Every generation trash-talks younger generations. Baby boomers labelled Generation X a group of tattooed layabouts and materialists; Generation Xers have branded millennials as iPhone-addicted brats. The truth is, being a millennial is not easy.
Millennials comprise one-third of India’s population of which conservative estimates suggest over 90% are unemployable. Where technological R&D is moving at a rapid pace, educational institutes are teaching archaic concepts. Corporates lament the generation for entering the workforce without arming themselves with relevant skills. While the average millennial struggles with low remuneration and motivation, there are some who become Instagram influencers and earn fame and money off social media.
With this book, the author provides life hacks to help millennials face the world professionally and personally. It discusses various topics along the lines of entrepreneurship, self-help, technological disruption and financial literacy, bridging the gap between what the education system offers and what corporates desire. Whether it is learning to manage a difficult boss and upsell oneself in a corporate career or deciding to quit altogether and take up an entrepreneurial role, the book presents a layman’s overview to finding your desired path and walking the journey towards success.
The book is divided into sections and begins by explaining the role of technology – how it is changing the future and our jobs. Next, it outlines basic business concepts in a nutshell such as pricing, inflation, GDP. It goes on to provide a glimpse of various industries—FMCG, consulting, e-commerce, banking etc.—to help readers understand their culture and demands. The author includes career related advice such as creating an impactful résumé, acing various rounds of interviews, tips to choosing the right business school to further one’s career, as well as personal finance management. It wraps up with ways to enhance personal growth in tandem with your career. With high burnout rates reported in this generation, this is an often overlooked topic which calls for better focus.
The books aims to be humorous and anecdotal to keep the reader engaged with all the technical gobbledygook. Though it manages to deliver what it set out to do, I did find it repetitive and disconnected at more than a few places. The way it was written made it unclear if the jokes were meant to be real hacks or simply a tongue-in-cheek view.
The economic and financial concepts are detailed in their introductions and the author has covered a lot of ground, though the crux of the subject could have been elaborated on as well.
These hacks aim to give a strategic advantage so that the effort you put in is multiplied, moving you that much faster and closer to your ideal lifestyle. The book definitely speaks to the millennial’s goal of landing jobs with nine figure starting salaries. I don’t find myself subscribing whole-heartedly to the views presented here; at the same time I wouldn’t write it off entirely. If you’re just starting out or are planning to switch over to a tech-based career, you might find this entertaining and somewhat relevant.
Hacks for Life and Career: A Millennial’s Guide to Making It Big by Sandeep Das. Published in 2020 by Sage Publications India.
Book 2 of 2021.
Aquamarine Flavours Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.
Available on Amazon*.
He is a columnist with Fortune, Outlook Money and Business World and has contributed to numerous travel magazines.
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