Publisher's Synopsis
Many people face job insecurity, the end of jobs for life, rapid technical change, the vanishing of the need for old skills, the erosion of trust between employee and company, profound changes in the workplace. As jobs disappear, as old-style careers collapse, as promotion ladders are removed, other work is contracted out to agencies. Many companies are providing permanent work for the few, relying on part-timers and work for specific periods on a fee basis. This coming age of jobless work is triggering a profound job shift. This work offers a path to help people navigate this job shift. Help is given in finding a new relationship with working life. Readers can build their own vision for a more enterprising life. A direction is clarified, guided by seven stars to steer by, the stepping stones for clarifying a workway. There are 37 tasks, creative supporting exercises, self-development tips and practical perspectives on the deeper questions raised. This workshop in book form asks seven questions: what matters to me; where am I; what made me what I am; who am I; what do I want; what am I going to do; and how can I learn to steer my working life? These stages are underpinned by 37 exercises which are the backbone of the workbook. Explanations and practical insights are given about such areas as the stages of life and work, living with questions, birth and death in the life cycles, finding inspiration in everyday life and learning by doing. There are creative exercises which engage the feelings and support the process. The 19 practical tips are offered as exercises for developing skills and insights. Help is given for those who want to use this process for themselves on a DIY basis and in small groups. The book should be of interest to managers, mentors, biographical counsellors, trainers, consultants, organizational development practitioners, career counsellors, out-placement consultants, human resource managers, and anyone practically concerned with the direction of their working life.
