This book takes a very Buddhist approach to finding and doing the work that you love. The title is misleading-- it's not so much a how-to for making lots of money (it won't tell you how to get rich), but rather about how you need to trust that by doing what you love, you will earn enough money to sustain yourself and have the lifestyle you want.

The main idea is that work is not just work, it's a vehicle through which a person can express themselves and grow as an individual. It's about self-actualization. So often people end up choosing jobs and careers based on external (society's) definitions of success, such as earning a certain amount of money, being able to buy a house, having a certain type of lifestyle, etc., but these things don't bring true satisfaction. Rather, it's the connection to their work on a personal, and even spiritual, level that brings fulfillment. Work becomes a way of exploring our strengths and weaknesses and improving ourselves. However, to pursue the work you truly want to do and love, you need to be true to yourself and have the confidence to go against what others (and society) might expect you to do. And in doing so, "the money will follow", as in, you will certainly make enough to sustain your livelihood.

The book gives numerous examples of people who developed the confidence to do what they love, and the steps they took to get there. Sinetar also includes some suggestions on what you can do to move towards your ideal work situation, although the book is more about theory than practice. Still, I think this is an absolutely important read as it deals with a lot of the emotional and psychological barriers that often stop people from going after what they want. There are plenty of other books out there that will give you concrete actionable steps on how to find your dream job, but I'm guessing most people already know what to do; they just have trouble getting themselves to do it since they are being blocked by their psychological and emotional states. So that's where this book comes in-- Sinetar takes a much-needed spiritual approach to work, and writes about it with a lot of empathy, encouragement, and wisdom. ( )

I've had this book for a long time, and it appears it was pulled from a local library's shelves and included in one of their used book sales. I think I saw why. I was intrigued by the author's own story of career change which she shared in the introduction, but I didn't last 3 chapters because her method is based on a Buddhist principle and this conflicts with my own worldview. ( )

This book came out in 1987. Had I found it back then it could have actually saved me from the choices I have made that didn't serve me. It is an excellent resource that has allowed me to delve fairly deep into myself and face some truths about myself, however painful.

Marsha Sinetar turned out to be a different kind of author than what I thought she was. She hooked me in with her sweet empathic style. "Work needs to fit my personality just as shoes need to fit my feet. Otherwise I am destined for discomfort."[page 8] "....even though we are all fairly adaptable, elastic, multidimensional we are not born to struggle through life....."[page 9]. She kept my attention as she discussed theories on self-actualization and how it relates to self-esteem. As I progressed further into the book, I discovered this author has a style that is quite honest, if not at times blunt.

This is not a how-to manual on finding the right kind of work. There are no steps 1, 2, and 3.....Marsha, teaches you how to find work by doing a thorough introspection of yourself. She focuses on your self-esteem, your talents, and your values, and your habits. She asks you to embrace your flaws, quirks, mannerisms in a loving way. She distinguishes between idiosyncrasies and resistance. She does not suggest you change your idiosyncrasies (which may be your preferred working style), but she asks you to take a critical look at resistance you may be experiencing, and what it means. If you are experiencing too much resistance in doing something it may rob you of the much needed vitality to take action on your dreams.

I will give you some of my favourite quotes in the book and my interpretation of them.

Marsha Sinetar writes in colourful language. She has beautiful self-expression and is downright brilliant. I am inspired to read the book over again to absorb more of her key points, as there are many that are quite impressive.

This book is a tool for anyone at any age who has a hard time finding work they love, even though it was written in the late 80's. The concepts still ring true today. ( )