About Sales Director
Jenn Price does not proclaim to be an expert on dating…but her years of practice (and willingness to share stories) will certainly get people talking. Join in the dialogue each week as Jenn tackles matters of the heart.
There a few reasons I might read a non-fiction (read: self-help) book. Either it captures my attention and I think it’s going to teach me something I don’t already know (or that my $100/hour hypnotherapist hasn’t yet taught me) or, the author says something in the introduction that completely enrages me and therefore forces me to read ahead to see if there is any merit to what has been written.
The latter recently occurred when I picked up the copy of Nicole Williams’ Girl On Top that was left on my desk for review. The sexual connotation of the title combined with the subtitle of “Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success” is a cheeky twist on the whole dating-career conundrum. In it, the author takes 20 (fairly well-known) dating rules and spins them into career context.
I was liking the material well into page 2 where the author writes: “I’ve come to believe that just like in our relationships, loving your career has a lot to do with expectations – ultimately you get the love (and the career) you think you deserve.” I definitely agree with this and I’ve even written a blog post about this called Prepare and Attract. I’ve always known what I wanted out of my career and I’ve always believed going into every new challenge that if anyone can do it, I can do it.
My irritation set in with the next phrase: “The same friend who has yet to find a man worthy of her affections is in and out of jobs as frequently as you apply gloss.”
What the eff? What about me and many of my girlfriends and their girlfriends who have great careers, have their lives together and are still single? I have never been in and out of jobs in my life. Relationships have been fewer and farther between, with many single pauses where I’ve been able to grow happy on my own and date a variety of men.
I persevered and read on to see that the book does offer some valid points, and the easy-to-read and entertaining dialogue could appeal to many a girl working her way to being on top in her career. From “don’t bash your ex” to “don’t give away your milk for free” to “be willing to walk away”, Nicole Williams is encouraging young women to build their self-esteem and be confident in all areas of their lives; a message that is always a good one. Despite my annoyance at one of her generalizations, I was able to look past it and appreciate the positive message here.
We can all stand to love and believe in ourselves a little more and truly create the designer life we want and deserve.
What’s your experience with career vs relationships?
Are there any similar books you’d recommend?