Considering it was John William’s book Screw Work Let’s Play that inspired me to start this blog it would seem fitting to start with a review of his fantastic book. However, as I haven’t worked through the exercises it is likely to be more of a synopsis, with a more complete review to follow later.
After toying with the idea of writing a blog, just one of the many ideas I thought may lead me to becoming rich beyond my wildest dreams, I decided to visit the library and borrow ProBlogger by Darren Rowse. I had no idea what I may write about but with a long-standing interest in health and nutrition, coupled with eternal optimism (or over-confidence?!), something in that field seemed as good an idea as any.
I’m a big fan of visiting the library; I enjoy the history and quaintness associated with it. To me, although I can appreciate the benefits of owning a kindle or other such device, it feels more wholesome, real and ultimately more enjoyable to read an actual book. However, alas, I too have to admit that the selection of books at the library can sometimes be a bit circa 1987 and ProBlogger sadly wasn’t available.
Earlier that morning, I had decided that Darren and his book were the answer to my career prayers and going home without it simply wasn’t an option! So, onwards I went to my local Waterstones to continue my search for the holy-grail… again no ProBlogger! I selected a couple of books with appealing titles from the business section, ordered a coffee and sat down to peruse. The books I selected (all of which are still on my list of books to read) were; Screw Work Let’s Play by John Williams, Niche by James Harkin, And What Do You Do? 10 Steps to Creating a Portfolio Career by Barrie Hopson and Katie Ledger and Brand You; Turn Your Unique Talents into a Winning Formula by John Purkiss and David Royston-Lee.
After some deliberation, the one which stood out and spoke to me the most was Screw Work Let’s Play by John Williams and the rest, as they say, is history…
I can’t remember exactly what it was which attracted me to this book and I’m going to try not to be too evangelical about it but there was a moment, when I was reading it, where I felt that I was meant to read this book! Suddenly, my career to date felt less of a disappointment, I felt less of a failure and everything was progressing exactly as it should. My personal eureka moment happened when I realised that my chequered career history was actually my USP!
John, if you’re reading this, did you know I was going to read it? Did you write it specifically for me?
Screw work. Let’s play. Amen to that.
Creating a Career 