Posted on: Sunday, October 28, 2001

Surviving the hard times
Books help develop resources for jobs

Tired of the same old 9-to-5-work routine? Then this may be a good time to consider creating your own niche as an independent consultant. If you'd like to learn more about consulting, you might want to check out one of following books on the subject.

• "How to Make It Big as a Consultant" By William A. Cohen. American Management Association, 2000 ($17.95). Tools and techniques to help find success as a consultant.

• "Consultant and Independent Contractor Agreements" By Stephen Fishman. Nolo Press, 2000 ($29.95). Legal ins and outs of consultant work; includes several types of contracts.

• "The Consultant Tool Book" By Mel Silberman. McGraw-Hill, 2000 ($34.95). Checklist approach to developing a consulting business strategy and dealing with clients.

• "Getting Started in Consulting" By Alan Weiss. John Wiley & Sons, 2000 ($19.95). Covers legal, marketing and consultant fee-related issues.

• "How to Become a Successful Consultant in Your Own Field (Third Edition)" By Hubert Bermont. Prima Publishing, 1997 ($14). Insights on how to build a client base, negotiate contracts and avoid common mistakes.

Picking a new job

The decision about a right career field is often as difficult as choosing the right job. We all want a job that will not only make us happy, but will also prove rewarding. A number of good books help sort out career decisions and provide insights on how to go about finding the perfect job.

For anyone trying to find their way on a career path, one of the following books might help:

• "Discover the Best Jobs for You (Fourth Edition)" By Ron and Caryl Krannich, 2001 ($15.95). How to take your interests and abilities and fit them with the rewarding job.

• "Do What You Are (Third Edition)" By Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Little, Brown and Company, 2001 ($18.95). Discusses how to match the right job with your personality.

• "Finding a Career That Works for You" By Wilma R. Fellman. Specialty Press, 2000 ($16.95). Step-by-step approach to evaluating a suitable career.

• "Career Test" By Louis Janda. Adams Media Corp., 1999 ($12.95). How to decide and select the right career field for you.