Coming Back

December 1, 2020
Aimed mainly at Gen Xers and baby boomers, Germer's book takes a markedly different approach than that of the average job-hunting guide. Her advice is intended to apply to a wide swath of those forty-, fifty-, and sixtysomethings who are unemployed, underemployed, or frustrated by their current job. The book combines practical advice (how to maximize LinkedIn, the proper format for a r�sum�, how to dress appropriately) with more esoteric discussions of relevance, inspiration, and engagement. Readers will find aptly titled chapters, such as "Hey, What the Hell Happened to My Career?" and "Those Millennials," entertaining and informative. The book is most effective when giving examples of how people in a variety of fields recalibrated in order to meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace. There are brief discussions of the impact of COVID-19 on the job market, but the main focus is on the need to constantly update one's skills and knowledge base. Germer asserts that experience is now far less important than relevance. An engaging, well-written guide that would be an excellent addition to any public-library collection.

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December 18, 2020

Based on over 300 interviews with managers and others, motivational speaker Germer (Work-Life Reset), has written a book intended to assist mature readers in middle or higher management positions who are dissatisfied with their work life, either because they have lost their job or because they have not received the promotions for which they think they are ready. She insists that experience is not as important as it used to be and instead people should stress how they can help a company prepare for future opportunities. Thus she suggests her readers use Youtube videos, online classes, or Ted Talks to learn about technological developments (e.g. blockchain), not to become experts but to understand what these programs are and how they can affect their industry or profession. She also recommends reading periodicals and websites that focus on your field, and building a network of colleagues, using tools like LinkedIn, to discuss possible future trends in that industry. VERDICT This book is a mixture of practical advice and motivation-speak (the latter often quite repetitive) and may appeal to older managers wanting to revitalize their careers--Shmuel Ben-Gad, Gelman Lib., George Washington Univ., Washington, DC

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