Free From Corporate America - Special Presentation

To kick off the special edition, Jon Reed himself takes to the mic and divulges why this book's content haunted him to take it to another level with this new special edition. Jon tells the story of how he found voice artist and special edition narrator Bill Laing, and why Jon considers Bill's provocative reading to be the definitive rendition of the book. Jon also talks about what changed since the release of the book, and why the themes of white collar job displacement and the need for creative autonomy have only increased since this book came out.

For those who want to listen to the entire Free From Corporate America special edition in one recording, this master file contains the entire presentation in one file, including Jon's new 2014 introduction on why this book matters more than ever, Rachel Meyers' classic original foreword, and then the entire book and afterwords. All but the short intro by Jon Reed is read by voice artist and narrator Bill Laing, who puts an authorative stamp on this project that Jon feels is better than any other version of this content. Note: if you don't want to listen or download the entire file, you can check out the versions below broken into episodes for each section of the book. Enjoy.

In this memorable foreword, Rachel Meyers, co-author of Resumes from Hell, gives readers an inside view into Jon's career trajectory, the adversity he ran into, and what drove him to write this book. Rachel also provides a direct comparison of Jon's books to other easier popcorn-eating books on success. This one is different in ways that are not necessarily easy but can change how you view your life. Bill Laing provides another terrific reading - this time of Rachel's work.

The corporate contract is broken. In that sense, we're all freelancers, but how free are we in reality? That's the provocative starting point for narrator and voice artist Bill Laing's powerful reading of Jon's Free From Corporate America. in Section 1, we dig into Jon's motivations for writing this book, and how technology is changing the equation for those of us who want to find autonomy in our lives - and avoid getting caught under foot of the massive workplace changes underway.

Laying the groundwork for the tactics to follow, this episode defines the predicaments facing white collar workers and why professional success is at a serious crossroads. Bill reads Jon's takes on virtual companies, and why location is less important than excellence, reputation, and the right market. The pros and cons of "lifestyle businesses" are discussed as you learn more about why Jon wrote this book and the adversity that sparked it.

In a crucial section for those looking for more work autonomy, Bill reads Jon's methodlogy of developing assets. But with some differences: the definition of assets is redefined, and the content is geared towards those with time and resource scarcity. Concepts like the law of accumulation, stealing time and risk tolerance are covered. How these potent tactics are impacted by full time work is also covered.

In episode 4, narrator Bill Laing rocks on with some of Jon's most biting pieces in the book - yep, this is the False Assets section, wherein Jon milks some very sacred cows like home ownership, education, retirement accounts, and yes - education. The end is a more realistic understanding of what our safety net really is and what to do about it, but with plenty of cynical humor and life hacks along the way.

FFCA Episode 5 marks a shift in the book towards the tactics of self-branding as experts, and why it matters. But it's deeper than brand - it's about extracting fair value from the emplowers you work for. This section digs into getting the most out of existing jobs, and speaks to those who may not be classic entrepreneurs but who still want to make their mark and not get caught on the short end of an employment contract. The danger of the cult of the expert is also explored.

Listen in as FFCA special edition narrator Bill Laing does his thing with one of the most important sections in Jon's book. Taking assets to market is where the creative person often falters. But chapters like "We Are All Salespeople," a rethink of negotiation and why the art of the deal matters, as well as managing the time/cash crossover are key ideas to chew on.

In a series of pieces, Jon turns personal finance cliches on their head with a look at how the tools of business (balance sheets, profit and loss, income statements) can provide a whole different basis for thinking about money - and funding your own subversive projects. Or: investing in assets that matter. 

Narrator Bill Laing brings the special edition home with Jon's final takes on overcoming adversity, the myth of success and failure, dealing with the problem of lag when change is invoked, and how to take all this forward.

How to take these ideas a little further.

a little bio of Jon Reed circa the original release.

A little ditty about Jon's other non-fiction books.

Bill Laing, voice artist, shares his own bio and his role in this project.