Rich Minx

This is the final post of a four-part book review of Timothy Ferriss’s new book The 4-Hour Work Week, which aims to help people live their dreams while still earning a strong income. Click here for Part 1, here for Part 2 and here for Part 3. Summary first, my reactions and final verdict at the bottom.

Step IV: L is for Liberation

12. Disappearing Act

• Gently introduce your boss to a trial period of you working from home. Make sure your output on days out of the office is significantly higher. Gradually increase the trial period and time away from the office.

13. Beyond Repair

• Some jobs are simply beyond repair, especially if your boss won’t trust you enough to give you time away.
• Admit and accept when it is time to move on; a lot of work doesn’t mean time has been spent productively.
• Most future employers will envy the experiences you’ve had after quitting your job and find you more interesting for it.

14. Mini Retirements

• Vacations are often exhausting binge exercises: stressful and pointless trips away. You need time to absorb your surroundings.
• Learn to slow down.
• Rid yourself of draining and unnecessary possessions. You need very little.
• Plan mini-retirements and see the world with the automate and eliminate lessons in mind.

15. Filling the Void

• People who suddenly quit the 9-5 routine expect to be happy and find they aren’t. That’s because there is now a void where the work was and your inner chatterbox starts bringing you down with guilt and questions about the meaning of life.
• Find meaningful goals to pursue throughout your life. Find ways to serve the world which are important to you.
• Learn a language, or several languages. It’s one of the most rewarding and enlightening experiences you can have.

Reactions to Section IV:
This section redeemed the book for me. I was close to putting it down in annoyance because I couldn’t really relate to the previous sections. I actually expected this to be the least useful section because I have already “liberated” myself from my cubicle job (three months ago) and am already traveling. But the section gave me some really useful tips for making the most of my travel experiences and believing in myself even when other people don’t understand what on earth I’m doing. I’m a huge fan of learning languages so I agree 100% with his advice to learn one. I have nothing negative to say about this section and now have a higher opinion of Timothy Ferris than I did.

Final Verdict on The Four-Hour Work Week
I feel a little confused now. My initial reaction to Mr Ferriss and his life lessons was one of scepticism. There were certainly plenty of things I didn’t agree with: the superfluous Comfort Challenges, the seemingly callous delegation of unwanted work to cheap assistants and the apparent unwillingness to communicate or interact with people. The achievements mentioned (China kickboxing champ, tango world record holder etc) are more through discoveries of loopholes and bending the rules than anything else.

Which isn’t to say he isn’t smart or dedicated. He takes on new challenges with a doggedness that would elude most people until he has achieved them, whether it’s learning fluent Spanish or jujitsu. I admire him for thinking outside the box, for valuing experience over possessions, and his enthusiasm for everything life has to offer. I won’t be a full-time disciple of the Timothy Ferriss way of life, and he admits himself that many people may find his attitudes threatening or even offensive, but there’s something in this book to affect and inspire most people to live happier lives. I recommend at least taking a look if any of the points in my four-part review have intrigued you. 7/10.

This is the final part of the review. Click here for Part One, Part Two and Part Three. Has this review and book summary been of use to you? Leave a comment and let me know.

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