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I have.
At first I thought I was the only one who felt that way, but then I started to talk to people and realized we're becoming the "I'm, but" generation. When we talk about what we do for a living we inevitably say, "I'm a teacher, but I want to be an artist." "I'm a CPA, but I'd love to start my own business."
"I'm a _____, but I want to be a ______."
All too often, we hear that dreaming big means you quit your day job, sell everything you own, and move to Guam. But what if there were a different way?
What if you could blow up your dream without blowing up your life?
What if you could go for broke without going broke?
What if you could start today?
What if you already have everything you need to begin?
From figuring out what your dream is to quitting in a way that exponentially increases your chance of success, Quitter is full of inspiring stories and actionable advice. This book is based on 12 years of cubicle living and my true story of cultivating a dream job that changed my life and the world in the process.
It's time to close the gap between your day job and your dream job.
It's time to be a Quitter.
Jonathan fell in love with God and the power of ideas watching his dad start a Southern Baptist Church in an old car wash in New England when he was in the fourth grade. After attending an all boys Catholic High School, he reversed his family's exodus north and headed south to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
At some point must business/self-help books get boring and need to be set aside then picked up at a later date.
That was not the case with Jon Acuff's latest non-fiction work titled Quitter. I could not put this book down.
At its core it's a book about dreaming - specifically regarding your dream job - yet Acuff's impassioned tone and engaging style takes this book far above the typical self-help-career-guide fare.
Acuff writes from his own personal and professional experiences to craft a text that is imminently relateable to anyone who has been in a sub-par work experience. One of the key insights he makes is that identifying your dream job is not so much about discovering what you want to do, but rather recovering those things from your past that most enlivened, invigorated and fulfilled you.
According to Acuff, it's those things that will help point you toward your dream job, as will as asking yourself questions such as, "What do I enjoy doing regardless of the opinions of others?" or "What do I do that causes me to lose track of time because I'm so engaged?"
Another telltale identifier of your dream is whether or not it involves risk. Acuff writes, "Every dream has risk associated with it. Some might have more than others, but each dream comes wrapped in some degree of risk. If it doesn't, it's not really a dream."
The author than offers three unique metaphors for filtering perceptions of dream risk involving a magnifying glass, kaleidoscope or telescope - each resulting in a different follow-up and outcome. I'm at a loss to explain how the elegance and obviousness of those metaphorical perception models have not seen print prior to Quitter.
It's also important to note that this book addresses the importance of balance in the pursuit of your dream. Balance of time, commitment, your family, your hustle and your day job.
The aspect that makes this book highly readable and relateable is that Acuff writes about his own real-life experiences, hopes and stories - those are much more compelling than the typical clever action steps or checklists toward success that are common in such books.
Sometimes life is messy, which makes Acuff's message relevant and well worth reading and re-reading. But be advised, that once you start reading Quitter it may be difficult to stop.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.thejobsgirl
Posted July 24, 2011
If only I was holding a copy of Quitter by Jon Acuff in my hand two years ago. My life would most likely look very different now. Reading Quitter is like rewinding my life from a more informed perspective. Every experience Acuff relates in the book feels like it was ripped from my own life, save for the thoughtful approach to gaining clarity on finally making your dream job a reality. With concepts like, 'finding your dream job is more than a revelation or an act of discovery; it's a process of recovery' or 'quitting your job doesn't jumpstart a dream because dreams take planning, purpose and progress to succeed', the a-ha moments were coming at me like meteoroids in a game of Galaga. Some of my other favorite a-ha moments include: o Anyone can dream; it's the doing that's such a hassle. o Focus on your passion first. Your passion will always fuel your plan. Rarely will a plan fuel a passion. o The process of realizing your dream job is more David and Goliath and less Cinderella and despite the many sports analogies comparing the two, the stories are quite different. o Nothing good comes from measuring your dream against the competition. Quitter is hands down one of the best books I've read in a long time, a real page turner. (I devoted 6 hours on a Sunday to reading it cover to cover.) What Acuff does in Quitter that made it impossible for me to put the book down is to tell a story that was completely authentic. The advice was wise. The writing was vulnerable, smart and hilarious. Reading Quitter you get no illusions that there are shortcuts on the way to finding your dream job. At the same time, you also walk away believing that dreams aren't just for the person with the rich uncle. Acuff provides a realistic blueprint for making your dream job a reality and not just, well, a dream.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AndreaV
Posted May 27, 2011
Jon Acuff is hilariously genius in this book. Full of satire and sound advice, he addresses a common subject in an uncommon way. Quitter is encouraging yet honest. Highly recommended!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 19, 2013
The beginning of the book was promising but by the end, it lost its grip on what really matters, the readers connection with reality. Apparently, as long as you stay with your day job and work on your dream job (on your own time), a muti-millionaire will hire you and you will live happily ever after. This isnt a step by step book, its one mans experiance. Your not even that old enough to write these keeps of books, Jon. You need to have lived and experianced hardship and success at a old age. You are in your 30s! You dont know how long you will keep your current dream JOB. You might still find you do not want to work with Dave Ramsey. And might start your own personnal journey and not get an awful 10 percent commision on your OWN books. I also feel that Dave Ramsey was disrespectful and simply played with your emotions when he did not pay you for speaking the first couple times. Dont be fooled by his stature and his business. You took time out of your own life to come and speak and he did not even have the respect to pay for your travel expenses. His a human, just like you and i.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Chris-peds-SLP
Posted August 28, 2011
Jon used his own story and applied solid principles to discuss chasing career dreams. He has a witty style, some LOL moments, and tremendous candor, especially about his current employer, Dave Ramsey. His honesty gives him credibility.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MarniArnold
Posted June 27, 2011
"Start where you are. Start with what you have. Start today." - Jon Acuff, "Quitter" These are the final words of the book, "Quitter." These words sum up this book beautifully. Though when I started the journey to read this book, I was wondering if this book even applied to me. Yet, I began to drink it up like life-giving water itself. As a stay-at-home-mom who homeschools her preschooler, blogs five days a week, is in the process of working (more like struggling) to get my first draft of my first book out, and looking to hit the books again this coming fall in college, I find myself at times asking myself the resounding question, "Do I really work?" This book has helped me realize just how much I work now, and how much value I do have. Now that latter part may seem a bit blasphemous to some degree - and against everything I normally blog about here concerning our value is found in Christ alone - but it isn't. Jon writes from the heart, and I can tell through his writing that it is a heart that is truly rooted in Christ. This book helped confirm the value I have already found in Christ not that long ago. It helped me realize that my value as a: - Wife - Mom - Friend - Student - Writer and Blogger - Ministry Leader - Etc... ...was completely going unnoticed in the reflection I saw in the mirror every morning I awoke. I deeply value this book, for it truly addresses the heart of Jon's message concerning dreams and chasing them. It matters not if you're simply a stay-at-home-parent (even dad's), or someone who is a mighty CEO of a major corporation; dreams matter - and they matter to God. He instills them inside of us for a purpose and reason - and it isn't shameful to embrace a title in our lives. You truly never know the power God will use through someone else's life to inspire your own (God is using Jon to truly affect my life in a deeply inspirational way), and it is not a negative (nor idolatry) to keep our inspirations within our views. God is using this man [in my life] through his blogs, and through this very book (amidst his other two, of which I am a proud owner of), to keep me motivated and inspired to keep pressing on toward the dream God placed in my heart - for His purpose, not my own (or anyone else's). I've found the heart of "Quitter" is to motivate you to go for the dream God has placed in your heart despite all the broken, shattered life that surrounds you - and I highly recommend this book to everyone; especially those who truly want to "change their stars." (refer to the movie A Knights Tale)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 8, 2013
Wonderful book for people who are trying to balance their passions with reality. This guy has gone through everything I'm going through now. Anyone who's interested in the arts struggles with supporting themselves, maintaining a life, and being true to their art. It's a guide to keeping one's day job so that one can make good healthy decisions and remain true to their vision and not get exploited in the process. Funny and well written, I'm very glad I came across this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 28, 2012
I love personal development-type stuff. This writer is talented, funny and has an awesome story to share. If you have ever quit a job or considered it, this book is a must-read. For my thirty-something generation, this book is hilariously on point! I am thankful it was brought to my attention by a new friend. Thanks Jessica!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.jher
Posted November 19, 2012
A good quality book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 18, 2012
i liked the ideas jon presents in this book but didn't like the flow and writing style of the book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.jclark19
Posted March 11, 2012
If you are struggling to find a way to work your dream/passion you owe it to yourself to read this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 28, 2012
Excellent material and well written. Keeps you interested with great sarcasm and great stories...highly recommend for anyone thinking about a change in jobs.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LEOReader
Posted January 29, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book it was an easy read and lot of useful information. It really puts a lot of thing to like you may not of thought about such as you will always have a boss; it may be a boss at your office or the power bill. I think If you not happy with your current job and want to quit this is the book to read before you put your two weeks in.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Andrew_C86
Posted December 7, 2011
I started reading this book on the advice that Dave Ramsey provided on his radio show. I have a full-time job, but I am also looking to get into consulting on my own. This book gives you a wonderful perspective on building your business while keeping a full-time job for financial and emotional security. Jon Acuff does a wonderful job explaining the mistakes most make, and even points out where he had to learn lessons along the way. I think this is a must read for anyone looking to start their dream of working for themselves.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sherrdog
Posted November 28, 2011
This book came at a perfect time in my life. Practical advice with a comical spin. It's a quick and easy read with a lot of humor and wisdom. Advice is always easier to take from someone who has been there before you. Acuff shares his story well -- helping the reader to relate and possibly see their own situation mirrored through his. It got me to laugh a little about mistakes made and to push me towards a rediscovery of my dreams.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 20, 2011
I liked this because it gave a practical, different perspective that I haven't heard before. Brilliant book!
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Posted June 13, 2011
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Posted June 25, 2011
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Posted March 12, 2013
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Posted August 3, 2011
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Overview
I have.
At first I thought I was the only one who felt that way, but then I started to talk to people and realized we're becoming the "I'm, but" generation. When we talk about what we do for a living we inevitably say, "I'm a teacher, but I want to be an artist." "I'm a ...