Reviews
Here’s what people are saying about Happy Hour is 9 to 5.
“It’s very, very good. I learned a lot. It’s incredibly well written, full of insights, and there are exercises to improve your own happiness at work. You can’t ask for more than that!”
I just purchased my copy, and it’s looking really good… From what I’ve managed to read of it so far this morning, I highly recommend the book. It’s easily worth the $19 price tag for the PDF version.
There are more reviews in the comments below.
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sheldon cooke Said,
December 15, 2006 @ 1:45 am
Alexander Kjerulf’s new book “Happy Hour is 9 to 5″ is by far one of the most refreshing books on work culture that I’ve ever seen. Also known as the Chief Happiness Officer, Alexander shares with us a multitude of information on how to be happy at work, some derived from studies, some from real life examples, and some anecdotes shared on his blog (positivesharing.com).
In today’s culture, there’s something to be said for happiness at work. More and more people are rejecting the old school mentality that to succeed one must spend long hours at work, sacrificing everything else in life to make it. Alexander challenges that notion, presenting us with overwhelming evidence that a happy worker can too be a success. In fact – a happy worker is far more productive and far more successful than a stressed out, overworked one.
As a customer service manager, I’m a firm believer that successful customer service comes from happy employees. An unhappy employee doesn’t care for much, other than his or her dissatisfaction with their job. Alexander has many valuable lessons, studies and stories in his book, some of which I have implemented to help bring a failing customer service team to a successful, happier team within a month and a half.
So if you’re feeling burned out and unhappy with your job, pick up Alexander’s book, and try something new. Be happy at work.
stic Said,
December 18, 2006 @ 12:59 pm
If you are tired of working just for money and you are looking to change this, the book “Happy Hour is 9 to 5? is the one for you. Why? I will try to explain below …
For quite a while I’ve been regular reader of Alexander Kjerulf’s blog – http://positivesharing.com, a webpage of, referring to himself as, the Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) presents short articles. Where the Monday tips and useful links are like a breath of fresh air. Especially in a world full of Dilbert-isms, cyberslacking and people that are just unhappy at their work. Realizing this Alexander put his notes in order, and managed to publish it as an entertaining book – the “Happy Hour is 9 to 5?.
If you were not able to read his advices given day by day over the previous few months, then your one and the only one options is to read this publication cover to cover. At first you might be unconvinced by the CHO’s point of view, in the Author’s opinion you have to be happy at work. However, taking Poland, where I live, as an example, overtime is often the norm, and a lot of people are simply happy that they have a job, therefore, this statement doesn’t apply. Despite of this fact, while you are reading “Happy Hours …? first chapters, you will definitely start thinking about this “happiness” philosophy (this is of course made easier if you are living in one of these Scandinavian social paradises) and finally this point of view will make sense. You should be happy at work, especially since you are spending almost 2000 hours each year there! So, the question is – can we be truly happy at work?
The eye-cathcing title “Happy Hour is 9 to 5″ has been appropriately chosen and as mentioned previously the tips & tricks and recommendations will certainly take you closer to this euphoria. You will find out what makes and what does not make happy at their work. Other advices includes, how to cooperate with your managers, provides a large number of funny and edifying real-world stories that helps you achieve this goal get to it, proving that people can be happy at work, showing that you can be too. My only reservation is that having ca.180 pages is a bit too short, and despite the fact that it is a very funny read its findings are not based on a formal scientific research.
However, I’m sure that “Happy hours is 9 to 5? will become a best-seller, and a fallow-up book will perhaps satisfy the more knowledge seeking reader.
2006 December Said,
December 18, 2006 @ 3:03 pm
[...] stic: If you are tired of working just for money and you are looking to change this, the book “Happy Hour is 9 to… [...]
Viji Said,
December 21, 2006 @ 3:09 pm
It’s my habit to read some positive thoughts everyday before I start my work. I used to come early to office especially for this. When I read this blog name as CHO, quite inspired me. So started visiting on daily basis. Alex tips are really useful for anyone who spends most of their daily time at office like me.
When he announced about his book, Happy hours 9 to 5, I was eagerly waiting for it. I never expected that I can read it immediately online. He has got a big heart to give such a good stuff. It shows his real intention.
Coming back to his book, I read it fully. I forwarded to my colleagues also. First thing inspired me was the simple language and the way he has presented it. I can assure you, even if you are already happy at work, you will find it very interesting. Thank you Alex, and keep writing good articles.
Frederik Petersen Said,
December 28, 2006 @ 11:45 am
´Happy Hours 9 to 5´ is a perfect example on how to put your work-life (and life in general) into perspective – a positive perspective. I use it as inspiration in my everyday work with employees, colleague etc.
It is easy read in an understandable and practical language – good for both the practical and more theoretical discussion of this topic.
I can only recommend this book to everybody who wants an input to the positive and happy side of work-life – meaning there must be a great potential for this book -;)
Well done and enjoy Alexander……
Great stuff goin’ on Said,
December 29, 2006 @ 12:56 pm
[...] The reviews for my book are still coming in and are still overwhelmingly positive. [...]
Nirmala Said,
January 8, 2007 @ 5:52 am
Alexander,
Thanks a million for the PDF version of the book. I’ve read it and it was certainly a breeze. I really think it will inspire people who’ve for whatever reason not approached work as a happy person. I for one to be honest am inherently a happy person and have loved coming to work on most mondays :). (Except a few weeks when I was reporting to a manager who made it difficult just because I disagreed with his point of view on something.) Well, I believe that a really happy person will come out of any situation even if it takes time. :) Going back to your book, it certainly rang many bells in my mind. I did not feel like putting it down and wanted to read it one shot. :D
While I think you’ve done a wonderful job of talking about everything that is required to be happy at work….i wanna add something more since I believe that you’re open to ideas. ;)
- Read something funny everyday and share it with your colleagues to be happy…(I’d read Calvin and Hobbes or PG Wodehouse….)
- Be a child and get excited about everything that you’ve to do…
- Develop creative skills for being creative is joyous
- Listen to music that touches your heart and soul to be happy
- Look at everything as a learning experience…however tough it may be….
Warm Regards
Nimmy
Ing Abid Latif Said,
January 8, 2007 @ 11:56 am
I had peeped through the book and a bird-eye view and found the book really interesting and is possible to implement it in the office for sure during the 9 to 5 life of a man/woman in this world. Good book indeed.
Monday Tip: Share something funny Said,
January 8, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
[...] Nirmala: Alexander, Thanks a million for the PDF version of the book. I’ve read it and it was certainly a breeze. I… [...]
Clint James Said,
February 6, 2007 @ 12:53 am
As a student that is about to enter the workforce I read this book realizing that I might not get a great job, or even a good job when I graduate. After breezing through the expertly written prose assembled by Mr. Kjerulf, I can say that no matter how low on the totem pole I might be, it will not matter. No, this isn’t a panacea for workplace woes, nor a magic happy pills, but a comprehensive guide on how to make a very important part of your life better. It affected me deeply and I am so thankful that I received a free copy of his book via this blog. Thank you Mr. Kjerulf for this blog and your book (and letting me republish one of your articles!).
More reviews of my book. Apparently it’s really good :o) Said,
February 13, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
[...] Frederik Petersen says: I can only recommend this book to everybody who wants an input to the positive and happy side of work-life – meaning there must be a great potential for this book -;) [...]