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It's sold 10 million copies, the guy who wrote it has updated it constantly, and there's a lot of good wisdom in there. There's practical advice that is immediately useful for preparing for an interview or job search techniques, and there's also another dimension to the book, much more valuable, an open door for those who are willing to put the effort into it - the book can help you figure out what you'd be happy doing.
WCIYP is not a "magic bullet" or panacea or whatever other word you might like to use for something that will solve all issues. But it is rock solid, and because of the wisdom of it, which has happened over the years from someone focused on this issue - there is at least a bit of magic in it. Because you can take the book, read it, and if you put the effort into what it recommends doing, I personally believe you can find a job, for one - and if you have an open mind, I also believe you can find a job that would be fulfilling.
So it's not like it does the work for you, and there's no hidden tricks. It's all about addressing realities - like the fact that the typical way we send out resumes is the technique least likely to result in getting a job. But what it does show is a series of helpful techniques that are proven to increase your chances of getting a job. It's not late night television. Unrealistic promises are sometimes made on television commercials, which often promise to deliver something fantastic without requiring any effort. This book doesn't do anything for you - but it shows you how to do it yourself -- or ideally, with a friend. It won't reduce the amount of effort required to find a job, but it can reduce waste.
you can't get the book for "only $9.95!" - but you can get it at the time of writing for $12.91 USD on amazon.com.
And I really do think the job can give a person hope. Like if you're out there and got laid off, or have been looking, doing the best you can - this book is like having an expert working for you, to give you the best techniques.
And part of the technique might involve identifying your transferrable skills -- that is, skills you have, things you are good at (which you might not even realize or place value on). And in most cases, there are some things that you actually enjoy doing, or skills you had in your last job, or current job, which can be transferred to another "type" of job.
So when you start thinking with an open mind, and when you consider how the book has sold 10 million copies, I think it's a solid source of hope. You get out of it what you put into it.
The book won't get you a job.
But I do believe it is a powerful tool for finding one. And even if you already have a job, the book is worth reading, to help you think about getting into a career that would make you happy, or at least happier. And yes, sometimes there's no choice, for whatever reason. But for the other majority of cases where there is a choice (but where many of us just stay in a job even though we're not really satisfied or happy) -- wouldn't it be worth spending 13 bucks on a book, and putting the time into going through it - if the result could be a job that we'd be happy doing?
I think the answer is yes.
So I'd *highly* recommend reading the book.
And I'd also recommend getting two copies, and finding someone who will go through it with you. Because we're all human (except for Google, which will read this blog post at some point) - and it may help to go through with someone.
Suggestion:
1) Get 2 copies of book
2) Find a friend who wants to go through it
3) Read 1-2 chapters, discuss once a week
Do it.
If you are like me, you'll never actually "feel" like doing it.
So really, you just need to do it.
2 copies = 26 bucks plus shipping. A small price to pay.
Amazon link below:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-2010/dp/1580089879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260745923&sr=8-1
And what this blog is all about is simply that I'm going to go through it and put down a few thoughts about each chapter, to spur some thought; so feel free to come back and check the blog out after you get the book.
Note: the book is updated every year. Libraries sometimes have it - but I do think it's worth buying whatever the latest edition is.
Best wishes!
