The 4-Hour Workweek
Just got a copy of Timothy Ferriss’ “The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich“. There’s some interesting stuff here, particularly for those of us who already work some or most of our hours as teleworkers. A sample:
“What separates the New Rich (NR), characterized by options, from the Deferrers (D), those who save it all for the end only to find that life has passed them by?
D: To work for yourself
NR: To have others work for you
D: To work when you want to
NR: To prevent work for work’s sake, and to do the minimum necessary for maximum effect
D: To retire early or young
NR: To distribute recovery periods and adventures (mini-retirements) throughout life on a regular basis and recognize that inactivity is not the goal. Doing that which excites you is.”
Mike Houghton:
Hey Doug. One of my favorite quotes related to “calling” in life is from a writer named Frederick Buechner. Here’s a paraphrase… “Calling is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep need meet.” In your opinion is the writer of “The 4-hour Workweek” influenced in any why by notions of compassion, or does he seem to be more about hedonism on steroids (or would he argue that both positions are ultimately self-fulfilling)? Thx.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Doug:
Hi Mike,
I was just handed the book this morning and just read the one page, so I have no idea where his head is at regarding compassion vs hedonism. In my mind, though, success means meeting a “deep need” in the world, and I define this as things like bringing information to the ignorant and enabling the hungry to feed themselves. Even if you’re not concerned about the ethical aspect, it seems to me that being in the business of meeting those needs will make my own business more sustainable – and with luck and hard work, maybe I’ll be able to leave the Capital City, telework from Old Town Key West, and make enough money to be a philanthropist
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Mike Houghton:
Thx, Doug. On a somewhat related note, I read (most of… it’s LONG) this article on Frog Design’s blog shortly after reading your post… The Future of Capitalism in Five Minutes: Meaning-driven Business in Fast Times. Interesting reading. If nothing else, I discovered a new term… “Ethonomics” – coined by a guy with Fast Company.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Malick:
Hi
My 28 years of Industry experience is opposite to what is written in the book.
http://committedexpertise.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/the-4-hour-workweek/
I am thinking deeply.
Thanks,
Malick Md PMP
Posted on August 24th, 2009 at 4:49 am