The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use

by K.S.R. Burns

A useful and fun book for any woman who has ever wanted, needed, lost, quit, hated, or loved a job. “Working Girl” (a.k.a. Karen Burns) has held a total of 59 jobs (so far), including housekeeper, cigarette girl, paper “boy”, model, ditch-digger, bank teller, editor, brochure writer, artist, and corporate drone. She made mistakes along the way, but extracted one important lesson from each job she has held. Working Girl now shares her hard-earned wisdom for the modern working woman with this series of 59 humorous yet practical vignettes, including guidance on:• Risk-taking and why it’s good
• How to build self-confidence
• Tips for managing your boss
• When you’re not appreciated
• Causes and cures for burnout
• Balancing baby and boss
• When it’s time to say adieu
and 52 more!

Whimsically illustrated with Working Girl cartoons, this is a fun, accessible advice book that deals with the real issues that are on the minds of working women (and not just those who are striving for the corner office!). No matter where a girl finds herself on the job ladder (from the bottom to the top), she’ll find that The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl will give her both perspective and a plan for success.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business

288 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2009

About the author

K. S. R. Burns is the author of THE PARIS EFFECT (Velvet Morning Press 2016), a novel about love, food, France, betrayal, adventure, and escape. (Hint: Nothing is what it seems.)

Writing as Karen Burns, she is also the author of THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF WORKING GIRL: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use (Running Press 2009).

Reviews

[Collin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middlingly charming, with basic but good advice. Since I'm trying to break into the workforce (finally) I figured this was a timely, useful read. It gets a little repetitive after a while.

The illustrations are adorable, though.

[SachChuyenTay]

Theo Tiki:
Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Kỳ Thú Của Những Cô Gái Năng Động (Tái Bản)

Bạn đang lâm vào cảnh thất nghiệp? Bạn đang tìm kiếm một công việc? Bạn đang phải làm một công việc mà bạn ghét cay ghét đắng? Bạn ngại tìm kiếm một công việc mới tốt hơn? Dù công việc của bạn đang như thế nào thì bạn cũng từng thắc mắc một trong câu hỏi sau:

Tại sao cần mạo hiểm trong công việc?

Làm thế nào để đạt được thành công?

Làm gì khi bạn không được coi trọng?

Cách thức sử dụng các nghi thức xã giao?

Cư xử ra sao với những đồng nghiệp xấu tính?

Làm thế nào để cân bằng giữa gia đình và công việc?

Và... cách tốt nhất để tìm việc!

"Cô gái năng động" sẵn sàng chia sẻ với bạn những bí quyết ấy cùng với nhiều kinh nghiệm quý giá khác đã được cô vất vả tích lũy qua 59 vị trí công việc mà cô từng trải qua. Bất kể bạn đang ở nấc thang nghề nghiệp nào, đang ở góc văn phòng, hoặc đang cố làm việc cho qua ngày - thì "Cô gái năng động" cũng sẽ chứng tỏ cho bạn thấy rằng công việc không chỉ để mưu sinh và thư giãn, nó còn là con đường để bạn đạt được sự hoàn thiện bản thân.

[Ann Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! This one is becoming part of my permanent library.

I laughed and nodded my way through this delightful little gem. Ms. Burns has filled her book with dozens of great ideas to help the working woman combat horrible work situations, poor co-workers, the boss from hell, being demoted, how to quit with class, reasons why it might be time to quit your job, sexual harassment and other time-honored traditions from the working world.

Those of us who have had as many jobs as Ms. Burns will identify with these situations. Those of us who are just starting out will read this book and have their eyes opened to lots of potential pitfalls along the way. The idea, however, is to learn to enjoy what you do at work. You spend a lot of time there. If you can somehow make the experience enjoyable, you'll be a lot better off.

This is the kind of book I wish I'd written myself a long time ago. Thanks for putting my thoughts into words.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

The shtick is that she's had 59 jobs and learned a lot along the way, but since she counts newspaper delivery girl at age 10 and so on and so on, part time and summer and temp jobs, etc. this is a less remarkable total than it sounds at first. Somehow the cover and art work and blurbs made me think it would be very funny and contain lots of job stories, but it's actually intermittently funny, with a few good anecdotes (mostly about a foray as young single woman to Paris) and a high quantity of solid but unoriginal advice (figure out what you really want to do and try to break into that line of work; ignore negative complain-y people at work; try to resolve sexual harassment informally first but go to HR if need be............).

[Karen Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of career advice books, and this is one of the best. It lives up to its title: her adventures really are amazing, and the career advice is truly valuable. I love the style of the book: a very funny or poignant anecdote about one of the author's real job experiences, followed by a lesson learned, and how you can apply it to your work life. It's super readable.

I recommend this book for both genders and all ages. Her experiences are universal. My 15-year-old son, who was looking for his first summer job, cracked up when I read him a few passages, and asked me to read more.

Whether you're just starting out in the world of work, or have been around the job block a time or two, this book will challenge you to think about your work and your goals, and it will inspire you to be the best person that you can be, both on the job and off.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an easy and useful read for anyone needing the motivation to get back into the job market, or who is looking to change careers. The advice is often basic, and yet there are several ideas I'd honestly never considered (such as, within one of the "job survival tips," one woman suggested making a Word document solely for keeping up with work-related achievements, along with dates, useful for yearly reviews as well as to revise your résumé.) In my opinion, it's such a short read that, if you've not yet found your dream job, you might as well pick it up.

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick read. I felt it was inspirational and upbeat without being too "find your inner whatever" or too "I have the perfect job because I got the perfect education."

Definitely something I would buy (got it from the library) for when I need those pick-me-ups when the going gets tough.

[Taylor Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, the language threw me off. That being said it is a simple and cute read albeit repetitive.

[Kater Cheek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen Burns, AKA "Working Girl" says she's had 59 jobs in her life, and therefore she's an expert at the working world. I kept expecting to see a septegenarian on the back cover, but apparently she counts each freelance assignment as a separate "job." Still, she seems to have some decent advice on subjects such as "dealing with creeps at work" and "how to use persistence to get the job you want."

Some of the advice seems quite good (how to turn your weaknesses into a strength) and some doesn't seem like a bad strategy (how to deal with annoying co-workers). Some of the advice, however, wasn't as clear-cut as it needed to be. I was very excited on "how to find out what your dream job is," but it was too hazy to be much use. I also kind of felt like "working girl" was a bit of a weirdo. Sure, she gave lip service to "work/life balance" but the anecdotes were too busy talking about how she worked, and worked, and worked some more, and then worked a second job because she never had enough money (?!). She didn't have to tell me she didn't have kids. I figured that much out on my own.

So, not a bad book to read for fun. The pictures are cute, and I read it in an evening. Better than most books on the working world, but not the best.

[Peg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Working Girl shares one lesson learned from each of her 59 job experiences. I read this book in pieces over a few monthes. The nice thing is you can do that and it works quite well.

For those searching for career advice, this book is easy to understand and topics are well laid out making it easy to jump around. Beware, the answers put forth here may sting a bit such as .. "It Really Is About Who You Know" so "Network, Network, Network" (referring to how one gets a job in a tight market).

Even if you think you know it all, a little reminder never hurts. Working Girl gives straightforward advice and doesn't sugarcoat the realities of work and career.

I wish I'd read this when I first began working! That said .. this book would make a fine graduation gift (with a bit of cash cleverly tucked inside each chapter of course)!

[Wendy]

With equal amounts of insight and entertainment,The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl is an ideal tome for any gal, whether she loves, hates, or needs a job. "Working Girl" Karen Burns lists among her 59 (and counting) jobs, stints as model, bank teller, corporate drone, and cigarette girl, and her series of amusing vignettes, supplemented by silly cartoons, offers guidance on everything from managing the boss to surviving burnout. No matter what a working girl's goals are or where she is on the road to reaching them, she'll appreciate and learn from Burns's hard-earned wisdom. (barnesandnoble.com, $14.95)

[Margot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly bought this book from the author at a writing conference. (I happened to be very unhappy with my job at the time.) And I found it incredibly enjoyable to read and heartening, as one sometimes facing career tribulations or indecision. The most useful chapter I found was one that included, essentially, a Should You Quit Your Job? quiz. If you answer yes to fifteen or more questions, then yes it's time to quit! This book definitely helps young(ish) rat-racers keep things in perspective.

[Myr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just what the subtitle suggests: a collection of career advice that's practical and pragmatic. Each chapter of the book relates to one of the 50+ jobs the author has held in her life, and from each job, no matter how mundane, the author pulls out some lesson. Ms. Burns is easy to relate to, as are her tales. As someone who hasn't yet found that Ideal Job, I both enjoyed this book, and really think it can be useful. I will try to take her advice to heart.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think all women/girls should read this book before entering the working world. Burns gives great, down to earth, practical advice for working to help them survive in the workforce. There is everything in here from how to get a job to how to leave a job and everything in between. I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though this book will give you some seriously good advice, it has it's LOL moments too.

[Mhaine :)))]

Its fun to know that you can handle your time effectively and efficiently. Not only that, this book taught me a lot of things. It says there, "Things seems impossible only until you try them". It reflects your perseverance on attaining something you like. How deal with people around you, co-workers and you're boss. How to be yourself and how to make authenticity at the workplace. It MUST be READ book! Enjoyed!

[Nadia Saar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the tone of this book. It's not your typically self-help book, or the type of book you read chapter by chapter. The stories are helpful and funny. Also, some of the graphs she offers for reference are useful. I love that she has done several jobs and found one that works for her. If you are looking for a simple, but fun book about the perils of being employed, this is a good read.

[Tania Scutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author happens to be one of my favourite people but even if she wasn't, I'd recommend this well written, entertaining and helpful book. It's a gem for all ages. The stories are interesting, the advice is practical and realistic and the illustrations (by the author) are amusing.
Sound, sensible advice that will not date. No gimmicks here.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips for all sorts of aspects of work life- from the job search to managing your boss to quitting with class, it's all there.

A noteworthy couple of the "eternal truths' she cites every chapter:
Self-confidence is the memory of success.
The farther out of your comfort zone you leap, the more people will step forward to catch you.

[BM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some useful advice-- I liked the fun-loving approach in discovering what you really want to do. It's a serious enterprise but being open, persistent and willing to take risks matters too.
"You achieve happiness by being more of what you are, not less" (187)
"Learn to connect with people in an authentic way and you will always have a job" (250)

[Melody Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this little book! The chapters are short, entertaining, and contain actual good advice. If you're a 'working girl' I think this book is worth your time. Not every chapter is going to address your specific needs or wants. However, those chapters are still interesting and short enough to keep your attention. This is a quick good read. Add it to whatever is already on your list!

[CaelynL · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not all that practical. The short blurbs are fun to read... for awhile.
It gets a little annoying if you try to read the book in a single sitting.
Since I thought it's meant to be a quick guide, it's not concise enough.
The bulk of what makes the book seem to be those blurbs.
I end up really just scanning though it real quick.

[Chummy McKeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really quick read, yet I found the advices to be quite useful. The language is simple, clear, and witty. Being a full time mom, I often get the feeling of inadequacy thinking about my career and going back in the workforce later. However, I actually felt good and very optimistic after reading this book. It is really encouraging and inspiring read that would benefit anyone.

[Amanda Nan Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The book is short and sassy and covers topics broadly. She puts all the useful professional advice in one book and makes it easy to read. Could've use a few more activities for the reader.

[Wendy]

Who knew that a career-advice book could be so much fun? And useful, too?

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already loving this book. It's helping me with my career thoughts. :)

[BookMouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good info, for anyone just starting out or if you've been in the workforce a while.

[Allisonperkel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prepackaged from a ton of other books only with less fun "anecdotes". I also really didn't like how the author constantly referenced herself as "working girl".

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and fun!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm going to have to buy this book! Helpful tips no matter what job you have & even if you love your current job & aren't looking for one.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's entertaining and fun to read. Great advice on the work related department!