Buy Yourself a Job and Be Your Own Boss

Lin Good, a consultant, was Associate Librarian at Queen’s University.

This title is being published at the right time. The current
unemployment numbers include people of all skills and income brackets,
most of whom have hitherto been immune to the lay-offs that always
threaten industrial workers. Moreover, there is little sign of change
and people over the age of 50 may face the prospect of never again
having a job like the one they lost.

There is a wealth of information in this book’s pages, and it cannot
be assimilated quickly or easily. The text is straightforward and
factual but its usefulness demands a fair degree of general business
knowledge, and the ability to analyze comparative data.

It repays the effort required to study, however. Some sections are
invaluable to an aspiring entrepreneur—for example, included is
information about the pros and cons of buying a franchise as opposed to
starting one’s own business; of locating in a mall compared with a
main street; and the necessity of assessing all costs, direct and
indirect, in determining profit.

Cunningham is an exemplary role model for those who want to become
their own boss. He does not pretend the transition to independence is
easy. Of course, it is particularly difficult for women, who, as a
recent study shows, are more likely to be refused credit for their
enterprises. As another study has shown, they are, perhaps because of
that, less likely to fail.

For anyone of either sex, with determination, a supportive family or
friend, and a good severance package, the book provides a clear manual
of how to become one’s own boss.