FOREST CITY, IA-This book title should get your attention: It's called "How to Get Fired," and it's being shared with local college students.
It may sound a little unorthodox ... but actually - the book may help students as they enter the work force.
The book actually teachers people how "not" to act when it comes to getting and keeping a job
The author, Jeff Havens, is stopping by Waldorf College to help open the eyes of those who will be looking for a job soon. He's giving them the real life facts of the world of work.
"How to Get Fired"
It's an unusual title for a book geared to help young adults find work, but it's a method author Jeff Havens says seems to be working.
Havens said, "I think that transition is a big culture shock for a lot of kids so preparing for that transition, knowing what to do by learning what “not” to do as you move into the work place. I'm hoping will help people be more successful at their jobs in an entertaining way."
Havens uses comedy in his book presentation ....and between the pages, he teaches students how to dress, act and get along with others while in the workplace. It’s a strategy that has students listening up.
Waldorf College Senior Christina Watkinson said, "How to work with your co-workers in a work environment and I don't think a lot of people think that's really important and it's a huge thing when you get a job is how you interact with other co-workers."
Havens also says - you need to watch what you put up on line.
Watkinson said, "Those pictures stay with you no matter what. I don't think people really understand that. They really seriously do look at your Facebook."
But it's not just common, everyday tips...this author has a serious message
"This generation’s parents did a remarkably good job protecting their children from all bad things and it was a really bad idea because you are protected from all adversity, you have no ability to handle unpleasantness because mom and dad are going to take care of it,” said Havens.
Havens said it's important for students to realize they need to work for what they get ... and most likely will need to start at the bottom of the ladder.
He says advancement is a process.
Havens said, "Anything you've done in life is the result of weeks or months or years of working at it. Mostly, hopefully, it's been successful, but occasionally just falling on your butt and totally failing and it's important to accept that failure and difficulty, not only to be successful at your job, but to be successful in anything in life."
Jeff Havens started his career as a high school teacher, and then moved in to stand-up comedy.
He tells us he then started to put both careers together in comical presentations to help college students relate to those important rules of getting a job.
For more information about Jeff Havens or the book "How to Get Fired" go to
http://www.jeffhavens.com/
