Next! The power of reinvention in life and work

Journalist Lipman (That's What She Said) delivers a pragmatic guide on how to take control of one's career. Covid-19 caused many workers to reevaluate their working life, Lipman contends as she encourages readers to consider how they might pursue more fulfilling vocations. She outlines the four stages of reinventing one's career, which consist of gathering information on alternative job prospects, managing growing pains while transitioning to a new career, hitting an obstacle, and then striking upon how to get around it to achieve one's goal. Case studies of individuals who have followed this path include James Patterson, who wrote novels in his free time while working in the advertising industry, and Marla Ginsburg, who was a television executive before the 2008 recession forced her to declare bankruptcy and led to her becoming a successful clothing designer, though the success these individuals enjoyed before their pivots obscures the additional hurdles that those of more modest means would likely face. Insights from behavioral psychology buoy the advice, as when Lipman notes research that found relevant experience in a field leads to better intuition, and readers will appreciate the straightforwardness of the suggestions, which include finding an adviser to use as a sounding board and responding creatively to market changes. This enthusiastic program will be a comfort to those who feel stuck in their jobs. (Mar.)

Changing one's life is never easy, but this book provides a map to help chart the course. Lipman was the editor in chief of USA Today, the deputy managing editor at the Wall Street Journal, and founding editor-in-chief of Condé Nast Portfolio, so she is well situated to offer career advice. The book comprises a wealth of stories about people who have made successful, and often radical, transformations in their professional lives. Many Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs, earning a steady income but feeling as if they should be doing something else. The author breaks her process into the steps of searching for alternatives, struggling with the possibility of leaping into the unknown, stopping for a period of consideration, and finally grasping the solution. In some cases, it can mean turning a hobby into a full-time career. Lipman presents the example of bestselling novelist James Patterson, who tinkered with writing for years while working in an advertising agency (his books have sold more than 400 million copies). Then there is the remarkable case of Alan Greenspan, who became a respected economist and head of the Federal Reserve after deciding that an early career as a jazz musician was not satisfying. Other people do not really know what they want to do, and Lipman suggests using an "expert companion" as a sounding board for ideas and not being afraid to pause during the process. "Taking a break--whether when you choose to stop or a break is forced on you--allows ideas to coalesce," writes the author. "Only then do you come out the other side with the solution, completing the transition." None of this is simple, but Lipman's advice is practical and approachable, and the cases she cites are instructive. It adds up to a useful package for anyone thinking about the next step in their life. Solid insights laid out in a clearheaded way. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.