In the 1970s, Richard Bolles lost his job as a pastor. Yet, this unfortunate event led him to develop a strong interest in employment and careers. During a budget crisis, Richard Bolles and the people he knew were facing difficult times. They recognized the urgency of finding new jobs. Returning to school for further education was not a viable option, especially with families to feed. Consequently, he sought an alternative solution.

The author began researching on his friends' behalf. He approached workforce experts to seek answers to two specific questions. The first one was how to change careers without returning to school. The second inquiry pertained to finding a job when traditional approaches like sending CVs proved ineffective.

What has changed in the job market? In Trump’s presidential era, job dynamics have shifted significantly in the U.S. and globally. Charles Dickens' analogy captures the dichotomy: for many, it's the best of times, yet for others, it's the worst. The job market has evolved drastically since the financial crisis of 2008, which marked a fundamental change in how job-hunting and career transitions operate. The rules have transformed without warning, making what once worked now challenging or seemingly unattainable.

Employers change their hiring tactics during tough economic times, making it harder for job-seekers to find opportunities. Traditional job-search methods like sending resumes or checking job listings may no longer bring results. Since 2008, the job market has shifted significantly, with a larger proportion of unemployed individuals spending more than a year looking for work. Furthermore, the duration of job tenure has also decreased, affecting younger and older workers. Full-time job opportunities are becoming scarce, with many people seeking full-time work while holding part-time positions.

After compiling his research conclusions, the author presented them to a leadership group under his charge. The findings were highly valuable and prompted the group to fund his study. That is how the book *What Color is Your Parachute?* was published.