Through diligence, hard work, and plenty of personal experience, Sara Ross offers to us a work manifesto on how to understand our place within work and work's place within our lives. Ross touches on popular topics such as burnout and understanding whether one's position is right for you. In a similar feat, she also offers constructive ways of thinking about work and how to analyze the burnout you may be experiencing. From ways to replenish your reserves--companies give you vacation time...so use it! Don't let them take that time away from you!--to attempting to change your mindset for when your tasks get repetitive, her insights are both applicable and valuable.
My favorite part of this book--besides the tongue-in-cheek coffee stains--was her idea of constructing a Resilience Resume. I've heard the advice before of saving compliments and positive feedback in your inbox, but I've never heard of this concept before. She argues that you should create a Word Document, diary, whatever works for you, and write down your adverse experiences, both in your personal life and in your professional life, and how you've overcome them. This, she says, will give you something to refer to for when the going gets rough. You're a tough person and a good worker! You deserve to remind yourself of what you've accomplished, especially when imposter syndrome sets in.
Of course, Ross recognizes that sometimes a job is not a good fit and promotes a toxic and unhealthy work environment. Sometimes a culture cannot be changed by just one person. This is an important distinction to make when working through your stress and burnout. Sometimes the solution isn't to take a deep breath and center yourself. Sometimes the solution is to leave.
Realistic, truthful, and applicable. This book makes for a good read.