One Year of ‘No More Bosses’

Reflections, Surprises, and a Special Giveaway

Author

Adrian Tan
June 08, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

A year ago, I published No More Bosses with Penguin—and what a wild ride it’s been! Looking back, the journey from idea to print was anything but straightforward. I still remember the day my editor reached out to me on LinkedIn. She didn’t even have a headshot (then), and I was convinced it was a scam. But since it was Penguin, I took the call—and thank goodness I did, because she turned out to be the real deal.

The Journey So Far

The book almost took a very different direction. The initial idea was to write about HR tech—my area of expertise. But after some honest conversations, we realized the market was just too niche. So, we brainstormed, and the book evolved into something much more personal: a guide to self-employment.

I’m especially proud of the title, No More Bosses. Especially that strike-through on “Boss”? Pure genius, if I do say so myself. It’s a small detail, but it perfectly captures the spirit of the book.

What I’ve Learned

Having written a few books now, I’ve noticed something interesting: people see you differently when you’re an author. There’s a certain respect—maybe because writing a book is such a grind, but it also opens doors. I’m recognised at networking events, and conversations start a little easier. (Though, to be honest, by the third book, you get a bit numb to the novelty.)

But the biggest lesson? The book doesn’t sell itself. Promotion takes effort and time, and it’s a constant hustle. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more cautious about giving advice. I don’t want to push anyone off a cliff—my goal is to inspire and empower, not to dictate.

The Impact

This year, No More Bosses has led to some incredible opportunities. I spoke at my book launch (big thanks to TFC Reggie for the support), at Su-Yen’s event, and most recently at Lets Read. Later this year, I’ll be on stage at the Seedly Financial Festival, talking about side hustles.

The book has also helped me sharpen the focus of my podcast, The Adrian Tan Show. This season, I’m shining a spotlight on other self-employed people—sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs.

What Readers Are Saying

“For anyone thinking about becoming their own boss, I highly recommend Adrian's book, packed with relatable lessons and practical advice from his and many others’ journeys. As a startup founder, I’m still figuring things out myself, but one thing I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship is as much about avoiding other people’s mistakes as it is about making your own.”

“This book No More Bosses by Adrian Tan instantly grabbed my attention. It gave a practical roadmap for someone interested in this journey. More importantly, it has given me validation that I am not the only one facing challenges and setbacks when carving my own career pathway.”

“A great read for anyone who might be pondering to fire their boss & to become the CEO of their own Me Pte Ltd. Love the systematic approach Adrian describes in this handbook. I was also pleasantly surprised by how succinctly he managed to compress the essence of my twisted journey ‘From Company Man to Solopreneur’ into a few pages.”

“Very relatable as well. The sharing in your book was great too, with very practical guides for those thinking of pursuing an entrepreneurial journey. Great work and I enjoyed the read!”

“The book is an easy read and I think a good mix of stories, practical tips and references. But I appreciate the sharing of your challenges and failures most.”

“Raw, authentic, and highly relatable... Adrian Tan’s book is a raw, authentic, and highly relatable read about his own struggles and triumphs striking it out on his own. For those who have ever considered leaving the 9-to-5, this is a must-read.”

“No More Bosses combines great storytelling with actionable advice. It’s a wonderful resource for anyone ready to transition from a 9-5 job to self-employment. The author’s journey is inspiring and offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.”

“Adrian Tan’s No More Bosses: The Journey to Sustainable Self-Employment is an inspiring exploration of the challenges and rewards of breaking away from the conventional 9-to-5. The book masterfully weaves together real-life stories that not only capture the emotional highs and lows but also provide practical guidance.”

Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this book only for people who want to quit their jobs?

A: Nope! It’s for anyone who wants to take more control of their career—whether that means starting a side hustle, negotiating better terms, or just feeling more empowered at work.

Q: Will this book help me if I’m already self-employed?

A: Absolutely. There’s plenty of advice for those just starting out and those looking to level up their game.

Q: Is there a money-back guarantee?

A: If you find a book that offers one, let me know—I’d love to read it! In the meantime, I promise honesty, humour, and a few hard truths.

Q: What’s your favourite part of the book?

A: The strike-through on “Boss.” It’s the little things that make me smile.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re a long-time reader or just discovering No More Bosses, I hope the book inspires you to take action—big or small.

Anniversary Giveaway

To celebrate one year of No More Bosses, I’m giving away 8 signed copies of the book!

How to enter:

  1. Subscribe to my email newsletter (If not already).

  2. Reply to this newsletter email on why you want to win a signed copy of ‘No More Bosses’

  3. Get one more chance!: share my newsletter link on social media and tag me (or forward the post to me)

Winners will be selected in two weeks!

🎧 Podcast

Jorge Thauby is a seasoned creative professional and ontological coach with over two decades of experience in advertising and human-centred design. Currently based in Singapore, he is the Founder & Director of The Coach for Creators and a Senior Associate at Studio Dojo, where he focuses on nurturing creative talent and facilitating team growth.

Previously, Jorge held executive creative director roles at leading agencies such as VMLY&R and Geometry Global, where he led high-impact, award-winning campaigns for global brands including Qatar Airways, Ford, and Unilever, earning recognition at prestigious festivals such as Cannes Lions and the Effies.

This episode is brought to you by Deel, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠deel.com/adriantan⁠.

Adrian Tan
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