Is a 4-Hour Workweek Possible for a Recovering Lawyer?
I realize I'm a little late at jumping on this bandwagon but I just bought a copy of "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss. Why am I so late about this? I picked up the book in the bookstore after I heard about it and read a paragraph or two in the Intro and thought, "Nah, not for me. Guy sounds arrogant."
For some reason I picked it up again and read the total Intro and was hooked. On a long flight from Orange County, CA back to Atlanta, GA, I read the whole book.
Now I'm just at the beginning of this entrepreneurial journey (it's my 3rd year as a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur) but I can see how creating a life like Ferriss has is possible.
Would I have believed that when I was feeling stuck at my law firm? Probably not. In fact, I'd love to hear from some of you who are trying to incorporate some of these principles at your firm.
I believe it now though because I very much believe that creating your own business is a highly individual act. It's easy to get sucked into thinking that there's one way to do this and it's working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you've got a good coach (or mentor or whoever) though, they'll tell you your business can be whatever you want it to to be. The question to ask is what kind of business do you want to create?
As I start putting into action some of what Ferriss suggests, I'll keep you posted. I'll be delighted to give you proof that the 4-Hour Workweek is possible for lawyers-turned-entrepreneurs.
And again, if you're a lawyer who's putting some of Ferriss' stuff into practice at your firm, let me know.
posted by Monica Parker, LeavingTheLaw.com @ 1:41 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Monica, I had the same reaction to the 4HWW -- dismissed it, then picked it up again and got sucked in. And now I recommend parts of it to the lawyers I coach. A number of my law firm clients are seeking (in part) more "work/life balance," and they're using some of the outsourcing ideas with great success. Concierge services, housecleaning services, etc... Yes, it's a cost, but it's often minor in comparison to the benefit!
First of all, I think the title of the book was most likely made up by the marketing department at the publishing house: it's sexy, shocking, and controversial, and that sells books.
So, don't make the mistake of thinking when you get this book you will be working toward the 4-hour work week. What you can do is work toward a life that is more meaningful, more efficient, and more in line with your authentic expression. That's what we're all about as coaches.
Reading this book changed my life. After nine years of working in the home office, I decided I could work from anywhere! I coach on the phone so who says I have to live and work in this one box!?
So, I launched a new blog - journeyjuju.com and I leave for Europe in three weeks. I'm not quite at Ferriss's level of efficiency, but a goal is to spend less time at the computer. I can't wait to see how it all pans out!
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