Shifting into higher gear

This review gives a verdict on the book based on three options:

• Bypass: Little of value. Give it a miss.
• Borrow: Some value but insufficient to warrant a purchase so borrow from a library.
• Buy: Valuable ideas and information, a worthwhile investment.

Title: Shifting into higher gear

Subtitle: An owner's manual for uniting your calling and career

Author: Tom Siciliano and Jeff Caliguire

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Nationality: American

RRP: $26.95

Flavour: Both authors have strong church connections and the book is liberally sprinkled with quotes from the Bible.

Verdict: Borrow if you’re a person in the early stages of your career or want a book with a Christian perspective. Otherwise, bypass.

The main question of this book is: Can I find and fulfill the central purpose of my life? And if so, how?

The book is divided into three parts:

• Discover your calling. Calling is said to involve what you’ve gained experience in, where your passion lies and what you have confidence to perform.
• Finding a job that fits your calling.
• Keeping the job that fits your calling.

Much of the material is basic and not new. There are chapters on resumes and job interviews, geared to the private sector. The most useful material is found in the chapter on values and the section on interviews where there are some useful questions to ask interviewers, such as What are the two or three things you look for in a new employee? What are the company’s top initiatives for this year? and How does the company plan to grow? Plus there’s a handy appendix of 100 things to remember to do, that summarises the main points.

The book may be of value to people seeking a career transition and those who help with such transitions. 

Other useful articles:

• Building better thinking skills to foster wellbeing
• 56 Ways to nurture your wellbeing

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.