Have you heard of Timothy Ferriss? Have you heard about his writing?
The 4-Hour Workweek- Escape 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new rich. Expanded and updated edition.
Summary of The 4-Hour Workweek:
The 4-Hour Workweek challenges the axiom of holding a steady job until you’re old enough to retire in order to enjoy life. Ferriss wants us to enjoy life right now. The goal of this book is to serve as a blueprint for anyone that wants to ditch the rat race, travel the world, passively earn 5 figures a month, and just live life.
Who should read this book?
Anyone in their 20s that’s not satisfied with their career or job hunt. If you hate your current job or can’t seem to find the “perfect” job then maybe you can test out some of the unconventional methods mentioned in this book. Some of the ideas are out there, but many of them are easy to apply.
If you don’t feel the urge to follow a path of entrepreneurship, at the very least you’ll learn lots about traveling the world and focusing on what matters.
Every college graduate. I’m not just trying to hype up this book. All college graduates need to read: 1. Relevant career advice & 2. Unconventional advice. Some of the older folks may think that this book is out there. The reality is that we should read about as many different perspectives as possible to see what sticks with us.
What I loved about the 4-Hour Workweek:
As with my last book review, I’ll share my favorite direct quotes/paraphrase a bit and throw out some thoughts.
Life experiences.
People want to experience what they think only millions can buy.
This point is so true. Some of the most amazing experiences in life can cost less than a weekend getaway in our hometown. There are many tips in this book about traveling on a tight budget and getting the most bang for your buck, without compromising quality.
Productivity.
Put a post-it on your computer screen or set an Outlook reminder to alert you at least three times daily with the question: Are you inventing things to do to avoid the important?
and
Do not multitask… Trying to brush your teeth, talk on the phone, and answer email at the same time just doesn’t work.
Okay so I feel like an idiot. I read this book two months ago and my time management skills have already deteriorated. These two tips alone, can totally shift your thoughts on time management and help you get stuff done asap so that you can get back to doing what you love.
On the low-information diet.
Most information is time-consuming, negative, irrelevant to your goals, and outside of your influence.
How much time do we spend on reading random stuff? For me it’s too much to even want to admit to. The chapter on the low-information diet really hit me. It helped me realize where my priorities lay and how I should cut certain activities from my life.
On solving complex problems.
If you can’t define it or act upon it, forget it. If you take just this point from this book, it will put you in the top 1% of performers in the world and keep most philosophical distress out of your life.
This is all I can think of when I hear people arguing about stuff that we simply have no control over. There’s no point to dwell on thoughts and problems that will get you more confused.
Okay I’ll stop there. The book is filled with plenty of practical and easy-to apply tips on income automation, outsourcing, worldwide travel, mini-retirements, and so on.
What I didn’t care for:
I find that most books about entrepreneurship have a hint of arrogance behind them. Whether it’s intentional or not, I’m not sure. I don’t hate jobs and I certainly don’t look down at anyone with a job. It just bothers me when there’s a negative connotation towards “holding a job.”
I can’t put my figure on it but there’s something about Tim Ferriss. I understand his message and overall strategy. There’s just something about him. I think that Tim’s one of those people that you have to meet in real life to be sure that he’s not a scam.
You can also check out my previous book review: Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk.
I’ve been avoiding this book because the Gen Y blog community seems to collectively be trying to shove it down my throat. While I’m sure there might be a couple worthwhile points in there, overall I don’t buy what Ferriss is selling. I don’t want to quit my job, work less, and travel around the world on a whim. I just finished an 8 month bout of unemployment and having that much free time just sucks. I would much rather work 40 or even 60 hours doing something I enjoy (not necessarily passionate about – don’t quit buy the Gary V message either), than work 4-10 hours and have so much free time that I would probably just sqander playing solitaire anyway…
Yes Edward I was really skeptical about this book myself. To tell you the truth, some parts I just couldn’t handle. I just felt that some of the ideas and concepts were really eye-opening. I’m the kind of guy that likes to read different perspectives. I filter out what’s not for me and look for little gems that could help me out in life. I could never leave my family for 6 months at a time. In fact I find that to be very selfish.
What books would you recommend for the readers of this blog?
That’s cool. You’re making me FEEL like a greedy jerk lol. All I read is personal finance/career stuff. I do enjoy reading biographies of interesting people though. The only fiction I read is my school textbooks =P