The end of work as you know it: 8 strategies to redefine work on your own terms

By Milo Sindell and Thuy Sindell

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

This is a well-written book full of great ideas; however, it is not for everyone.  Those who are truly interested in ending work as they know it, must have special qualities many people in the workforce today either do not possess or do not want to possess (that is, they strive for nothing more than what they have).  The authors acknowledge that those who want to achieve the end that is the title of this book, must have “confirmation that [they] are worthy of what [they] want to achieve.”  What does this mean?  It means they must ALREADY possess “99 percent of what is required to achieve ]their] end of work” (p. xv).
   
You may wonder, 99% of what?  That is what Sindell and Sindell’s chapters are all about.  If you do not already possess expertise, forget it.  If you cannot already initiate change, this book will do little to help.  If you do not have the capacity to gain autonomy, do not tread here.  If you have no way or have never created meaning, this is not the time nor the place to start.  Can you spark creativity, seize recognition, maintain balance in your life, or build a legacy?  You see, this book is not a starting place; it builds on the talents and abilities you already possess.
   
I would add, too, that if you have all these talents and abilities in place, you either do not need this slender book (122 pages), or you have already discovered a wonderful, pleasing, satisfying place (or life style) that is completely rewarding.  That is, you’re already there.
   
So, what we have here is a book for an incredibly small, niche audience.
   
I’m not saying the material isn’t good, nor am I saying that the suggestions are unworthy, I’m simply saying that if you’ve established the credentials that the author outlines at the outset, then it is unlikely this book will offer much help — except, perhaps, reinforce and underscore your talents and abilities.  Offering you something new or something you have not discovered (if you are truly 99% there?), not so much.

This book can be found at Amazon.com: The end of work as you know it: 8 strategies to redefine work on your own terms