Betting on You audiobook cover - How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career

Betting on You

How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career

Laurie Ruettimann

★ 4.1 / 5(245 ratings)
Start ListeningDownload App
Categories:
Personal DevelopmentCareer & Success

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

Listen to Betting on You — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from Betting on You

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Betting on You

Mind Map

Betting on You
Take Charge of Your Life+
Detach Identity from Work+
Plan for Failure+
Advocate for Your Worth+
Escape the Rut+
Smart Job Seeking+
Strategic Quitting+
Be Your Own HR+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 9
What was the true significance of the author's trip to Mexico for weight-loss surgery?
  • A. It allowed her to finally fit into professional corporate attire and gain her boss's respect.
  • B. It marked the pivotal moment she took charge of her life and prioritized her own well-being.
  • C. It proved to her coworkers that she was willing to take extreme risks to get ahead.
  • D. It provided a unique networking opportunity where she met her future business partner.
Question 2 of 9
According to the book, what is the main benefit of becoming a 'professional slacker'?
  • A. You can subtly force your colleagues to take on your unwanted administrative responsibilities.
  • B. You can slowly phase out of your job without management noticing your absence.
  • C. You put limits on work to prevent burnout, allowing you to take leadership of your life and be more productive in the time you have.
  • D. You lower your employer's expectations so you are never overwhelmed by being considered for promotions.
Question 3 of 9
How does conducting a 'premortem' before a new project or career move help ensure success?
  • A. It allows you to vent all your negative emotions so you can start a new endeavor with a clear head.
  • B. It uses the psychological law of attraction to manifest positive outcomes by acknowledging your fears.
  • C. It forces management to officially document their approval of your project plan and budget.
  • D. It identifies potential failures in advance so you can create solutions before problems even emerge.
Question 4 of 9
What lesson does the author suggest everyday workers should learn from highly paid CEOs and top executives?
  • A. To exude a sense of entitlement and confidently ask for more compensation.
  • B. To delegate all tedious administrative tasks to lower-level employees.
  • C. To prioritize company profits over individual employee well-being.
  • D. To frequently change companies to artificially inflate their market value.
Question 5 of 9
What does the author recommend as the very first step if you are feeling bored, aimless, or stuck in a rut at work?
  • A. Immediately draft a strategic letter of resignation.
  • B. Learn something new or pursue a new skill or certification.
  • C. Confront your boss about your lack of engaging assignments.
  • D. Take a leave of absence to travel and clear your head.
Question 6 of 9
What distinguishes a 'smart job seeker' from what the author calls a 'squishy job seeker'?
  • A. A smart job seeker applies to hundreds of jobs a day, whereas a squishy job seeker waits for recruiters to contact them.
  • B. A smart job seeker prioritizes well-being and doesn't take rejection personally, while a squishy job seeker internalizes rejection as a personal flaw.
  • C. A smart job seeker only accepts offers above their previous salary, while a squishy job seeker accepts the very first offer they receive.
  • D. A smart job seeker refuses to network, while a squishy job seeker relies entirely on personal connections.
Question 7 of 9
Why does the author advise against quitting a job in a rage?
  • A. You automatically forfeit your accumulated vacation days and retirement benefits.
  • B. It is illegal in most corporate contracts to quit without a formal two-week notice.
  • C. Burning bridges can backfire, such as a former boss sharing your rude resignation with a future employer.
  • D. Your current employer might sue you for emotional distress or breach of contract.
Question 8 of 9
What unconventional advice does the author give regarding resigning from a job that is a bad fit?
  • A. You should secretly work for a competitor for a month before officially resigning.
  • B. You can sometimes negotiate a severance package even when you are the one choosing to quit.
  • C. You should threaten to expose company secrets to guarantee a smooth exit.
  • D. You should always resign via email to avoid any face-to-face confrontation with management.
Question 9 of 9
How should you handle onboarding at a new job, according to the author's advice on 'becoming your own HR department'?
  • A. Refuse to start working until the official HR department provides a comprehensive orientation.
  • B. Demand a higher starting salary if the company lacks a formal onboarding process.
  • C. File a formal complaint with management regarding inadequate safety training.
  • D. Take matters into your own hands by connecting with your new team on platforms like LinkedIn before you start.

Betting on You — Full Chapter Overview

Betting on You Summary & Overview

Betting on You (2021) is a hands-on guide to navigating the modern workplace. If you’re an employee in a big corporation, it can feel like you have no agency over your work life. But by putting yourself first and changing your mindset about work, you can make big changes right where you are. And if you need to leave your job, you can plan strategically for the next chapter.

Who Should Listen to Betting on You?

  • People looking for more autonomy and purpose in their careers
  • HR departments wanting to up their game
  • Burnt-out entrepreneurs looking to change their work habits

About the Author: Laurie Ruettimann

Laurie Ruettimann left a career in corporate HR to become a writer, entrepreneur, and speaker. CNN has recognized her as being one of the top five career advisors in the United States. Her work has been featured on NPR, and in the New Yorker, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal.

🎧
Listen in the AppOffline playback & background play
Get App