Title: City Slackers: Workers of the World … You are Wasting your Time!
Author: Steve McKevitt
Publisher: Cyan Communications Ltd.
ISBN: 1-904879-72-1
Price: £9.99
Reviewer: Angela Busby

The very fact that the back of the book jacket identifies this as a Business / Humour selection should have been my first clue that this was not going to be the usual approach to the topic of career advancement. Steve McKevitt has succeeded in taking on this subject with not only humour, but insight as well. Sometimes it is simply refreshing to pick up a book that is relevant to business and career that is also simply a good read.

Playing the corporate game is what thousands of people are doing every day. McKevitt uses his wit, humour and a supporting collection of anecdotes to explain how to win that game. In this brief and easily read book (192 pages in total), we learn that yes you can have a successful career without ever having to be involved in a successful project or job or doing anything outstanding in particular.

McKevitt introduces us to someone we already know the “City Slacker” – the ultimate, career advancing “yes” man. As you read through the pages, you will recognise him again, and again. You soon realise they are everywhere!

This book is an exploration and guide for one approach to career success – that is being successful without having to work too hard. Although it is wrapped in humour it is in fact a serious look at how some people are getting ahead in today’s corporate world. It is entertaining, definitely not the norm – but does tackle the topic head-on.

This book is not likely to appeal to everyone – it lacks the dry, humourless approach that we too often find in books on career advancement and success. This is likely why I thoroughly enjoyed it. Those with a non-traditional taste for business books and publications will definitely enjoy McKevitt’s approach and perspective.

I would encourage the more traditional to step outside of their comfort zones and give it a read. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. In the end the reader gets far more insight then they might have realized during the reading – it kind of sneaks up on you.

I look forward to McKevitt’s next offering if this is a style and approach that he intends to keep.

Book Rating (1 – 5, 5 being excellent):

• Overall 5
• Helpfulness 3.5
• Layout 5
• Value for money 5
• What professional level it is suitable for – All
• Would you recommend it? – Yes