5.0 out of 5 stars
A Timeless Help, Mar 7 2002
I owned various copies of this book many years ago but was not ready to tap into the potential I sensed it would release in me. Instead I pursued a long path toward education and training as a counselor, but then came to a threshold that I couldn't step over. Job stress prompted me recently to take vacation, and I spent many hours soul searching using this book. The various exercises led me to articulate my vision and renewed my energy to continue on a path I'd spent years pursuing. The result was a confirmation of what I intuitively knew about my vocation and increased confidence to act. The section on networking, researching, interviewing, and negotiating gives practical guidance. Lastly, the section on "finding one's mission in life" provides gentle discourse that accommodates and respects the reader who does not necessarily share the author's religion. Now that I have effectively used this guide, I plan to share the strategies in my new position as an employment specialist working with mentally ill adults. I am grateful to Mr. Bolles for his dedication to this work and for inspiring hope through his pragmatic optimism.
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2.0 out of 5 stars
CHANGING CAREERS? THERE ARE MUCH BETTER BOOKS, Aug 1 2000
I am a career coach with eight years of experience working with people wanting a new career - a better fit with their talents, more meaningful, a better work environment. If you want to choose a career that will be very fulfilling as well as something you will be successful at, forget about "Parachute". It just doesn't have the depth and wisdom it takes to coach you through this most important life decision.
Another career counselor who reviewed "Parachute" recommended that you get two other books instead. I agree. They are "The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success" by Lore, and "Do What You Are" by Tieger. "The Pathfinder" is the best career decision book ever, the seminal text, the masterpiece on the subject - this is, if you are serious about having a great life and unwilling to put up with less. I also agree with the other reviewer that "Parachute" is a great job hunting book, but only if you know exactly what job you are looking for. Reading "Parachute" takes some of the fear and uncertainty out of job hunting. But if you are trying to decide what to do with your life, forget about "Parachute".
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
THERE ARE BETTER CAREER CHANGE BOOKS, Mar 21 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: What Color Is Your Parachute? 2003: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career Changers (Paperback)
Thinking of changing your career? Here are my suggestions. I am a professional, a former physician, who recently made a 90 degree career change after putting up with work I did not enjoy for many years. I managed to get through the two big problems career changers face : coming up with the courage to make the leap, and the BIG ONE, figuring our just what to do with my life. Now I'm in an exciting, new and different career and doing very well, thank you. I actually like going to work. I recently read this Po Bronson book to see what the experience of making a change was like for others.
If you are thinking about actually making a change, don't waste your money on this book. It is excellent for providing suggestions to job changers, but if your are seeking a more fulfilling career, forget it.
There are only two really excellent career change books. The first is called "The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success" This is the masterpiece guide to career change. It is a brilliantly written, in-depth guide to all aspects of deciding what to do with your life, and dealing with the courage question as well. I eventually decided to get further assistance designing my new career from the author's well respected career counseling organization, Rockport Institute, but I was a hard nut to crack. You may not need anything more than this book. The other book I recommend is "Do What You Are", a guide to which careers fit your personality. Though this is not really a complete "how to" book, it is very useful. Get these two books and you will be on your way to a more fulfilling life.
Buy "Parachute" only if you want a new job doing what you are doing now.
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