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I was given a book on my last day at work on Friday. The director I was working with said it would apply perfectly to what I wanted to do.

The name is "The 4 hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss

So what did you think of hte book.

I just started it.

Hi Madhu - I wondered the same thing a few months ago. Here was the response.

I think for some, it would work depending on your current career. Especially if it's in IT. Others, not so much. I didn't find it helpful for my line of work, but that's just me. Hooray for your last day of work!!! What do you want to do now?

I flipped through it. I have a pretty low opinion of the author...he comes across as a self-assured schmuck. And that's putting it kindly.

lol, i just started looking at it today, so as soon as i read through it more i'll get back to you. its interesting so far, def not just the same as all the other books like it.

A couple of people I know won it in the BnA Treasure Hunt. One of them isn't interested because it would add four hours to his work week. The other found a few useful things in it but is far from having achieved a four-hour work week.

Here's my take, which I briefly mentioned on the other thread. I think it's a great book if:

1. You work in IT, or in a very email-intensive environment
2. You need someone to shake up your fixed idea of what "work" looks like
3. You've got some entrepreneurial spirit, particularly for internet business

Even if you don't fit those criteria, though, I think if you've been on the treadmill a while and are frustrated but can't quite wrap your head around change, then it's worth a read.

The author's a little in-your-face, but it really is an easy and generally enjoyable read; it's not a long book. The in-your-face part might be hard for some, but I think it's what might shift the thinking of the people who really need it the most.

I've also listened to the audio version, which was great, too.

If you buy either version, you also get access to a bunch of bonus stuff on the website, some of which is genuinely useful. What might really appeal to people on these boards, though, is that the guy is seriously into rapid language study, and he offers up quite a few resources to accelerate learning a language. Definitely relevant for the gang here.

I find the principles good for more than those in IT.

Timothy (the author) is very self-assured and I see how he could be perceived as "in your face". That is his way of shaking things up. I am a fan. He offers an alternative way of living by your own rules and values.

I have to admit that I am, like Timothy, an entrepreneur and a competitive athlete. So I really connect with his style. Yet, I also believe there is a lot to be gained from his book for most anyone wanting to live a life on your own terms. Take his lessons and apply them to your own context.

Bill