"The 4-hours work week" Review
We can start "The 4-hours work week" review telling that the book was written by Timothy Ferriss presenting some fundamental concepts for many people looking to grow and accumulate wealth, but also showing an easy way that is not achievable (at least not for everyone).
The good concepts ...
The New Rich Philosophy. The book introduces the concept of the "New Rich" (NR) as a subculture characterized by mobility and financial freedom. This idea challenges the conventional notion of wealth tied to a 9-to-5 job and encourages individuals to prioritize experiences, freedom, and time over accumulating wealth for its own sake. This perspective resonates with many who yearn for a more fulfilling life beyond the confines of traditional work.
Rethinking Wealth and Happiness. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of redefining wealth and happiness. He argues that true wealth should be measured by one's ability to lead the life they desire, emphasizing freedom and free time as essential components. Furthermore, he challenges the conventional definition of happiness, suggesting that it is not just the absence of sadness but the presence of excitement and passion in one's life. This perspective encourages readers to align their actions with their passions.
The 80/20 Principle. Ferriss introduces the 80/20 principle, also known as the Pareto Principle, which suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. This concept is crucial for readers to identify and prioritize tasks that have the most significant impact on their goals. It's a valuable tool for increasing productivity and achieving more with less effort.
Eliminating Time Wasters. The book highlights the importance of eliminating time-wasting activities, especially in the modern age of constant distractions. Ferriss provides practical advice on reducing email checking frequency and managing interruptions. This resonates with the idea of reclaiming time for meaningful activities and achieving a more balanced life.
... The bad promises
In this part of "The 4-hours work week" review, I want to focus on the false promises that the book makes from the middle onwards.
Regular Office Employees Can Live the New Rich Lifestyle.
While "The 4-Hour Workweek" presents a compelling case for liberating oneself from the traditional office environment, it's important to acknowledge that this approach may not be suitable for everyone or every profession. Not all professions or jobs can be easily adapted to remote work or automation. Moreover, many industries value in-person collaboration and teamwork. Face-to-face interactions can foster creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication that may not be fully replicable in a remote work setting. For example, innovation industries often rely on physical presence and shared spaces. In addition to this removing all employees from the office can have detrimental effects on company culture.
A strong workplace culture often relies on face-to-face interactions, team-building activities, and a shared physical workspace. For some organizations, maintaining a cohesive and engaged team may require an office presence. Additionally, there may be company security reasons for not letting employees work remotely.
It's not impossible to work remotely, but very difficult if you don't work in companies already tested with this working model.
Build a Business That Functions on Autopilot
Ferriss stresses the significance of creating automated income streams to free oneself from the time-money connection. He advocates for setting up businesses that can operate with minimal direct involvement, relying on virtual assistants and efficient systems to maintain profitability. All very nice, but it seems like the classic video you find on YouTube that promises you a comfortable passive income without working. pity they don't exist. Unfortunately the rest of the book continues like this and recommends a method that is the antechamber of the classic fake guru on YouTube.
The idea behind generating a passive income method is to study a niche that requires little effort and is self-starting. Great! Why didn't anyone else think of this?
The solution?
Ferriss emphasizes the importance of market testing before fully committing to a product or business idea. Which however requires hours and knowledge of the market you want to enter.
Furthermore, Ferriss advises entrepreneurs to design their products with clarity, simplicity, and premium pricing. By summarizing the product's purpose in a single sentence, simplifying choices for customers, setting a higher price point, and making a significant promise, you can create a compelling and attractive product.
It's a shame that a premium price must have a premium quality and it is the customers who decide the price they are willing to pay for a service/good. The first iPhone had a lower price than the second and only later did Apple understand that it could become a luxury product.
"The 4-hours work week" Review Vote
As much as I like it the central message of "The 4-Hour Workweek" about breaking free from the traditional work paradigm and embracing the New Rich lifestyle. I'm not comfortable on how It encourages individuals to quit your job and start a passive business.
I suggest everyone to redefine their goals, prioritize productivity in order to gain more money and automate income streams. but I know it's not possible for everyone and sometimes simply improving in your field is the only solution.
And it is not a stupid roadmap to achieving greater freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment in life which is good for everyone, but everyone must find their own way.
I recommend it as your very first book, otherwise you can easily skip it.
If you want to buy the book on Amazon and support the blog, use the link below.