What Color Is Your Parachute? 2018: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

After completing the flower exercise and finishing the book I read the "About The Author" section and realized R.N. Bolles passed away shortly after completing the 2018 copy of "What Color is Your Parachute" which I was holding in my had. I had no idea! It made the book all the more meaningful. I bought the book in 2007 & 2016 but never finished it. 2018 I finally finished it, so my flower exercise is that more meaningful to me since it was kind of a send-off from Bolles.I struggled with employment for almost 3 years after finishing the book, but in 2021 I was able to land my dream job. The exact job I created for myself using the flower exercise in 208, in the geographical location and with the salary and other factors most important to me. It is now 2022 and so much has changed, I am completing the 2022 edition as I consider another career change. Thank you R.N. Bolles.

I first became acquainted with "What Color is Your Parachute" when I managed a Borders bookstore in West Los Angeles. This "Parachute" book used to fly off the shelves and we were always running out of stock on the title. Years later, when Borders bit the dust, and the world went through the 2008 recession, I found myself in need of Richard N. Bolles book and discovered what all the fuss was about. It helped me through a tough time in an overcrowded and treacherous job market. When the recession hit, many Americans found themselves pulling the proverbial ripcord and realized they didn't pack a chute. But Bolles kept our heads up and taught job seekers and career changers to think outside the ineffectual internet job search and job boards that everyone else was on. The traditional job search no longer worked and the "parachute" way got us thinking in a new direction. Remember that back in 1972 when his book first hit the shelves it was already a game changer, and since then it has never been out of print and continues to be a bestseller and is updated yearly. The 2018 version does include some new insights, but retains the majority of what made "Parachute" a classic.There are myriad books on job seeking, resume building, career counseling, etc. but Bolles book remains the only one in this genre that has soul and doesn't just help with job searching, but more importantly with soul searching. Bolles boldly included the God factor into the job search, being a man of faith. If you've been in dire straits, as I have, Bolles is right when he states: "unemployment, particularly in this brutal economy, gives us a chance to contemplate why we are here on earth, and what our Calling, Vocation, or Mission is, for each of us."Richard N. Bolles was a good soul and helped a lot of people and readers through a very difficult time in their lives He passed away last year, but wanted to keep the "Parachute" legacy alive. I am glad to see "What Color is Your Parachute?" live on and understand why this particular book is more important 47 years later. The job market is getting tougher, and the way we work is changing. For many, Google is your new resume, and employers are speaking a different language post recession. This practical manual will never go out of style because Bolles spoke universal truths, and as Robert Schuller once said, “Tough times don't last, tough people do."

If you are looking to change careers or change your job, this book is a tremendous help. It gives you standard ways of applying for a job to fill in another spot on your resume. But the heart of the book is helping you realize what your dream job would be, and how to go after it. I am in the process of reading this book for the second time, because the first time I didn't go through the steps like I should have. I just read over each part without completing the exercises. That is why I had to come back because I didn't really put my full energy into it.I have both the paperback version and the Kindle version. I like the Kindle version because there are links that you can open and get more information, if you are stuck or unclear.

Wow! That was fast!! Ordered Monday afternoon and received Wednesday before noon! Packed well and wrapped in plastic so it wouldn’t get ruined by accidental exposure. Both books were new and in excellent condition.About the books- I have used what color is your parachute 15-20yrs ago when going through a job downturn. So I was familiar with the content. If you don’t know about ‘wciyp’ it’s the best deep discovery tool out there however it can feel a little overwhelming when you see how much work you have to do to discover who you are (and what you want from a career). This book (and work book) break it down into digestible chunks that are presented in fun little exercises. Hope this review helps you.

This is the first time ever that I have committed to and, in fact, "worked" a mission defining/job search system. The Flower Exercise literally took me months to complete (and that was NOT a bad thing) as I needed to give much time and attention to the process of identifying skills and knowledges that I have and LOVE to use.I began this process when I gave my NGO four months notice that I would be leaving. I gave myself time, productive/quiet space and sufficient energy to be thoughtful with the Bolles process.Thank you, Richard, for your lifetime of helping people like me.I found the book and the process to be profoundly helpful for my life going forward.

Purchased this for my son as he is entering his life path and he really thinks it is a helpful read. I read it when I was young and it really helped me along my journey in life. It was inspiring to read the experiences of others who were not only job seeking, but soul searching. I was an older job seeker and wanted to find my happiness in work. This book inspired me by letting me know it was not too late to seek your dream. I am now an elementary school teacher in 2nd grade and I am fulfilled with joy everyday because I am doing work that fulfills my heart.

I got this book as a required reading for class ... I .have known about it without that requirement. I recommend that if you are trying to figure out what career path to follow that you read this book. It has great insights on resume writing, finding the right career for you and so much more. I was only assigned to read a few chapters from this book, but I ended up reading the whole thing. This is a wonderful tool to help get you on the path to a happy career!

Great book. As I'm in the midst of reinventing myself, this is one if the sources of information I am relying on.If you're faced with work change, either by your own decision, or as a result of circumstances beyond your control, then this is the book for you, as is the good news inside it.

It changed my view about employers and the way they hire. It gives you great hopes when you search for a new jobor career.

Some great advice

love it! great book

By far the best book on the subject. Highly recommend.