Assigned Reading: The 4 Hour Workweek
In the new year, I’ll be expanding some of the topics I write about here on Career Waymark. One of my goals with this blog is to help others make their own mark. To do that better, I’ll be providing you information on how to live better and freer. I’ll cover many different aspects of life,that will hopefully allow you to be a better more rounded you.
First up is a little light reading. I recently finished Timothy Ferriss’ book, ‘The 4 Hour Workweek’, and it was fantastic. The core of this book is how to really think outside the box when it comes to work and life, hint, it’s not just for Gen Y. For many of us, myself included, we get caught up in the mentality of working 49-50 weeks a year for 40 years and then hope to plan and save enough to enjoy life later. Bottom line is we tend to put off too much for later, when we have no guarantee of later, we can and should be doing more now to enjoy life. The book really is life-changing even if you only apply bits and pieces of the methods described. It’s not a ‘get rich quick’ book, rather just a way to look at how you live your life and realize there may be a better way. I’ll be writing in more detail in the new year, but if you want a head start check it out here.
Until next time…
[tags]4 hour workweek, work/life balance
Hotel keeps ‘em checked in
It continues to amaze me how so many employers don’t grasp the simple fact that if you listen to your employees and treat them with respect, they will stick around longer. People don’t like or want to change jobs, but for many the job market is such that if their employer doesn’t treat them well, it’s too easy to move on.
This is especially true in the hotel and restaurant industry. Case in point, the Hotel Carlton in San Francisco. Housekeeper Anita Lum claims she can tell a lot about the management of her hotel by the vacuum she uses.
Former management at the Hotel Carlton in San Francisco didn’t like to replace aging vacuums, despite staff complaints. After Joie de Vivre Hospitality Inc. took over operations in 2003, the new manager bought a vacuum for each of the 15 housekeepers — and replaces them every year.
The new vacuums make a big difference to employees — in performance and morale, said Ms. Lum, a 16-year Carlton veteran. “It seems that this company cares about us more,” she said. “They try to do what we say.”
Merry Christmas to all…and to all a goodnight!
Since I’ll be out most of the next 2 weeks and I’m not sure how often I’ll be posting, I thought it would be a good time to take a moment and wish you all a Merry Christmas! Whether you officially celebrate Christmas or not, have a great week next week. May you find warmth in the company of friends and family, may you find everything you desire in your stocking, and if nothing else enjoy a few days away from all that is work.
I’ve continually been overwhelmed by the number readers who stop by Career Waymark, I appreciate all of you who read, comment or just take a peek from time to time. You’ve made this little adventure, very rewarding for me. In closing, thank you all for your support, I’ll be posting here and there between now and years end and I’ll be back with you full time in the new year.
Have a safe and blessed holiday!
Until next time…
