Book Title: Mind the Gap – Dangerous Assumptions
Author: Sunday Olanipekun
Year of Publication: 2020
Number of Pages: 87
Category: Career
Sometimes, we feel trapped at work – stuck or just unhappy with the way things are going. Considering how well some people are remunerated, how come they still consistently feel miserable at their jobs? Why can’t they have a positive workplace environment either? Those questions and more, the book, Mind the Gap, by Sunday Olanipekun seeks to address.
Mind the Gap claims to find answers to questions that affect our life and work life because of events taking place in our environments – and it does just that. This doesn’t mean that you will magically feel better or more empowered after reading the book, but the book actually provides actionable steps you can take to regain a sense of control and freedom in your life and improve your mental health.
Olanipekun speaks to the heart and soul of some of today’s most pressing issues relevant to working professionals, with the author’s experience shining through the nine value-packed chapters. Also, he draws a lot from people who have been victims of the issues addressed in the book, meant to prevent readers from making mistakes, to acquire more wisdom and to succeed in life. The text is simple and an easy read.
The book places lots of importance on “the how” of balancing between life and work, giving some guidance on drawing a clear line between your professional and personal lives. In fact, the author debunks the idea of having a job that pays well but focuses more on satisfaction. And the guidance is also on how to be a solution rather than a problem.
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Several chapters later however, he introduces enjoying your personal life. According to him, employees are responsible for achieving a satisfactory work-life balance. Then, Olanipekun makes clear that pursuing personal growth, not comparing yourself to others and seeking spiritual development, is extremely important.
Finally, in Sunday Olanipekun’s opinion, the secret to a successful living is impact. As a leader, you have the opportunity to positively or negatively influence the lives of those around you. This may not seem like much of a revelation to you, however, anyone who wants to know how to change the world knows that impacting the world is an important factor, so you can begin living a more meaningful life.
Mind the Gap succeeds in providing a series of guidelines for finding meaning and happiness in life. In addition, its key lessons do offer a chance to remind employers of the importance of providing a positive work environment for its employees and the benefits. Olanipekun’s approach is doable for both employees and employers.
This book will appeal to all professionals, and if you are an employer that has an interest in the well-being and success of your employees.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipree
