Escape from Cubicle Nation: The Book

by Jay Thompson on April 30, 2009 · Comments

in Reviews

Disclosure: I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book and consider the author a personal friend. However, none of that prevents me from giving my honest impression in this review. If I think the book sucks, I’ll say it sucks.

EFCNcover[10]Pamela Slim’s book, Escape from Cubicle Nation, hits the bookstores today.

If you have any interest in entrepreneurship, running your own business, or life in general then I suggest you get thee to Amazon post haste and secure yourself a copy.

I’ve enjoyed Pam’s blog for the past couple of years. Her “voice” is fresh, funny, and down to earth. I expected nothing less in her book, and was not disappointed.

Having been held captive in the Cubicle Nation myself for 20 some-odd years, I can always relate to the advice Pam doles out. Escape from Cubicle Nation is a great read and is chocked full of sage wisdom. One does not have to be a corporate prisoner or a budding entrepreneur to get something of value from this book. Several times I found myself saying, “Huh, I need to do that” or “Great idea!”.

I’ve read upwards of half a bazillion books on business, leadership, and entrepreneurship and can honestly say that Escape from Cubicle Nation is one of the best. Let’s face it, business books can be mind-numbingly boring. Not so with EfCN.

For you real estate mavens out there, don’t think that this book won’t apply to you. It’s not just a primer on how to leave corporate America. It’s also about things you can do to make your existing business better, stronger, faster. There are real life examples from real life people. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the discussion of the emotional aspects of venturing off on your own. This is a huge part of running a business and is often glossed over, if discussed at all. Trust me, much of what Pam writes has direct application to real estate – and any business.

Written in a style that will make you smile, nod your head and think, Escape from Cubicle Nation is a must read for anyone remotely interested in improving and building upon their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Congratulations Pam. I know how much effort you put into this, and it shows. I wish you ridiculous success with it. (And the new blog redesign is fabulous. Welcome to Wordpress and Thesis!)


 

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  • hi Jay... many years ago I barely survived one year in the cubicle, realized I was totally unemployable and really unhappy in the 9 to 5 world so I can totally relate to this.

    Thx for the heads up on Pam's new book, will add it to my long list of things to do. ;-) Later...
  • RE_Millionaire Tip: Escape from Cubicle Nation: The Book: Disclosure: I received a compliment.. http://tinyurl.com/cxvueg
  • Huge congrats to Pam and her hard work; thanks for pointing out her site; it is a great read as well!

    <abbr></abbr><abbr>Margaret Safford-metro Atlanta Real Estate´s last blog post..Does the Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market Mimic the New HGTV Shows?</abbr>
  • Sounds like a great book- it seems like working for yourself, and/or having your own business is the surest way to make a lot of money in America (as long as you don't chase get-rich-quick schemes or fail to have a business plan that is solid, or have bad luck- in which case it is the fastest way to lose a lot of money). There is definitely something to be said for working for yourself or limiting the exposure to Corporate America but there is definitely a risk associated with having an uncertain income.

    I wrote a post about how I am reluctant to take a Corporate Job because I think once you get started and get accustomed to a lifestyle that requires a certain base salary, it is really risk to give that up and go out on your own, even if in the long run you can be a lot happier and/or make a lot more. http://www.artofthecoupon.com/finding-job/ Basically, the gist is that the more responsibilities you have the harder it is to take the risk to build the dream job you want.

    Since you said this book specifically discusses the emotional aspects of the decision to leave, I'll be looking forward to reading it and seeing if/how she addresses these emotional issues of lack of security and risk (or any other emotional issues the book she may discuss)

    <abbr></abbr><abbr>Coupon Artist, Frugality and Smart Spending Blogger´s last blog post..Alternatives to Payday Lenders</abbr>
  • Thanks for the candid review; I hopped over to Pam's blog and enjoyed her writing-you can just tell she is bursting with energy and excitment! Thanks for sharing her blog!
  • Yes, the emotioal strength it takes to start your own business-and be successful-is rarely ever touched on in any business books and I am excited to hear that Pam discusses it! I does certainly take mental and physical strength to leave your dependable, steady paycheck working for someone else (maybe even in a cubicle...) to running your own place, paying yourself, your employees and your bills...Good for Pam and I am excited to see the book!
  • Thanks Jay. I took a look at Pam's blog and found it very refreshing. I love the way she presents the story. I'm very interested in getting my hands on her book.
  • "One thing I particularly enjoyed was the discussion of the emotional aspects of venturing off on your own. This is a huge part of running a business and is often glossed over, if discussed at all."

    I tell you what, when I ventured off and became incorporated to start my company/team back in August of 2006 I was nervous as heck! Here I was about to leave the comfort of my commission based position W/Realty Executives that I had enjoyed since I began my real estate career w/them back in 1994... and go out into the great unknown. I was giving up my one man operation (and the security I enjoyed that comes with making a great living on your own) to chase a dream, owning my own company. Then the day came that I needed to hire my first employee, talk about nerve racking. But, looking back from today, I am so glad I took the leap of faith needed to start your own company (I know you know what I'm talking about Jay ;-) )!

    In short, I think all books regarding stepping out on your own should discuss in detail the emotional roller coaster that is a THE biggest part of venturing out of the corporate world and doing it on your own.

    In fact, I think I'll go ahead and buy her book for myself (so I don't have to keep trading books with you Jay, lol) based on your raving review and the thoughts that reading your post provoked in me. And for that, I thank you Jay!

    <abbr></abbr><abbr>Matt´s last blog post..Paradise Valley Sales Report - March 2009</abbr>
  • this post from @PhxREguy starts with the best disclosure I've ever seen. LOL. http://is.gd/vCAw
  • "Escape from Cubicle Nation"--I'd buy it for the title alone. @PhxREguy gives it the thumbs up http://tinyurl.com/cxvueg
  • I'm intrigued now to pick up Pam's book after reading your review-the whole part where you say she goes into the emotional roller coaster of starting your own business sounds like useful information for anyone, and that is certainly not anything I have read in some of the business books I have read, though I imagine handling the emotional stress and changes is a huge determining factor in the success of starting a business!
  • Enjoying the book so far; thanks for the review!
  • I really enjoyed how she talked about the emotional highs and lows of starting a business-you don't ever see that in any business books. Thanks for the review!

    <abbr></abbr><abbr>Margaret Safford-Metro Atlanta Real Estate´s last blog post..Does the Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market Mimic the New HGTV Shows?</abbr>
  • I really enjoyed the book! Her chapters on the fear that can take over as you walk away from the cubicle world was great and very much needed-I have never read another buisness book that touches on all the emotions you go through when starting your own business.
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