The Career Itch: 4 Steps for Taking Control of What You Do Next

Sally Roberts, blogger There are very few people who are fortunate enough to have found their "dream job" early on in life and practically all of us can identify with being "stuck in a rut" or "burned out" at various stages during our career. This is a highly readable little book which provides practical solutions. The author divides the challenge into four stages which she describes as the "ITCH" - Identity, Thinking, Change and Habit. We first need to understand our personality and our way of thinking, then if necessary change it and finally "practice" our new thinking and form new habits. The reader is taken through practical steps; small questions to think about, tips for CV writing and - perhaps most importantly in my view - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; in other words changing the way we think about our situation. We are encouraged to think about our aspirations and what we really want in life and then given the tools to achieve. I felt that the very first chapter was the most important - "Know Thyself". We all have a "personal brand" and a USP and in my opinion too few people take the trouble to take a good hard look at themselves. This book has been described as a "wake-up call" and that is what Grace Owen seeks to achieve in her readers. I wish that I had found this book earlier in my working life and can recommend it unhesitatingly to others. ________________________________________ Marion Barrett, mother The book is great, very easy to read and sensitively written. I feel that the "Itch" is something most people can identify with; I know that I certainly can. It asks questions you are afraid to ask yourself and gives you strategies to deal with the answers. The exercises are simple and help you to get some clarity about what to do next. "The Career Itch" challenges you to look at the bigger picture of not just your work life but your identity, values and your long term goals. I am going to put into practice some of the steps suggested in the book. ________________________________________ Brian Carr, chief executive If you're currently at a career crossroads, or unsure of what next step to take in finding or changing your career, this book offers an effective and beautifully simple method for figuring out how to move forward. What I particularly liked about it is how practical it is. It's inspiring - packed with anecdotes from the author's own experience, real-life client case studies, and encouraging quotes from some of the world's greatest thinkers - but what sets it apart from other similar books is the way in which it goes far beyond a one-dimensional motivational pep talk. And that doesn't even scratch the surface - there's a LOT more in the book. It's written in an engaging, friendly style - just right for anyone feeling a bit wobbly on the job front! The author states that her intention is to give the reader the experience of a coaching programme with her, and that's very much how this feels. Don't worry: although you are challenged to think hard and to dig deep to find the answers inside you that can move you forward, the process is as fun as it is enlightening.