It took me a while to finish reading this book, but I’ve finally decided to share my thoughts on it today. Firstly, this book is tailored to the workplace styles and cultures of the UK and the US, and its concepts vary depending on the context. Just as in the UK, more people might opt for solo work post-COVID, while in China or Korea, there might be a surge in those pursuing further education or government positions (“landing a stable job”). The differences in societal culture determine the relevance of this book.

Published in 2019, this book gained sudden popularity post-COVID, seemingly offering foresight and guidance to many. Even as society has resumed post-pandemic, remote workers in Western countries still find value in this book.

One reason I appreciate this book is that the author doesn’t adopt the tone of a social scholar or an omniscient observer but instead feels like an elder sister, logically explaining many current situations and possibilities (the reference list in this book is extensive). She also shares a plethora of practical experiences, such as what to stock in your fridge to prepare quick meals, making the reader feel she has much experience in solo-working.

Some English websites provide a summary of the book’s main points, but to me, it feels like it diminishes the book’s uniqueness. Hence, unlike other reviews, I won’t share the main viewpoints from the book.

Next, I’ll delve into practical scenarios and the differences in societal and cultural environments on this topic.

Firstly, due to varying societal environments, I personally believe that following the author’s shared experiences and going solo requires immense courage. Around 2017, concepts like “slash career” and terms like “personal brand” emerged, leading to a rise in freelancers. However, from what I know, in many cases, freelancers may receive projects that have been outsourced several times, or they might encounter scams. On international freelance platforms like Fiverr or Freelancer, you’ll often find Chinese or Indian individuals willing to work at lower rates. Moreover, everyone seems highly experienced (which isn’t beginner-friendly). I’m not aware if there is a platform in the Chinese online community where clients adhere to contracts, making it good for freelancers to find trustworthy gigs.

Furthermore, the interpretation of being a full-time mom may vary in different societal workplace conditions. While in some countries, full-time moms might be respected more, in others, marital inequality and the belief that being a housewife is “easy” persist.

Regarding delivery workers or personal streamers, I’m unsure if they can benefit from the author’s insights. Facing algorithms that prioritize high-performance metrics, getting low ratings for minor discrepancies, and struggling to get orders (so that they have to work to the bone), it’s a tough situation to navigate.

In some industries, many employees have their side projects, independent websites, and social media profiles. Therefore, in certain contexts like Silicon Valley, being laid off may not be as terrifying. However, in companies that prioritize obedience, any hint of independence or job-hopping is frowned upon. Nonetheless, with changes in business or market dynamics, the fear of being laid off looms.

Moreover, two points come to mind that the author didn’t address:

Firstly, in certain industries, freelancers aiming to go solo must consistently enhance their professional skills across the board. However, when confronted with online peer pressure or receiving guidance from a prominent figure, how does one shift focus to prioritize serving customers over showcasing skills to peers? Furthermore, how does one avoid getting trapped in the pursuit of perfectionism?

Secondly, dating cultures vary, with Western cultures being more flexible while in parts of East Asia, employment stability is often a prerequisite for dating. In environments marked by instability and overwork (or “involution”), the author’s definition of “solitude” may not apply.