The Four Hour Work Week

The Four Hour Work Week is a book by American businessman Tim Ferriss in which he details how anyone can set up a successful low cost, almost no maintenance business.

For those of us brought up with the idea that success only comes through hard work this is a little hard to take and let's face it -too good to be true. Actually it's not as far fetched as it sounds.

Ferriss outsources much of the work required by his business so while he is enjoying a life of leisure his virtual assistants are doing all the work for him.

I bought this book as I'm looking for a low maintenance sideline to run alongside my real business. Whilst my main business could eventually operate with little involvement from me I enjoy the work and frankly if I didn't have bills to pay would do it for nothing! Following the steps in the four hour work week is unlikely to produce a business you can feel passionate about but if your goal is increased leisure time, time to pursue your real business or you just enjoy a challenge you'll find this book of enormous value.

Ferriss himself is an entertaining, enthusiastic and engaging writer and the book is a joy to read for that alone. Whether you aim to put his business ideas into practice or not you'll learn a lot from the author's almost superhuman ability to bend the rules and breeze through adversity.

I won't be giving up my 9-5 business but I'm confident that following the steps in this book will allow me to reduce my hours and give me a valuable sideline.