Someone asked me today: "What was the catalyst for writing this particular book?"

It is such a great question! The other day I received this email:

I'm sure your book will be a fantastic success Cass - I was talking to a lady when I was at work today and she said no one would employ her husband because he was 55 had been in the same job for 25 years until he was made redundant - and said he had no skills employers would want! Ummm what does one say to comments like that So you definitely have market out there : - )

This man's experience is one of the main reasons I wrote "Happy@work: job hunting for mid-lifer's." As a career coach helping people reclaim thier lives after redundancy, or re build self esteem after bullying or bounce back from the depression of spirit that staying in the wrong job can create, I felt strongly that people need more hope and practical ways to move forward.

Here is what I actually emailed back to my friend:

"Ohhh that is so sad - so sad because it is not true. That man has lots and lots of skills - he just doesn't know what they are. That poor man and his wife must be suffering so.....I hate hearing that.. that is why I am writing this book to show it doesn't have to be this way. "

The book also draws on my 4 years experience writing a careers column for The Dominion Post - plus as an artist I wanted to create something that was visually uplifting so have used my photos and others to communicate visually.....like a painting for me this book is a creative joy that I hope others will enjoy

Labels: achieving goals, The Book