A Bad Hand Played Well: How To Own Your 90,000 Hours At Work

Work Isn’t Working. It’s Time to Change the Game.

We spend 90,000 hours of our lives working, more than anything else except sleep. Yet many of us feel burned out, exhausted, and stuck in a system we didn’t choose. The corporate world is tougher than ever, and relying on companies for happiness or security is no longer an option. It’s time to take control and rethink how we work and live.

Part business strategy and part self-care manifesto, A Bad Hand Played Well is a no-nonsense blueprint for a smarter and kinder way to thrive. Rooted in resilience, gratitude, and self-care, it shares hard-won wisdom, best practices, and pitfalls to avoid. Packed with insights on how kindness can help navigate uncertainty, this book offers both permission and a push to define success on your own terms. You have one life. Make it a good one.

Amazon #1 Bestseller in New Age & Happiness

What Industry Experts Are Saying…

Kian Bakhtiari
Founder
The People

“I would recommend this book to anyone looking to maximise
intentional living and minimise regret.”

Shamila Mhearban
Executive Coach
Forbes Coaches Council

“A thought provoking must-read for anyone curious about reconfiguring their working world.”

KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Brands

“A kind and thoughtful people-focused antidote to the $1Tn global problem of burnout at work, offering insights for a life well-lived instead.”

Helen King
Creative Director
adidas

“What a joy to imagine 90,000 hours of freedom. But what a terror to imagine your 90,000 hours owned by someone else. And the difference between the two? Taking ownership of how you play your hand.”

Minesh Siyani 
Learning + Development Lead
Wieden + Kennedy

“Neil is a coach who will empower you to use the hand you've been dealt, not just in your work but in every facet of life.”

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What Readers Are Saying…

  • “This book claims to give the hope to take back control on my work journey and thrive again, and that's exactly how I feel after reading it.”

  • “Every page of this book is filled with valuable insights and perspectives that help you see your work and life in a new light."

  • "It weaves together personal stories, research, and practical advice to create a book that is both relatable and actionable.”

  • “A thought provoking read - just wish I had read this 10 years ago… I might have played the last decade slightly differently. 10/10.”

  • “If Adam Grant and Wendell Berry co-wrote a book of poetry on modern work.”

  • “This is a great read if you struggle to find meaning in your day. it has actionable insights to reframe the entire conversation—an excellent read from a wise author who has spent a career implementing these ideas.”

  • “A valuable guide in understanding how precious the hours we have in life are. It makes you rethink how to use them in a more intentional way.”

  • “I loved this book for its relatable approach in a faceless ‘business book’ category. Its poetic prose and layout makes it easy to pick up and read from any page.”

  • “If you've been waiting for a sign to make a change in your work and life, this book is it.”

  • "One of the great things is that it’s so digestible and succinct in how it is written, full of little lightbulb moments."

  • "Grab this book if you're searching for a spark of hope in the daily grind."

  • “What I love about this book is, you can feel it’s been written with love. This is not a shallow 10 tips how to fix your life, this book is meant to be read, truly read."

  • "“This is exactly what the world needs, brave authentic words of tangible inspiration. If you are questioning your own job, work, feel exhausted or uninspired, order it now. If you know anyone who is struggling, do the same.”

Get your copy today.