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A review by instahgrump
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport
2.0
I couldn't finish this. I love the premise as a woman who grew up in the 80s and 90s who was constantly told that if I followed my passion, the money would follow. That isn't true for 99% of us.
I find flaws with Cal's examples that he draws from. All of his examples of successes were white men from the Baby Boomer generation who were born into some means, whether middle class or higher. The first woman he profiles is his example of a failure.
I also take issue with his use of surveys of workplace satisfaction from around 2008 and after, where I think PAY is a defining factor in dissatisfaction, not lack of meaning or accomplishment. He fails to consider the lack of fair pay and benefits as a driver of dissatisfaction.
This book doesn't stand up in 2021. I would like Cal to revisit his theory using a MUCH MORE DIVERSE swath of people and interviews across race, gender, sexual orientation, economic standing, and location. Then see if it still holds up.
I find flaws with Cal's examples that he draws from. All of his examples of successes were white men from the Baby Boomer generation who were born into some means, whether middle class or higher. The first woman he profiles is his example of a failure.
I also take issue with his use of surveys of workplace satisfaction from around 2008 and after, where I think PAY is a defining factor in dissatisfaction, not lack of meaning or accomplishment. He fails to consider the lack of fair pay and benefits as a driver of dissatisfaction.
This book doesn't stand up in 2021. I would like Cal to revisit his theory using a MUCH MORE DIVERSE swath of people and interviews across race, gender, sexual orientation, economic standing, and location. Then see if it still holds up.