Be A Free Range Human

Summary

“Be A Free Range Human” by Marianne Cantwell is a self-help book that encourages readers to escape the traditional 9-5 work culture and embrace a more fulfilling and flexible way of working. The book offers practical advice and inspiration for people who want to create their own career paths and pursue their passions.

“Your free range career is about taking what you already have, and using it in a way that feels like you are creating a new path rather than following someone else’s.”

HERE ARE 3 BIG IDEAS FROM THE BOOK:

BIG IDEA 1: Embrace your unique strengths and passions

“Be A Free Range Human” encourages readers to identify their natural talents, skills, and interests, and leverage them to create a fulfilling and successful career.

Cantwell argues that many people feel unfulfilled in their jobs because they are not using their unique strengths and passions. They may be working in a job that they are good at, but that doesn’t excite or inspire them. As a result, they may feel stuck or unfulfilled, and may not reach their full potential.

To address this, Cantwell suggests that readers take a step back and reflect on what they really enjoy doing, and what comes naturally to them. She encourages readers to consider their hobbies, interests, and skills outside of work, and think creatively about how they could turn these into a viable career.

One way to do this is to conduct a “passion audit,” which involves making a list of all the things you enjoy doing and are good at. This could include anything from writing and photography to cooking and gardening. Once you have identified your passions, Cantwell suggests exploring different ways to monetize them. This could involve starting a business, freelancing, or finding a job that aligns with your interests and talents.

Cantwell also stresses the importance of staying true to yourself and your passions. She argues that many people feel pressure to conform to societal expectations or pursue careers that are considered prestigious or lucrative, even if they are not a good fit. However, she believes that true fulfillment and success come from doing what you love and are naturally good at.

In addition to identifying your passions, Cantwell also encourages readers to develop their skills and expertise in their chosen area. This could involve taking courses, attending workshops, or finding a mentor who can guide and support you.

“Embrace your unique strengths and passions” is a powerful idea that can help readers create a more fulfilling and successful career. By identifying what they are naturally good at and passionate about, and finding ways to monetize these skills, readers can break free from the traditional 9-5 work culture and create a life that aligns with their values and goals.

BIG IDEA 2: Build a personal brand

“Be A Free Range Human” stresses the value of being authentic and true to yourself, and provides practical tips for developing a personal brand that reflects your values and goals.

Cantwell argues that in today’s digital age, building a personal brand is essential for anyone who wants to stand out in their industry and attract opportunities. A personal brand is how you present yourself to the world, and it can include everything from your social media profiles and website to your resume and business cards.

To build a personal brand, Cantwell suggests that readers start by defining their unique value proposition. This involves identifying what makes you stand out from others in your industry, and what specific skills, experiences, or perspectives you can offer. Once you have defined your value proposition, you can then create a brand identity that reflects it.

One way to do this is to create a personal website or blog that showcases your skills and expertise. This can include writing articles or creating videos that demonstrate your knowledge and passion for your industry. You can also use social media to build your brand by sharing content related to your industry and engaging with other professionals.

Cantwell also emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to yourself when building your personal brand. This means being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and presenting yourself in a way that aligns with your values and goals. She suggests avoiding the temptation to present a polished or idealized version of yourself, as this can come across as insincere and may not resonate with potential clients or employers.

Building a personal brand is an essential aspect of creating a successful and fulfilling career. By defining your unique value proposition and presenting yourself in an authentic and compelling way, you can differentiate yourself from others in your industry and attract the opportunities and clients that align with your goals and values.

BIG IDEA 3: Create a flexible work-life balance

Cantwell argues that traditional 9-5 work culture can be limiting and unfulfilling, and encourages readers to explore alternative ways of working that allow them to prioritize their personal lives while still achieving their career goals.

Cantwell argues that the traditional model of work is becoming outdated, and that many people are seeking more flexibility and autonomy in their careers. She suggests that readers consider alternative work arrangements, such as freelancing, remote work, or starting their own business, as a way to achieve greater flexibility and control over their schedules.

To create a flexible work-life balance, Cantwell recommends that readers start by defining their priorities and goals. This involves identifying what is most important to you, both personally and professionally, and then designing a work schedule that allows you to pursue those priorities.

One way to achieve a flexible work-life balance is to set boundaries around your work schedule. This could involve designating specific work hours and communicating those boundaries to clients or colleagues. It could also involve creating a dedicated workspace in your home or finding a coworking space that allows you to work independently while still having access to resources and community.

Another key element of creating a flexible work-life balance is to prioritize self-care and well-being. This could include taking breaks throughout the day, scheduling regular exercise or meditation sessions, or taking time off when needed to recharge and prevent burnout. Cantwell argues that prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining long-term productivity and fulfillment in your career. “Create a flexible work-life balance” is a critical concept for anyone looking to create a career that aligns with their values and goals. By defining your priorities and goals, setting boundaries around your work schedule, and prioritizing self-care, you can achieve greater flexibility and control over your work life, and create a career that supports your overall well-being and happiness.

“The key to creating a flexible work-life balance is to prioritize what is most important to you, and design your work around that, rather than the other way around.”

Conclusion

In “Be A Free Range Human,” Marianne Cantwell encourages readers to pursue a career that aligns with their unique strengths, passions, and values. The book provides practical advice and insights on how to create a flexible work-life balance, build a personal brand, and overcome the fears and doubts that can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. With its empowering message and actionable strategies, “Be A Free Range Human” is a must-read for anyone looking to create a fulfilling and meaningful career on their own terms.

About the Author

Marianne Cantwell is a writer, speaker, and consultant based in London, UK. “Be A Free Range Human,” has been translated into multiple languages and has inspired thousands of readers to create a career and life that aligns with their values and goals. Cantwell is also the founder of Free Range Humans, a community and consultancy that helps people design their own version of success and achieve greater freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment in their work and life. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The Guardian, Forbes, and BBC, and is a sought-after speaker and trainer on topics related to entrepreneurship, personal branding, and career development.