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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Joe Quarcoo’s The Long Way Round is a memoir about finding purpose when a career takes an unexpected direction. After working in public planning in Ghana, Quarcoo moves to Britain, where frontline social care leads him to reconsider how professional worth is measured. Looking back on his experiences, he recognizes a consistent purpose in helping other people become capable of carrying work forward independently. His account examines how leadership can become dependent on one person, drawing on his experience of projects that failed when others lacked ownership. Quarcoo uses those lessons to consider what an individual can contribute after a career change. Questions throughout the book encourage readers to examine their own histories for evidence of work that continues to matter, whatever their current title.
Joe Quarcoo’s The Long Way Round is a thoughtful memoir, written with the honesty you hope to find in someone who has spent years serving communities. The conversational style is wonderfully natural and consistently easy to follow, especially when discussing the temptation to become indispensable to a project. I was impressed by his understanding of successful outreach, particularly the importance of considering everyone who influences the people receiving support. In Ghana, inviting boys into school discussions about menstrual health helped address the mockery girls faced. That example demonstrates beautifully why the wider school community deserves consideration. His commitment to workplace fairness is impressive too. Representing British Social Services colleagues through UNISON, he questioned a deduction for missed training and sought guidance; a useful demonstration of what evidence can accomplish. This is a perfect memoir for anyone rethinking their career direction, particularly those preparing to lead. Very highly recommended.
