Happy Mondays

Authored by Richard Reeves this book epitomises my attitude and approach to career planning and the world of work.

Richard progressively dismantles the traditional atttitudes to work (that's it's the necessary evil in order to get to the weekend) that we've inherited from our Industrial Age ancestors.

Richard cites numerous examples of changing attitudes to work and seeks to debunk some of the popular myths around work.  For example.  You often see in the press headlines about long hours working cultures eroding relationships.  Happy Mondays references several studies showing that those people working long hours are often choosing to do so and are doing it out of love for their work.

The author talks, often and enthusiastically, about the benefits we can derive from meaningful, rewarding work where the employer strives to meet our social, psychological, physiological needs in return for inspired work.  Sure, employers still have a way to go to get to a point where we can all derive intense satisfaction from our work but many are out there leading the charge.  My advice, if we all seek it, it'll create more demand to which organisations will invariably respond.  If you're not yet convinced, read the chapter on time sovereignty.  Suggestions include a strong push away from standard working hours letting employees decide when they work and for how long.  Performance measurement against outcomes, not face time at a desk when you could be doing anything (or nothing).

Go well, seek employment that makes your heart sing.  That nourishes, enriches, inspires and fulfills you. 

And remember, if you're not looking for it, you've only got yourself to blame.