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1-Page Summary of The New Rules of Work
Overview
It’s hard to know where the best jobs are. There are so many places to look, and it’s hard to tell what roles will be available in the future. As technology changes so do the job opportunities, making it even more difficult for people who want a good career. The authors of this book have experience helping people find careers they’re passionate about, and they’ve come up with some new rules that will help you get a better career by figuring out what you value most and using those values when looking for your next position.
If you’re stuck in a job that no longer excites you, looking to change careers or even if you’re still deciding what your major will be when you go to college, the New Rules of Work will help prepare you for your first day at a job that is challenging and exciting.
In this article, you’ll also learn why it’s a good idea to go against your parents’ wishes, how having friends over for dinner can help further your career, and how Back to the Future helped one woman get her dream job.
Big Idea #1: Identifying your personal values will help you differentiate between the job you think you want and the role you’ll actually enjoy.
When you’re job-searching, it can be hard to know what to type into the search bar. You may not even have a clue about what kind of career you want. However, if you figure out your values and then look for jobs that match them, it’ll make your life much easier.
Everyone has different values. For example, if you want to make a positive impact on the world and travel, then look for a job that allows you to do so. If your current job doesn’t allow you to do what is important to you, then it’s probably not right for you. One author in this book had such an experience: she found herself unhappy at her dream job because it didn’t match up with her values of making an impact on the world and traveling.
Kathryn was very good at her job, but she needed a position that would allow her to make an impact.
In choosing a career, be aware of outside influences and don’t let them sway you. That was something Alex realized when she moved to the United States for her studies – that she didn’t enjoy doing lab work on genetics. She changed course and found a job in consultancy, where she met Kathryn. They started their own company together called The Muse.
If Alex and Kathryn hadn’t taken stock of what was important to them, they wouldn’t have met each other. As a result, this key point wouldn’t exist!
Big Idea #2: Find surprising career options through strategic research, and explore potential areas of interest before diving in.
So you have the dream of being a designer. That’s wonderful, but before you start applying to all sorts of design jobs, consider if they align with your values and interests. For example, working at a small NGO will be very different from working at a multinational corporation. To be truly happy in your job, consider what you’re interested in along with what skills and values you possess. Sarah learned this lesson after she started her career as an editor for a traditional publishing company. She thought it would let her read books and write while engaging with like-minded people–but she spent more time sitting at her desk than doing those things (and other duties). So she researched companies that combined writing work with interaction between writers and editors—and found one where she could lead business development efforts for self-publishing authors instead of just editing their work (which is much less interactive).
The Muse recommends creating a chart. On the left side, list six career paths you’re interested in pursuing. At the top, write down three values that are important to you. Now consider how each path will allow you to live by your values and whether it’s right for you or not.
