Ambition Redefined: Why the Corner Office Doesn't Work for Every Woman & What to Do Instead

Description

It's time to acknowledge that not all working women are interested in climbing the corporate ladder or securing the corner office. Most want and need flexible, less life-consuming work to accommodate their real lives, and it's not weak, lacking ambition or letting down the sisterhood to pursue professional fulfillment and financial security through less lofty, or headline-making ways. Eye-opening and practical, Ambition Redefined is a welcome alternative to 'women's business books'. Sollmann calls it like it is: everyday women want and need flexible work that allows them to unapologetically pursue their own brand of ambition and success. She shows them how without sacrificing themselves, their careers or their families. Armed with practical insights and tools, readers will be empowered to go after opportunities beyond traditional definitions of work, career and success. They will learn why they should never leave the workforce, how to make a case for flexibility in a current full-time job, how to find flexible employers, industries and job functions and how to return to work after time away raising children or caring for elderly parents.

For 15 years Kathryn Sollmann has been a recognized leader in helping women navigate the many stages of work and life while juggling two major caregiving roles-for children and aging parents. Through Kathryn's entrepreneurial venture, 9 Lives for Women, a blog and coaching practice, she has moved theconversation away from merely the pros and cons of work vs. motherhood to a more significant one: firmly establishing the link between work and a woman's ability to achieve long-term financial security. Her emphasis on women's financial independence has generated event-sponsorship funding from corporate wealth-management giants, including AXA Advisors, Fidelity, Raymond James, Cigna and Wells Fargo. With good humour, no-nonsense delivery, and a unique ability to educate and motivate, Kathryn is a frequent speaker, seminar leader, and inspirational voice for women in all work and life stages.

Family schedules don't always meld with a 9-to-5, in-office, 5-day-a-week job, which is why the advice here is critical, so mothers can keep caring for their children and gain financial stability. -- Meredith Bodgas, Editor-in-Chief of Working Mother magazine A great read for women of all ages and career stages. As Sollmann wisely advises, when it comes to work it's not about leaning in or out but leaning in the direction of financial security. -- Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D., author of Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office Creating greater harmony among the different domains of life is possible.Ambition Redefined, which offers a clear path to realizing how you can make flexwork a real and enriching part of your life, is an essential guide for getting there. -- Stew Friedman, founder of the Wharton Work/Life Integration Project and author of Total Leadership In my experience in the flexible job market over more than a decade, I've seen first-hand exactly what Kathryn Sollman is recommending. Professional, high-quality flexible jobs do exist for every age and stage, and this book shares fantastic information and advice for women to find them. -- Sara Sutton Fell, CEO of FlexJobs Kathryn Sollmann doesn't pull punches in her provocative new book. Ambition Redefined is a must-read for women of all ages, as they navigate their careers and make crucial choices about what kind of work fits their life stage. This smart guide is a wake-up call. -- Kerry Hannon, New York Times columnist, career and personal finance expert Finally! A smart book for women who want to balance meaningful work and caretaking obligations - without sacrificing their long-term financial security. Chock full of practical advice, tested strategies and vetted resources; Ambition Redefined is a must-read that will guide your work-life choices at pivotal moments throughout your career. -- Nancy Collamer, Founder of MyLifestyleCareer.com and author of Second-Act Careers