I was excited to read this book because it claims to show readers how to find work that "integrates your skills, personality traits, and passions; provides a sense of meaning, accomplishment, and fulfillment; be a person's greatest vehicle for living out God's purpose and calling; and ensure an unexpected flow of income and ultimate wealth." However, I feel that this book just didn't apply to me.
First of all, I have no idea what God's purpose and calling is for me, and this book doesn't offer insight as to how to figure it out. Perhaps I am supposed to visit the 48Days.com community online (based on Miller's other book 48 Days to the Work You Love) and pay for a coaching session.
Second, the personal stories told by Miller's son Jared Angaza (yes, son - Jared changed his last name because of his love of Africa) were kind of annoying. I get it. Jared lives "outside the box." He shunned the American way of life - big houses, fast cars, material yearnings - to live and work in Africa with his wife and adopted son. He's been incarcerated. He wrote and passed a law for women's rights. The only furniture his family has is a mattress with homemade mosquito net. They run a sustainable clothing line.
Well, good for them but I like furniture. I like living in my house. I don't think of myself as materialistic. I just want my home to look nice and have enough money to pay the bills and do things that we enjoy doing while also having the free time to do those things. I felt like Jared was saying that the only way to find a fulfilling job and enjoy your work was to give up everything, live in a third-world country, and run a non-profit.
Also, much of what Jared writes for his sections didn't seem to have anything to do with the book's main topic. I guess if you wanted to start an aid organization or non-profit for Africa, it's good insight. But if you're going to tell us the ways in which Africa needs to be helped, just write a separate book.
Wisdom Meets Passion is a good book if you are unemployed and trying to find a new job, perhaps a better job than what you had. It could also be good for a recent high school or college graduate. Some of the book is inspiring and raises good questions, such as "How would your life be different if you were using your strongest God-given talents?" (Well, I don't know what those are, so...)
This book tries to get you to look beyond safe and stable positions. It encourages job seekers to keep an open mind. (Kind of like in dating.) It also points out that a manager of a Taco Bell makes more money than I do, which just goes to show that you can make more than $40,000 a year without getting a college degree. (And think of the sweet discount you'd get on chalupas!)
I think the one thing I will take away from this book is that work isn't meant to be a punishment. Work is supposed to be enjoyable. We are supposed to like going to work and doing what we do, and I can definitely say that I wouldn't enjoy being a Taco Bell manager.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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