Book Review – The 4-Hour Workweek

I recently finished reading an interesting book, the 4-hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss.

Timothy Ferriss encourages his readers to cut out all the fluff in their lives and get back to basics, and he’s a testament to his own preachings. 5 years ago Tim was stuck in his business working countless hours, approaching a nervous breakdown and with little direction to turn for an escape. In this scenario of extreme conditions, Tim resorted to extreme measures, outsourcing the majority of his work to distributors and even Virtual Assistance (Indian based companies that do almost anything asked and for a small price).

The book is well set out and provides a useful guide to achieving what Tim has achieved over the years. Tim even offers challenges to his readers to have them think out of the box. For example, in chapter 11, Tim sets the challenge of relaxing in public. Easy enough you would think, but listen to this: “Once per day for two days, simply lie down in the middle of a crowded public place at some point. Lunchtime is ideal. It can be a well-trafficked sidewalk, the middle of a popular Starbucks, or a popular bar”. Tim Justifies his “comfort challenge” by encouraging his readers to think outside the box. Tim believes that thinking is passive and the challenge of lying down in a public place will cause you to act outside of the box.

Tim’s method’s may not always hit the mark, however I like the idea of setting challenges for the reader. Challenges are engaging, and particularly if the reader is looking for a change in life, or has little guidance elsewhere, then a challenge will help set the path.

I particularly like the chapters on automation; Tim provides some useful websites and a gauge on costs for engaging virtual receptionists and order taking companies. I also like the concept of living life to the fullest and being an avid traveler Tim’s ideas of moving countries for 6-months at a time relates to my principles.

One concept that I find difficult to swallow is Tim’s pitch to employees. Throughout the book Tim encouraging employees to approach their boss, asking for permission to work from home. His method is well structured advising employees to start with one day per week, working up to working at home full time. The ultimate goal of the employee is to free up his/her ties to the company, allowing him/her to travel (whilst still working). In previous jobs I’ve tried very hard to convince my boss to allow me to work from home one day per week, but it has always been a struggle. I’ve managed to take off some full days, or a half day more regularly, but regardless of how much work I do at home, my absence doesn’t go without notice.

Throughout the book reference is made to the 4-hour work week website www.fourhourworkweek.com, providing numerous references and some great worksheets (I really like the world trip planning work sheet), however the website is poorly set out and the book provides little reference where the reader can locate each reference. This confusion loses momentum for the book and should be addressed.

All in all I think the book is a great read. It’s motivating and the challenges are really engaging. The whole idea of an employee seeking to detach themselves from the office is a little far fetched in my eyes. However if you can get past this one concept and accept the idea that maybe some employee’s may be able to achieve it, then you will enjoy the read.

Who should read this book? All business owners, entrepreneurs and employees wanting to escape the rat race.