Escape From Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur Paperback – April 6, 2010

In a world seemingly run by Amazon reviews, I was skeptical to buy this book. I came across Pamela's book here after reading "The Personal MBA". I'm here to say I found the book to be extremely helpful.No it does not lay out exact step by step guides for how to physically do anything but it is an awesome look into overcoming fears, dealing with family, and getting the right things taken care of when going on your own.I am early in my career and planning a path TOWARDS entrepreneurship. As such, books like this have been very helpful to me in preparing expectations and guiding actions of today. In my early 20s I got ripped off by a get rich quick scheme and am still paying for it 5 years later. I've become deeply obsessed with creating a path to freedom for myself and my partner however I am not someone willing to bet my entire financial future on "making it big" fast anymore.I think this is an excellent book for people who hate their corporate careers and want to look into entrepreneurship. It's probably not very helpful for someone who is around the corner from starting up. As Pamela says multiple times, "Hating your corporate job is not a business plan". She gives you a reality check and shows you what you're in for.

Similar to its peers by topic and very different in content, this book can be used as a detailed reference to start a business. What's fascinating about it is that it takes your hand from the moment of polarizing the idea towards endless development. Its also real and puts you in the picture without making your mind fantasise about press-a-button-and-get-rich approach, it puts you face to face with questions you have to answer!. Another thing is that it details every part at a time; it goes through steps, recommendation, opinions from other experts, real life examples and mistakes to avoid. A lot of the material inside the book are useful extracts from other books. A special feature about the book is that the author is spontaneous, simple and has a sense of humour where you feel like you are in a conversation other than reading a book. After contacting the author she made it clear that she was concerned about essential things at which people usually make uninformed decisions which resulted in a huge amount of information, yet very useful. If I would give a title for this book it would be ( From A to Z - The Reality of Running a Business).

So you are fed up of "working for the man" and dream of striking it out on your own? There are plenty of books out there on the subject that, while they are a nice read (and I've been through a few of them as I look forward to become financially independent myself) they don't really tell things as they really are - nor tell you what should you do if things don't come along as you've planned. (There's a reason why 8 out of 10 new businesses fail within their first year). Pam's book addresses all these issues, in a nice, straight, down-to-earth, buzzword-free way. Granted, there must be more solid reasons to leave the cubicle than "I hate my boss" or "I'd have it easier working for myself" (Surprise: you won't - but knowing that 100% of your efforts go straight to your own benefit should be compensative enough). Do you really have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? This book will make you analyze in depth each and every one of the issues you have to look for if you are considering to take the plunge for good. And it also becomes a handy reference to guide you along the way. Plus, once you realize you are really, really serious about becoming an entrepreneur, Pam offers personal, affordable one-on-one coaching through her [...] website. As far as career change-related books go, Pam's book is arguably the best deal out there.Without wanting to give out any spoilers, I can share this tidbit: Getting completely out of debt and have savings to cover at least 6 months to a year of expenses (ergo: save like a madman and cut back on all but the most basic expenses) will give you a boost of confidence and security to go out on your own that will be harder to come by if you are living paycheck to paycheck. I can't recommend this book (and its companion website) enough. It's your key to become free. Go get it.

I do not know Pam and I don't write reviews that are not true. This is a great book for those thinking about escaping the clutches of corporate America. Pam hits it right on the head about America's changing economy. There is NO job security in corporate America. What I like most about this book is Pam doesn't tell you to throw caution to the wind and quit your day job. What she does tell you is to test your business idea by creating a side gig. Some cubical dwellers may decide that self employment is not for them and she says there's nothing wrong with that. You won't know until you try. She talks about having an escape plan if your business idea doesn't pan out and when it's time to try something else. She talks about the importance of forming a close circle of trusted advisors, a Jedi counsel.The book will not tell you what business form you should use LLC, S-Corp, etc. or what accounting method you should use. There are plenty of books that can tell you that. If in doubt seek a professional's advise.Thank you for writing this book Pam. I only hope I have the courage to pursue my dream of having my own business. You are only worth what your employer pays you.Great book!!! Highly recommended!!!

I wouldn't say I loved the book. Seen a lot of the information in other places. Still a solid read. Some of the sections were mind numbing to me and really lost my interest.