Title: Is This a Lousy Job or is it Me? A real-life guide for achieving success at work
Author: Terri Jacke
Genre/page length: Business and Economics/Career – 237 pages
Date published/publisher: 2020/Inspired Publishing LLC, Green Bay, Wisconsin,
Reviewer: Rebecca Hallie Swanson worked for 30 years leading communications in the arenas of health care, insurance, higher education, the arts and membership associations in the Twin Cities and Chicago. Now living in Northwest Wisconsin, she devotes time to writing projects and volunteers for McKenzie Lakes Association and Wisconsin Writers Association.
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Anticipate an exuberant ride as you read through Terri Jacke’s journey on the super highway of her professional career. Using her own experience in jobs that range from campground worker at age 12 to being the CEO of her own company today, Ms. Jacke shares seven stages of character development in the workplace to guide the reader on how to graciously handle or fiercely muscle through difficult workplace situations.
From the book’s well laid out introduction, through the chapters that describe stages from Beginning to Authenticity to Exit (with additional stages in-between), to an excellent wrap-up that reviews all the stages and their lessons, the reader will find encouragement and practical tools for gaining a foothold in a new job or to growing toward the next work opportunity.
Ms. Jacke’s conversational style and anecdotes that are humorous, harrowing and heartbreaking make for an engaging read that culminates in worthwhile take-aways when the going gets tough: Who hasn’t dealt with a colleague who undermined your top project? Who doesn’t need tips for balancing complex and soul-draining efforts toward work/life balance? Navigating pay issues, dealing with harassment and moving past discomfort when growing into a new position are more examples for which the author provides insights and a take-charge approach toward resolution.
Anyone working in today’s challenging work environment can benefit from reading this book and keeping it stashed on a nearby bookshelf for quick reference. If you are early in your professional career or know someone who is just starting out, I wholeheartedly recommend buying Is This a Lousy Job or is it Me? as a must-have reference for personal development and navigating most any difficult work situation.
Moreover, the insights gained on character development in the outlined stages are tools for job fulfillment and personal growth that will last a lifetime.
Author: Terri Jacke, MS, is an accomplished trainer, executive coach, and speaker with over twenty-five years of organizational development experience. She works with clients across numerous industries and for companies ranging from small privately held to large Fortune 500 organizations where she inspires the development of character, leadership, and culture. Terri lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her husband, Chris. She is the mother of three adult children, a daughter and two stepsons. Terri and Chris love animals, and they are currently raising two rescue cats and three rambunctious tortoises.
