Description

Ever dream of taking a year off? To stop, step back, and think? About jobs, family—life? In Fat, Forty, and Fired: One Man's Frank, Funny, and Inspiring Account of Losing His Job and Finding His Life Nigel Marsh relates his experience "living the dream"—turning on to his family, tuning into their needs, and dropping out of the executive suite.

A high-powered CEO on the fast track in advertising, Marsh reached a milestone birthday just as a merger resulted in his "becoming redundant." Suddenly forced to consider his position in life and his next step, Marsh confronts the reality of being fat, forty, fired—and an alcoholic. By reconsidering his situation as an opportunity instead of a roadblock, Marsh decides to step back, (re)connect with his family, quit drinking, get in shape, and get perspective. Fat, Forty, and Fired is the memoir of his year off. And a very funny one at that.

And, although Marsh shares his experiences with wit and honesty, he by no means considers himself an expert. He concludes his introduction:

"I haven't got a catchy slogan that sums up what I learned from my year off. I do know, however, that men aren't from Mars and fat isn't a feminist issue. Men are from Earth and fat is fat. I don't claim to have usable wisdom for anyone else. All I can say is that I lived the dream of dropping out for a year and this is how it was for me."

By the end of his hiatus, Marsh has learned a great deal about himself, his family, and his job, and recognizes the perpetual challenge of trying to achieve some sort of balance between each. He concludes there are no easy answers. Yet, far from being discouraging, his insight, candor, and sense of humor are remarkably refreshing.

Candid, entertaining, and often touching, Fat, Forty, and Fired resonates with both men and women as Marsh's reflections spark moments of recognition. His conversational and humorous detailing of modern family life, with all its inherent chaos and poignancy, will amuse and be appreciated by all.

Praise for Fat, Forty, and Fired

"Homer Simpson meets Anthony Robbins. Marsh's honesty and humanity make Fat, Forty, and Fired essential reading for anyone whose life has ever hit a roadblock. Hilarious and inspiring."
— Bob Rosner, best-selling author and internationally syndicated Working Wounded columnist

"An extremely funny and touching account of how someone can use humor and optimism to put adversity into perspective. Marsh's warm and distinctive view of life lights up every page and makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read."
— Paul Wilson, author of The Little Book of Calm

Extended Copyright Information

Copyright 2007 by Nigel Marsh. All rights reserved.

Previously published by Andrews McMeel.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews. For information, write Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC, an Andrews McMeel Universal company, 4520 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.

Cover design by Darian Causby/Highway 51.

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About the Author

Nigel Marsh began his career in the United Kingdom as a theology graduate, moving through a stint on the railway, stand-up comedy, squash coaching, and health education. Finally, he landed a position on the bottom rung of the marketing ladder.

Like this author? Check out the list of books by this author available on DailyLit.

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Opening Lines (Experimental)

For Kate, Alex, Harry, Grace, and Eve.
_Always have, always will_.
DO YOU EVER FANTASIZE about moving to the country or a beach and downsizing? If so I know how you feel. I’ve spent the last two decades slogging my guts out in a variety of different jobs, for the most part in a decidedly rainy, ...

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Copyright

Copyright 2007 by Nigel Marsh.

All Rights Reserved.

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