4 Hour Work Week Book Review
How-to Guide to Work Less, Earn More, and Enjoy Life to the Fullest
Feb 25, 2009
The information in the 4 Hour Work Week; Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich will be the final piece to the puzzle for many readers that want clear advice on how to escape the daily grind. This book is not a fluffy “think big” type read; it is a nuts and bolt manual on how to live a life with more meaning.
Granted this book is probably not for everyone. Some people seem perfectly content to sign their life away to a company in exchange for what they view as security and acceptance. People like that will get nothing more than a passing daydream of another life from reading this book. This book calls out to the ones who want the flexibility to enjoy family time, travel, leisure, and sees themselves as more than just their job.
Practical and Inspirational Book
The format of 4 Hour Work Week is combined inspirational stories of Tim’s life and those he admires, along with practical steps in leaving the 9-5 world. The practical part includes instructions, web resources and companies that are a great resource for the budding escapist. Tim Ferriss even maintains a very interesting web site that contains his latest tips and tricks to living the big life. An example of this is his Jedi Mind Tricks; How to get $250,000 in advertising for $10,000.
Outsourcing Daily Life
One of Tim Ferriss’ big time savers is to outsource his life. Just like many large corporations have done, Tim uses cost effective labour from overseas to take care of the minutia of his life. This frees up time for him to pursue either more lucrative uses for his time, or to have free time to explore his passions. According to Mr Ferriss almost anyone can afford this option.
Eliminating Time Wasters
For Mr. Ferriss, anything that is not directly benefiting the quality of life or financial bottom line is a time waster. Tim Ferriss comes down heavy on constant emails, phone calls, meetings, and memos. His philosophy is that if people are given very narrow parameters on when he can be reached, then they will adjust and be more independent.
Work From Home or Anywhere
The 4 Hour Work Week is a big proponent of using technology. By using tools such as computer based phones (Voip), and remote offices, many people can find ways of not going into the office on a daily basis. Tim Ferris gives step by step instructions on how to be free of a fixed location, as well as selling it to a boss.
Selling Profitable Products
The nice part about this book is that it gives the reader options on how to achieve this ideal life. It doesn’t just say that it has to be done in one way. Mr Ferriss gives wonderful information and resources on how to set up a business based on products that will be profitable. His information on creating and marketing drop shipped products is very insightful.
Maximizing Income
Like many successful people, Mr Ferriss has learned that reducing expenditures is equally as important as making the money in the first place. This book gives practical steps on saving money while traveling and at home. There are even resources on making extra income through alternate sources.
It is rare when a book not only inspires, but follows through with practical steps. The 4 Hour Work Week is well written, at times very funny, and always full of great insights on how to live a more meaningful life.
Reference
4 Hour Work Week - Tim Ferriss, Crown Publishers, 2007
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