Book Review: The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

This month’s book review is another re-read. I read this once as an employee, at the cusp of going self-employed, then again four years into my business journey.  Reading it four years apart has certainly given me an interesting view on the content of The 4-Hour Work Week* by Timothy Ferris.

For those that haven’t heard of it, the first edition of this book was published in 2007, and makes fairly bold claims. “Escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.” “WARNING: Do not read this book unless you want a new way of living.” “Whether your dream is escaping the rate race, experiencing first-class world travel, earning a monthly five-figure income with no management, or just living more and working less, this book is the blueprint.”

For me, the line “ … living more and working less …”  is the one that grabbed my attention, as it’s a common theme with the clients that I work with!

Tim Ferriss has developed a 4-hour franchise off the back of this original book and had been described as “The Superman of Silicon Valley”, among other things. His approach not only covers work but cooking, health, as well as developing overviews of what Mentors and Titans do well.  Oh, let’s not forget his podcast.
The interesting thing about this book is how innovative it was when first published. In 2007, I didn’t own a smartphone, in fact, the iconic iPhone wasn’t released until 29^th June 2007! The world of automation didn’t exist the way it does now; no easy to “plugin” automation programmes and a lot of the tech we take for granted now, was not accessible.

Hey, the FAX was still used!

So, this tried and tested method of creating a passive income, or at least, income where HE didn’t have to deliver it was really ground-breaking. His successful processes (and some failures) are detailed in the book, as well as areas to include overcoming the mindset issues about not being totally ON.

The interesting thing, that this book hasn’t massively aged in the past 12 years, some of it seems second nature now (like getting a VA as an example) but others really stand the test of time.  If you are employed, with no desire to go self-employed or build a business, then don’t think this book isn’t for you. There are lots of elements around flexible working that may interest you, plus the concept of redefining what work looks like for you!

The one thing that hadn’t sat right with me, and still doesn’t, is the impression that you minimise any real communication; everything is quick, to the point to maximise his time to do the things he wants. Furthermore, even though there are examples of people with children, it reads like something that is hard to really apply (to the letter) if you have any other responsibilities.

However, that doesn’t undermine some of the lessons that you learn.

In true Clara Cliff Notes style, here are the four things you NEED to know about The 4-Hour Work Week.

You don’t have to do everything

Work out what your time is worth – that can be time working, or playing, or both, and decide if it’s more valuable getting someone else (including tech, nowadays) to deliver that for you! What decision-making capabilities could you give other people that would give you the options to focus on different things.

 

You can go against the grain

Ferris advocates the idea of “mini-retirements”, short work bursts and then focusing on your other experiences. In a world where people work remotely, are “digital nomads” and retirement isn’t what it was, it’s an interesting concept. How could you be in charge of your diary more (and what would do with it?) – consider the minimal viable income you would need to cover your financial commitments. Go on, just use your imagination and see how it feels!

Starting a business? Make sure you have clients

There is a whole part of the process of creating a new business (that would then have very minimal interaction but maximum income levels) and it highlights the amount of money lost by not investigating a market. Some of the methods may make your ethical side twinge (i.e. people paying for things that don’t exist!) but consider how you can test a market before you put too much effort into it.

Create your version of success

So often people put a value on finances and stuff – but this book highlights the value of experiences; it takes the “work to live” idea to its peak. Make your income, wherever it comes from, a tool to create the life you want (a career to enjoy -maybe), which includes HOW you work, not just the quickest way to make money.

So, do I recommend this book? Yes, it’s something that you may find resonates with you, and other parts may need a skim. But I think it’s an honest and transparent way of investigating the way you work, who you work for and when you work. Isn’t it time you looked at this for you?

*This is an affiliate link; if you click on it, then purchase something, I may get a few pennies, but it won’t cost you anything extra

Want to read some other book reviews? Check them out here.