Joanna Penn MA Theology, Grad Dip Psychology

Hi - I'm Joanna Penn and I wrote "How to Enjoy Your Job" because I have spent 11 years trying to work out how to love my work, as well as trying to find out what I really wanted to do. Finally, I've made it!
Click here to see a video of me talking about why I wrote the book. 

I have worked at a number of different jobs, and so the processes and tips in the book are based on my own experience of trial and error, as well as other research and evidence. I also have a blog which focuses on changing the way we work.

Here is a bit about me and why I am qualified to write "How to Enjoy Your Job" and be an expert on career change.

• I have been a Business and Finance IT Consultant in Europe, Australia and New Zealand since 1997. I have worked in this industry as both an employee and a contractor.
  
  
• I am currently enjoying my job as a freelance consultant in Brisbane, Australia due to the reasonable hours, interesting work and great people.
  
  
• I have worked for charities as a youth camp organiser and team leader, youth mentor as well as volunteering with "Preventing Violence in the Home".
  
  
• I have been Director of my own businesses before (and I am still learning!). These have included a luxury dive charter boat, an online travel company and a confidence consultancy.
  
  
• I resigned 5 times in 2 years before I realised I was more cut out for being a contractor, than an employee. This did improve my resume and interview skills! 
  
  
• I have a degree in Theology from Oxford University, England and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from University of Auckland, New Zealand.
  
  
• I am now Director of The Creative Penn, a self-publishing trust that will focus on helping people achieve what they want in life. "How to Enjoy Your Job" is the first book published. Other books in the pipeline include: "How to Grow Your Money", "How to be Confident" and "How to Be an Author".
  
  
• I am passionate about developing people and I believe that the teenage years are key in making us who we are today. Therefore, 10% of profits from The Creative Penn will be given to The Outward Bound Trust, which sends young people on outdoor experience adventures. These experiences foster a sense of self esteem at what can be achieved under adversity and as part of a team; they encourage respect for self, others and the environment.
  
  
• I am originally from a village near Oxford, England. I currently live in Ipswich, just outside of Brisbane in Australia, with my partner Jonathan and my cat, Shmi.
  
  
• I love to read, write and develop my brain - and I want to help others on the journey too!