Is This a Lousy Job or Is It Me?

★★★★★
Laura Schroeder — May 31, 2023

I was gifted a copy of 'Is This a Lousy Job or Is It Me?' by a dear friend and while I typically read shorter life/ work balance or health related articles/ stories, I simply could not put this one down. Every human has a story and as Terri brilliantly shares her work life stories - both the dream-like and the difficult. So much so that you can't help but relate.

Her By FABLE model ushers the reader through a series of life long work challenges and triumphs that leaves the reader with a sense of understanding their own struggles while encouraging them with a 'light at the end' of the proverbial tunnel. It simply puts the power back in the readers' hands to examine their own stories and character/ value set built along their career path and how it interacts with all aspects of work. To say life is a journey is cliché, but to read, understand and often times relate to another person's stories is a gift - a gift that keeps on giving. Both easy to read and enjoyable and I would highly suggest!

★★★★★
Amanda — May 3, 2023

As a career coach who worked with college students for many years, this would be a great read for them to better understand their transition from school to the world of work. It's beneficial to understand how even your earliest job experiences can impact and shape your character development as a working professional. The author shares her own experiences that shaped her and guides the reader on a journey of considering their own stories and the impact on their development. This would make a great gift for a soon to be college graduate!

★★★★★ 
Andrea H. — April 27, 2023

The Author, Ms. Jacke, is a wonderful Storyteller and provides the reader with unique very visual stories about her life experiences that molded her into the successful entrepreneur she is today. I enjoyed the stories and how she related them to many different work & management styles. I also was appreciative of the tools she provided for the reader to apply to real life situations in work and in personal growth. This book made me reflect on my own growth through my working and management career. Highly recommended!

★★★★★ 
Karen — April 25, 2023

Having read this after retirement, it opened my eyes as to what I could have done differently to make my worklife better. I felt the book showed examples from each stage of development that all folks could relate to. Good read.

★★★★
Jeremy S Dierst — April 4, 2022

The author really puts a lot of emotion and some pretty decent anecdotes into this novel. Which resonates and makes the information relatable for the reader to enjoy and learn from. The main leadership messages sprinkled thru-out, lean towards self-help and self-confidence. This is one novel to come back to again and again, depending on the circumstances in one's life. This authors' style is very down-to-earth and easy to read.

★★★★★ 
Rebecca Swanson — March 24, 2022

Anticipate an exuberant ride as you read through Terri Jacke’s journey on the super highway of her professional career. Using her own experience in jobs that range from campground worker at age 12 to being the CEO of her own company today, Ms. Jacke shares seven stages of character development in the workplace to guide the reader on how to graciously handle or fiercely muscle through difficult workplace situations. From the book’s well laid out introduction, through the chapters that describe stages from Beginning to Authenticity to Exit (with additional stages in-between), to an excellent wrap-up that reviews all the stages and their lessons, the reader will find encouragement and practical tools for gaining a foothold in a new job or to growing toward the next work opportunity.

Ms. Jacke’s conversational style and anecdotes that are humorous, harrowing and heartbreaking make for an engaging read that culminates in worthwhile take-aways when the going gets tough: Who hasn’t dealt with a colleague who undermined your top project? Who doesn’t need tips for balancing complex and soul-draining efforts toward work/life balance? Navigating pay issues, dealing with harassment and moving past discomfort when growing into a new position are more examples for which the author provides insights and a take-charge approach toward resolution.

Anyone working in today’s challenging work environment can benefit from reading this book and keeping it stashed on a nearby bookshelf for quick reference. If you are early in your professional career or know someone who is just starting out, I wholeheartedly recommend buying Is This a Lousy Job or is it Me? as a must-have reference for personal development and navigating most any difficult work situation.

Moreover, the insights gained on character development in the outlined stages are tools for job fulfillment and personal growth that will last a lifetime.

★★★★★
Scott Van Ells — March 23, 2021

Great compilation of some of the most effective trainings and information I've received over years of Leadership training. Appreciated seeing this from Terri's point of view as it reinforced many of the same teachings from another perspective

★★★★★
Patti — March 22, 2021

I listen to Jacke's on the Job Podcast and found out through these podcasts about this book that Terri Jacke wrote about her job experiences and lessons that she had learned and grew from along the way to where she is today. I was very interested in what this author has/had to offer in her book, that I ordered it right away through Amazon. I am not quite halfway through this book but so far I am finding that I can relate to many similar experiences working with different types of co-workers and supervisors that I had throughout my lifetime, working many different types of jobs, until I finally found enjoyment and success in my career. I only wish that this type of book was available to me when I was at the beginning and not near the end of my work life. Even still I am enjoying reading this and understand more about the differences that everyone brings into the workforce with them and how to deal with these types of people. I plan on giving additional feedback to Terri Jacke once I am able to read her entire book.

★★★★★
Amazon Customer — December 30, 2020

This book was fantastic. Terri does an outstanding job of relating her real life work experiences in this book. I found it easy to take some of those same scenarios and apply them to certain aspects of my job today. In addition, it made me look at my current role and make some changes in the way I view some of what I do and my current team.

★★★★★
Richard B — December 29, 2020

This very well written book is not only interesting, it is packed with great advice for workers of all kinds. Learning how to be happy and productive as an employee calls for a lot of self-awareness. The author nails it.

★★★★★
Kevin Kirchoff — October 13, 2020

Just finished reading this book. I found it fascinating, not only how well the author takes the reader through their journey but the self reflection it prompted along the way. I found myself relating to one or more of the characters as I joined Terri on her journey.

I look forward to reading it again with more deliberate focus on the individual stages and the lessons to be learned as they relate to me.

Great book and a must read regardless of what stage of your career you are in.

★★★★★
Amazon Customer — October 1, 2020

This book has a unique content, layout and story telling style. A lot of the situations Terri discusses are very relatable to anyone who has worked a job, from start of employment to current situation. I plan to share the book for others to read as there are so many different messages within it. I like the end of chapter summary on each of the BY FABLE topics and have referenced them several times since reading. Regardless of what stage you are at in your career, you will be able to take something away from this book. My daughter is almost 15 and started her first job a few months ago, this book has given me guidance on helping coach her thru the Beginning and some Yuckiness already.

★★★★★
Larry Baker — September 8, 2020

I have had the privilege of working with Terri Jacke over an extended period of my career. I lived a part of this book's journey with Terri. It took but one initial meeting to recognize her brilliant people skills, always focused on helping others recognize their true abilities. "Is This A Lousy Job Or Is It Me?" is a guide for success for anyone engaged in a career from the Beginning to the Exit. Terri lived these stages and learned from practical experience how to effectively deal with each stage through personal character development. You will see yourself in one or more of the various stages of your career, and find real insights in how to move to the next stage successfully; learning from someone who has been there and is able to provide you with tools for success.