The Episodic Career

November 16, 2015
In this smart and savvy book, journalist Chideya surveys the ever-changing American workplace, showing how to forge the best and most fulfilling career path. As she explains, the traditional linear career trajectory has become unusual. An episodic approach, on the other hand, allows for successful “microcareers,” wherein success is built on the three pillars of self-knowledge, understanding the job market, and emotional resilience. Chideya has devised a “Work/Life Matrix” to help in times of uncertainty. The matrix is a self-evaluation tool that aids in self-direction, an essential part of episodic careers. Chideya buttresses her suggestions with data and relatable real-life stories about people in a variety of careers, including an AIDS activist in New York City; a senior account manager at an energy company in Sacramento, Calif.; and a sex therapist and phone sex worker in Denver. Chideya’s enlightening map of the current job landscape will help readers figure out how to ride the inevitable changes in the marketplace and make the best decisions. Agent: Kathleen Anderson, Anderson Literary Management.

January 1, 2016

As many of us know all too well, careers these days tend to be more transitory rather than one long, steady path. Using her experiences as a journalist and professor, as well as cases from others in a variety of fields, Chideya (Distinguished Writer in Residence, Arthur L. Carter Journalism Inst., New York Univ.) addresses issues such as what career is best for specific personality types, how to deal with getting laid off, searching for work, staying in an unsatisfying position, and knowing when to retire. While these are typical topics for a career guide, the knowledgeable content and witty conversational style make this book a cut above the rest. Over one-third of the text is devoted to a personality matrix that uses four questions to help readers determine if they are a risk taker, solo worker, etc. Based on one's answers, there are 16 career "archetypes." Each "type" is illustrated by brief examples from people describing how their personality has affected their career choices, which makes for compelling reading. VERDICT A fun, useful, and informative book for any stage of the career path. Recommended for public libraries and career collections.--Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH

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