The Encore Career Handbook by Marci Alboher
Are you a Gen-Yer looking to stand out, looking for an edge, looking to grow? Then The Encore Career Handbook, designed for older people looking to make a difference in the second half of their lives, is the perfect road map for you!
Are you one of those folks who grew up with What Color is Your Parachute? The Encore Career Handbook is the What Color is Your Parachute for the 21st century. Although I wouldn't replace the Parachute book with it, just use it to supplement your knowledge.
Back to Gen-Y, my most favorite generation. What do you suppose the odds are that sometime in your life you'll work for or with a Baby Boomer (people 49-67)? Do you think it might be to your advantage to get to understand thoughts, beliefs and ideas from this age group have?
To be real, I've moved away from forming hard fast opinions on people because of the generation they belong to. If it weren't for my bald head and the fact I look every bit of my fifty plus years on this planet, I'd say I'm a Gen-Yer - because I feel that way. But generalities are useful, particularly when they come to this subject.
I recommend reading The Encore Career Handbook because it will help you learn about some of the underlying motivations that Boomers take to work everyday. Did you know that Suzy, the fifty-one year old manager of your office, secretly desires to work with wounded animals? No. But engage her in exploratory conversations and you'll probably learn a whole lot more when it comes to your personal development.
I once told Penelope Trunk, author of Brazen Careerist, a book on career advice targeted to Gen-X & Y, that I bought and read her book so I could learn more about those generations and be a better manager. I believe the words I used were I was using her intel to go undercover.
This is precisely what I recommend Gen-Yers do. Buy and read The Encore Career Handbook in order to learn more about Baby Boomers.
Update 8/14/2013 - I was a bit hasty in declaring The Encore Career Handbook the new What Color is Your Parachute? Dick Bolles has published a fresh and new copy of Parachute for thirty-nine straight years. And that doesn't include the two editions he published before 1975. That's just crazy man! I believe however, that Marci captures both the spirit and detail of what Mr. Bolles has been providing for nearly four decades.