in this book, Chris Guillebeau lays out the vision and then supplies the methods and tools to achieve it.

Guillebeau establishes the key components in finding what you were born to do: finding joy (what you like to do), flow (what you’re good at), and money (what supports you). The path to this is different for everyone, and this book lays out options that range from finding a great job to remaking your current job to starting your own business to being a DIY rock star. The book includes chapters on finding profitable “side hustles” to pursuing multiple career paths.

Whether you are a young kid just out of school or an established long-term professional, you’ll find inspiration for success and happiness in this book.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advance copy of the book and given that I've been in the same (meant-to-do) job/profession for 20 years thought it would be a book that would help me around supporting my patients who are unhappy or in transition. What I ended up with was that and more.

I gave it 5 stars because of the impact it has already had on my 'side hustle.' Guillebeau's approach got me thinking about how I can approach my second business in a very different and more effective way. This alone made it well worth the read for me.

I'm looking forward to implementing the changes as well as recommending the book to my patients and friends struggling with what they want to do with their work days.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was written well and it was engaging. It had a lot of great advice and I found it to be very encouraging and inspiring. I bought this book because I love Chris' other book: The Happiness of Pursuit. I would recommend this book to anyone interested or who is struggling to figure out what they want to do with their life. I'm excited to see Chris next week while he's on tour!

[Reaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The author says that writing a book isn’t that hard. Well, if you repeat the same things over and over, I guess it isn’t.

[Kaylie Longley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for self-help books but still find them difficult to rate and review. It's my fault, really. Despite following various authors on habits, essentialism, marketing, and entrepreneurship, I expected some life-changing light bulb moment. When in reality, these books require wading through the murkiness, without a flashlight.

What am I born for? According to author Guillebeau, it's something (or things) that align joy, flow, and money. Uh-huh. Never heard that before. His quiz suggests I currently need more flow, in the hope of creating more confidence in what I do. Though this result shocked me, his evidence was marginal at best, usually in the form of cherry-picked lessons gleaned from successful entrepreneurs. What about the pivoter, the workaholic? Why must authors jump ahead?

For a book trying to solve the eternal "what should I do with my life?" question, this argument, and its backup stories in supposed support, feel too broad. Give me some science here! That said, there are some actionable items: I wrote a bucket list of 25 things and am now considering a resume of the future. As the world of work is changing and am always seeking to learn, I was hoping for more insight. This was a fast read, perhaps better suited for a blog series.

[Jo Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to read a book called _Born for This_ without any sense of calling, so the book _Courage and Calling_ gets a much higher rating from me in its holistic presentation of life work.

There are good concepts in this book though, particularly if you are someone like me who has a lot of interests that could become long-term things, but also have limitations.

Some quotes/concepts:
-JOY: What you like to do (top priority), followed by MONEY (what supports and sustains you), followed by FLOW (what you 're really good at). Keep going at things until you find this combo.
-"Great work with a terrible schedule ultimately leads to stress and lack of balance" (44).
-Improve soft skills wherever possible; these are job transferable even if a career shift happens.
-Create your own ideal job description.
-Expand your options and pursue different things before eliminating and specializing.
-"Success is found in the long-term value, not just the short-term profit or loss."

[Aleksander Prifti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is practical, very easy to read collection of essays from different people that found happiness doing their job.

Guillebeau blends motivational insights with actionable strategies to help readers identify the intersection of joy, money, and flow—the sweet spot where they can thrive professionally and personally. The book is filled with real-world examples, exercises, and tips for crafting a career that feels meaningful and fulfilling. While some of the advice may feel familiar to readers of personal development books, *Born for This* offers a clear, optimistic framework for those looking to take control of their professional lives and find work that truly resonates with them.

[Hayden C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a few key points that are quite useful to me and I am going to implement it from now on. As the book title "born for this", finding work that can bring you both joy and money is everyone's dream. The author has explained well in this topic how to do it, and also teach me a step by step guide on how to start a side hustle.

I highly recommend this book to someone who is currently not happy or satisfies with his or her job and has been considering to switch career or someone that is looking for ways to start another income stream. Be ready with a pen and notebook when you start reading this book, because there is a lot of information here :P

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some interesting and unique perspectives on finding one's life work. I like the Joy-Money-Flow concept. The author presents some interesting, and even quirky, approaches to finding what you want in your career. I like some of the concepts like having a "side hustle", a 24-job, being a "self-employed" employee, etc. The focus seems aimed toward entrepreneurial endeavors, but I think it has insights that can be used for job hunting, networking, and just looking at work and the joy you want from it in a different way.

[Kelly Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone looking to made a career change or wanting to start their own business. This book gave me some great ideas!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to highlight, screen shot, write down, and send to friends. I found this plenty motivating and thought-provoking as I consider my next hybrid career move(s).

[Laila · Rating 1 out of 5]

This might be a bit harsh but I would give this book 0 stars if I could. I learned nothing knew. The whole book is fluff, with no new ideas or anything original. It’s a lot about his own story and other people who have “made it”, simply just to fill up pages.

[Joanne Whitlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Chris, both his written work and his interviews, this book sounds exactly like him!

Super simple and clear language.

Chris covers many different options and scenarios as a big picture overview of finding the work you were born to do.