Author: Sarah Kaip

Publisher: Advantage Source, Inc., 2005

ISBN: 0974383082

The following review was contributed by: John Walsh & CLICK TO VIEW John Walsh's Reviews

It will be clear to all of us that the world of work is changing.
Telecommuting, portfolio working, networking and freelancing have all
affected the ways in which many of us expect to earn our salaries and how
we relate to work, which continues to increase in importance for most
people. Yet, at the same time, many things do not change at all. Bullying,
gossip, sexual harassment and the glass ceiling are all continuing problems
that face women around the world. Of course, n can be victims too but it is
overwhelmingly the case that women suffer disproportionately. As a result,
there is a great need for advice and help for women in dealing with some of
the difficulties inherent in working outside of the home.

In Sarah Kaip’s informative and helpful new book, The Woman’s Workplace
Survival Guide, four sections provide details on subjects related to
Surviving Co-workers, Surviving bosses, Surviving yourself and
Self-improvement. In each, several chapters are provided which are brimful
with what seems to be good and sensible advice – I teach women (and men)
MBA students in Thailand and the situation that women face here is
different in some ways. Even so, there is a great deal of this material
that I can use directly to counsel students facing similar problems. There
is plenty I can use for men too, since not all advice is completely
gender-specific. The chapter on ‘When to Leave Your Job’ concerns issues
that I am confronted with on a regular basis – after all, we mostly have
two legs and one mouth and when using the one does not work, then using the
other is required.

Some nuggets of advice that might provide an idea of the value of this
book: “You have to protect yourself in the workplace.” On being fired:
“Don’t waste any time making your exit. Just pack your stuff and get out.”
And finally: “Give up the idea that life is supposed to be easy. It’s not.”

John Walsh, Shinawatra International University, January 2005