This is a summary review of Born for This containing key details about the book.

What is Born for This About?

Born for This by Chris Guillebeau guides readers to find the work they were meant to do by identifying their skills, passions, and marketable traits. (Full Summary…)

Born for This Summary Review

“Born For This” by Chris Guillebeau is an invigorating exploration into the realm of career development, presenting a nuanced approach that goes beyond the conventional career advice. Guillebeau, acclaimed for his prior work “The $100 Startup,” masterfully crafts a narrative that interweaves personal fulfillment with financial success, appealing to a wide array of readers ranging from those in established roles to budding entrepreneurs.

At its heart, the book grapples with the profound question of how one finds the work they are truly meant to do. Guillebeau’s treatment of this subject is far from simplistic; he refutes the idea that such a discovery is serendipitous. Instead, he offers a methodical framework that encourages readers to introspect and align their unique skills, interests, and experiences with their professional endeavors. He adeptly addresses a prevalent fallacy in career advice: the notion that passion alone is a sufficient driver for career choices. He argues convincingly for the need to transform passions into viable, sustainable careers.

The structure of “Born For This” is a dynamic blend of motivational narratives and practical tools. Guillebeau introduces the innovative “Joy-Money-Flow” model, which advocates for a career that offers personal satisfaction (joy), financial stability (money), and immersive, engaging work (flow). This triad forms the crux of his thesis, presenting a comprehensive strategy for career satisfaction and success.

A remarkable aspect of the book is the rich variety of stories and examples it contains. Guillebeau draws upon an eclectic mix of real-life scenarios, showcasing how individuals from diverse backgrounds have realized their ideal careers. These narratives are not just inspirational; they offer tangible insights into how the principles he espouses are universally applicable, transcending industry boundaries and personal circumstances.

Guillebeau’s coverage is extensive, delving into topics like unconventional career paths, the importance of contingency planning, and the art of taking calculated risks. Particularly insightful is his discussion on “side hustles,” where he provides guidance on how to create additional income streams that align with one’s passions. The book is also a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering strategies on building a small business and developing a loyal customer base.

A striking feature of “Born For This” is the harmony it strikes between high-level principles and actionable advice. Guillebeau goes beyond merely expounding on the significance of finding the right career; he equips readers with practical exercises and thought-provoking experiments, transforming the book into an interactive guide.

While the book is largely comprehensive, some sections, like the brief overview on mastering job hunts, might leave readers yearning for more detailed exploration. Nonetheless, this succinctness is a deliberate choice, aligning with Guillebeau’s aim to maintain accessibility and engagement.

In conclusion, “Born For This” emerges as a pivotal guide for anyone navigating the complex terrain of modern career choices. Guillebeau’s engaging prose, enriched with an abundance of real-world examples and actionable strategies, positions this book as an invaluable ally for those on a quest to find work that resonates with their deepest aspirations and talents. It stands as a beacon for those seeking to carve out fulfilling careers, be it within traditional frameworks or in the entrepreneurial world.

Who is the Author of Born for This?

Chris Guillebeau is the New York Times bestselling author of The $100 Startup, The Happiness of Pursuit, and other books. Chris travels the world and writes for a small army of remarkable people at ChrisGuillebeau.com.

How long is Born for This?

• Print length: 396 pages
• Audiobook: 7 hrs and 7 mins

What genre is Born for This?

Business, Self Help, Management, Leadership

What are good quotes from Born For This?

“Being too busy may be the new social currency, but the real winners find time to do what matters to them”

“Finding the work you were meant to do is rarely a linear journey. It’s a process of exploring many little twists and turns that lead us to the place we ultimately belong.

“It’s less about how do I find time and more about why do I find time. You’ll always find time for things that have a strong enough why.

― Chris Guillebeau, Born for This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do

What are key takeaways from Born For This?

Takeaway #1. Write your own career script.

Although some people know what they want to do with their lives, for most, it will take some time and effort. Experimenting is one way to discover your true calling. For example, you can try a few jobs in one industry. Let’s say that you’re considering employment with the circus and you try jobs cleaning up after the animals, box office sales, and working in the office. None of those jobs work for you, but soon you discover you like designing circus t-shirts. If you’re not sure about your career direction, note that you don’t have to subscribe to a set career path or follow the experience of others. Instead, write your own script and ditch tradition. Pass up job opportunities that don’t feel right.

Takeaway #2: The ideal job will provide you with joy, money, and a comfortable working environment.

If you could create your perfect job, what would it look like? Ideally, it would pay you to do what you love, give you a reasonable income and provide you with meaningful work that is not boring. Although everyone needs all three job ingredients, one thing might carry more weight than another. Things like employment hours and working conditions are also important. Think about whether you will be happy working a 9-to-5. What about your work environment? Do you want to work alone or with others? Will you be happy reporting to someone else or is self-employment right for you? After you’ve done self-examination and answered these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what job is best for you and you can move forward with finding it.

Takeaway #3: Conquer your fears, boost your confidence and take more risks.

Fear is a big hindrance to landing the right job. To get rid of your fears, you’ll need to look them square in the face. You might find that some are really harmless and others are far-fetched and not likely to happen. One common fear is that of missing out on something. Some people jump at a career opportunity afraid that another will not come along and they end up unhappy in their jobs. You can also gain control of your fears with preparation. Put together a career insurance plan that includes a safety net.

Takeaway #4: Identify both your skills and weaknesses.

Identify the skills that you’ve learned in school and outside of the classroom. Also, acknowledge your weaknesses because you don’t want to choose a career path in which you will struggle. Making a list of both will help you better set your career goals. Finally, you can implement the 100 People Project to start your job search or new business. How does it work? First, make a list of 100 people that you know. Then, put together a 15-minute presentation to tell them about you and what you offer. No matter your career choice, remember that it is always important to develop both your writing and speaking skills because you’ll need them no matter your career direction.

Takeaway #5: Keep your job while launching a new business.

If you’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, it is possible to launch your business while keeping your day job. In fact, many successful businesses started as a “side hustle”. Keeping your job will allow you to continue to pay your bills. However, before you invest your time, you should develop a business plan and do your homework to determine whether your idea could be a viable business. Along with financial planning, marketing is a great place to start. One easy and affordable way to advertise is through social media. Once your business is more profitable, you can quit your job and commit to your business full time.

Takeaway #6: Create your own job.

Most people look for jobs in the same way. They create a LinkedIn profile and attend job fairs just to come up empty-handed. Creating your own job, however, is an exciting idea. Many have created their own jobs and even titles, such as Tony Bacigalupo who nominated himself to be the Mayor of New Work Cities, his coworking space. If you’re a writer, musician or an artist, you can hire an agent or represent yourself. Representing yourself gives you full control and you won’t have to share the profits. You can start by building a following of fans and friends through networking and social media.

Takeaway #7: Pursue multiple passions.

You don’t have to be tied down to a career your entire life. Throughout your career, you can pursue various passions. In different stages of your life, you might want to work full-time and at other times, you might prefer the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle. Afterall, freedom is all about having the ability to make choices. There are a couple of ways that you can make a transition work. Work shifting is one option. It involves switching back and forth between projects. For example, in the spring and summer, you might focus on landscaping, and in the winter months, you might focus on your writing. You might also work as a trainer in the afternoon and as a relationship coach at night.

* Key sources: Amazon, Wikipedia