Next! The Secrets and Science of Great Transformations

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.)