Comments on: How to Test Your Dream Job (Case Study: Me as Monkey Trainer) http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/ Tim Ferriss's 4-Hour Workweek and Lifestyle Design Blog Fri, 4 Jul 2008 03:18:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Hawk http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-14364 Hawk Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:54:53 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-14364 i just heard about your tv pilot. I hope it does well. have you mentioned anything about it publicly? ### Hi Hawk, I haven't talked about this much at all but will make some announcements on the blog as soon as anything happens :) Tim i just heard about your tv pilot. I hope it does well. have you mentioned anything about it publicly?

###

Hi Hawk,

I haven’t talked about this much at all but will make some announcements on the blog as soon as anything happens :) Tim

]]> By: Learn to Eat Chocolate with the Real Willie Wonka | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-12157 Learn to Eat Chocolate with the Real Willie Wonka | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:56:52 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-12157 [...] reasons: 1) because it seemed like fun, like when I decided to play with monkeys not long ago, and 2) because I wanted to learn the little-known art of eating and choosing [...] […] reasons: 1) because it seemed like fun, like when I decided to play with monkeys not long ago, and 2) because I wanted to learn the little-known art of eating and choosing […]

]]> By: Ana http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-810 Ana Sun, 20 May 2007 00:34:39 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-810 Capuchin monkeys (Cebus capuchinus) are endangered monkeys. In Costa Rica, where I live, the populations of capuchin monkeys have decreased extensively because of deforestation and destruction of their natural habitat. In spite of that, unscrupulous men hunt them and sell them to foreigners as pets or for circuses. That's too sad. In fact, all the monkeys are endangered at this moment. We should just let them live in peace. Capuchin monkeys (Cebus capuchinus) are endangered monkeys. In Costa Rica, where I live, the populations of capuchin monkeys have decreased extensively because of deforestation and destruction of their natural habitat. In spite of that, unscrupulous men hunt them and sell them to foreigners as pets or for circuses. That’s too sad. In fact, all the monkeys are endangered at this moment. We should just let them live in peace.

]]> By: Adventures In Money Making http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-794 Adventures In Money Making Fri, 18 May 2007 18:18:39 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-794 thats awesome. How much does a capuchin cost and are we allowed to keep them as pets? I'd love to have one. thats awesome.

How much does a capuchin cost and are we allowed to keep them as pets?
I’d love to have one.

]]> By: Holly Mann http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-620 Holly Mann Wed, 09 May 2007 04:36:58 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-620 WOW Tim you are amazing! What fun that would be! I also LOVE monkeys and apes and would absolutely love to do what you did. The idea of testing out your dream jobs is a great one. I would do it in a heartbeat. I think anything is possible - 10 months ago I started self-training to be a contortionist and the improvements have been astounding. It's not FOUR months :) But this type of stretching needs a little more time for healing. I've been posting progress pics at: www.bendychic.com ....anyway - if you get this please check out the site. I know you're busy - so take care! I enjoy reading your blog. :) WOW Tim you are amazing! What fun that would be! I also LOVE monkeys and apes and would absolutely love to do what you did. The idea of testing out your dream jobs is a great one. I would do it in a heartbeat. I think anything is possible - 10 months ago I started self-training to be a contortionist and the improvements have been astounding. It’s not FOUR months :) But this type of stretching needs a little more time for healing. I’ve been posting progress pics at: http://www.bendychic.com ….anyway - if you get this please check out the site. I know you’re busy - so take care! I enjoy reading your blog. :)

]]> By: gameboys 2007 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-201 gameboys 2007 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:00:41 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-201 <strong>gameboys 2007...</strong> » How to Test Your Dream Job (Case Study: Me as Monkey Trainer... gameboys 2007…

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]]> By: Tom Mollerus http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-105 Tom Mollerus Sat, 14 Apr 2007 04:36:14 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-105 @Tim: Yeah, those baboons can be fearsome! It was incredible to me how well he had them trained. I can't believe how friendly and cooperative they were with him and with you. I've been chased out of an enclosure by one adult male baboon, and I've seen that same male slice open the arm of a juvenile from elbow to shoulder. So kudos to you and the trainer for getting so up-close and personal with those animals-- I would have been scared out of my wits. @Tim: Yeah, those baboons can be fearsome! It was incredible to me how well he had them trained. I can’t believe how friendly and cooperative they were with him and with you. I’ve been chased out of an enclosure by one adult male baboon, and I’ve seen that same male slice open the arm of a juvenile from elbow to shoulder. So kudos to you and the trainer for getting so up-close and personal with those animals— I would have been scared out of my wits.

]]> By: Tim Ferriss http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-103 Tim Ferriss Sat, 14 Apr 2007 04:22:37 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-103 Hi Ravi, Tom, Ryan, and Vaughn, Great comments -- thanks! Here are some of my thoughts: Ravi, I love your to-test dream jobs. I've seen people test yoga instructor by offering free lunch-hour lessons to co-workers; I recommend volunteering as a guide during a vacation for adventure guide; and check out www.writtenroad.com for Jen Leo's tips on becoming a travel writer, which is an awesome gig but usually doesn't pay too much. Tom, I agree 100%. Monkey trainers deal with a inevitable dominance struggle once monkeys pass adolescence, and few are equipped to deal with it. Kevin knows all of his species and even understands the differences in dominance between Mandrille and Hamadryas baboons, for example. It's totally different! I never would have guessed. Ryan, fantastic observations, and you're making me jealous talking about Golden Gate Park while I'm stuck in Man Jose (San Jose)! Sterile, unchanging environments produce sterile, unchanging thinking, which is bad for business and even worse for personal life. Amen. That's why I'm now in Kentucky, but more on that in my next post ;) Vaughn, monkey trainers are fun to hang with, and I'd even recommend finding some of the Great White (White Pointer) divers if you're in SA -- good times if you don't get eaten. There are some excerpts of the book on the main site at www.fourhourworkweek.com, and the whole book hits in 10 days!!! Thanks for the great comments, and have a fantastic weekend, Tim Hi Ravi, Tom, Ryan, and Vaughn,

Great comments — thanks! Here are some of my thoughts:

Ravi, I love your to-test dream jobs. I’ve seen people test yoga instructor by offering free lunch-hour lessons to co-workers; I recommend volunteering as a guide during a vacation for adventure guide; and check out http://www.writtenroad.com for Jen Leo’s tips on becoming a travel writer, which is an awesome gig but usually doesn’t pay too much.

Tom, I agree 100%. Monkey trainers deal with a inevitable dominance struggle once monkeys pass adolescence, and few are equipped to deal with it. Kevin knows all of his species and even understands the differences in dominance between Mandrille and Hamadryas baboons, for example. It’s totally different! I never would have guessed.

Ryan, fantastic observations, and you’re making me jealous talking about Golden Gate Park while I’m stuck in Man Jose (San Jose)! Sterile, unchanging environments produce sterile, unchanging thinking, which is bad for business and even worse for personal life. Amen. That’s why I’m now in Kentucky, but more on that in my next post ;)

Vaughn, monkey trainers are fun to hang with, and I’d even recommend finding some of the Great White (White Pointer) divers if you’re in SA — good times if you don’t get eaten. There are some excerpts of the book on the main site at http://www.fourhourworkweek.com, and the whole book hits in 10 days!!!

Thanks for the great comments, and have a fantastic weekend, Tim

]]> By: Vaughn http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-101 Vaughn Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:29:31 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-101 Most entertaining post I've seen today, thanks! I'm definitely going to try find a monkey trainer to hang out with in South Africa. And this 4-hour workweek sounds like my cup of tea, time to read up a bit more. Most entertaining post I’ve seen today, thanks! I’m definitely going to try find a monkey trainer to hang out with in South Africa. And this 4-hour workweek sounds like my cup of tea, time to read up a bit more.

]]> By: Ryan Mickle http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-99 Ryan Mickle Thu, 12 Apr 2007 21:41:01 +0000 http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/11/how-to-test-your-dream-job-case-study-me-as-monkey-trainer/#comment-99 Thanks for adventuring off to play with monkeys and sharing this story, Tim. This was really timed well for me, since I find that while much of what I do professionally today is personally rewarding for me, there are times during which there is only so much I can do to ensure the realization of my goals. The list of to-dos will always be never ending, but sometimes you can only plan, manage, and bury yourself in work for so long, until the concept of diminishing returns catches up with you and you are really just wasting your time. Therefore, when those times arrive, I am learning how important it is to ignore the kneejerk reaction of productivity deficiency-charged guilt, which often sets in, and find some form of personally-satisfying adventure, no matter the day of the week or time of day. I think that part of what kills creativity in a non-entrepreneurial setting (think cubicles and 9-5s) is that creativity and innovation come in spurts. Oftentimes, my best ideas and work come while doing a 10 mile run, trekking through Golden Gate Park, reading a book, meeting new people, etc. Forcing oneself to produce creative ideas according to a set schedule and in an unchanging environment is irrational. Working in sterile, unchanging environments according to a set schedule parallels trying to solve hard problems by one’s self, when the opportunity to work with a group exists. In a sense, we end up stifling our own creativity. Thanks again, time for a burst of work and then a bike ride through Golden Gate Park. Thanks for adventuring off to play with monkeys and sharing this story, Tim. This was really timed well for me, since I find that while much of what I do professionally today is personally rewarding for me, there are times during which there is only so much I can do to ensure the realization of my goals. The list of to-dos will always be never ending, but sometimes you can only plan, manage, and bury yourself in work for so long, until the concept of diminishing returns catches up with you and you are really just wasting your time.

Therefore, when those times arrive, I am learning how important it is to ignore the kneejerk reaction of productivity deficiency-charged guilt, which often sets in, and find some form of personally-satisfying adventure, no matter the day of the week or time of day. I think that part of what kills creativity in a non-entrepreneurial setting (think cubicles and 9-5s) is that creativity and innovation come in spurts. Oftentimes, my best ideas and work come while doing a 10 mile run, trekking through Golden Gate Park, reading a book, meeting new people, etc. Forcing oneself to produce creative ideas according to a set schedule and in an unchanging environment is irrational. Working in sterile, unchanging environments according to a set schedule parallels trying to solve hard problems by one’s self, when the opportunity to work with a group exists. In a sense, we end up stifling our own creativity.

Thanks again, time for a burst of work and then a bike ride through Golden Gate Park.

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