We all know that person who declared at the age of four that they were going to be a doctor, a firefighter, or a dancer, and actually ended up doing just that.
some lucky ones among us know what they want to be when they grow up. but for the rest of us, it’s not that simple. And for many, it’s a long, confusing, and doubt-ridden road with many stops and starts.
You are reading: Is books a good career path
If you’re at the beginning of your career, trying to figure out which direction to take, reading a few books on finding your career path is a great place to start. The same goes for if you’re in the middle of your career but need a change.
Below is some helpful reading to guide you in your search for the right career.
what color is your parachute? by richard nelson bolles
This is one of the definitive books (perhaps the definitive one) when it comes to career advice. many professional counselors keep this book as a resource. explores not only how to find a career path that’s right for you, but also how to make that path happen once you’ve decided on it. a true must-read for anyone looking to change and improve their career.
please understand me ii by david keirsey
This classic book on myers-briggs personality types does not focus specifically on career. however, to find the right career, we must first discover who we are and what motivates us. this book will help you do just that.
designing your life by bill burnett and dave evans
This book takes an active approach to designing your life and career with intentionality. Burnett and Evans ask us to discover what kind of life will give us the most meaning and satisfaction. provides a great way to explore, brainstorm, and organize our intentions and desires in life in general, and in our careers specifically.
be what you are: discover the perfect career for you through the secrets of personality type by paul d. tiger
if you want to use your personality type to help you in the process of finding the right career, tieger’s book is a great choice. includes tips and workbook exercises that use personality types as a basis for exploring what’s best for us when it comes to ourselves at work.
refuse to choose!: use all your interests, passions and hobbies to create the life and career of your dreams by barbara sher
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If you are the type of person who has always had many different interests, passions, and pursuits, this is the book for you. Sher encourages readers not to force themselves to choose just one path. she firmly believes that we can, and should, pursue and do all the things we love. For the person with multiple passions, this is the perfect guide.
switch: how to switch things when switching is hard by chip heath and dan heath
This book explores the coming change in general. but it can be extremely helpful for anyone in the process of changing careers. it can help us understand what’s holding us back when it comes to making changes, and it can help us make the changes necessary for a happy life and career.
Major in What?: Designing Your Path from College to Career by Katharine Brooks
Brooks’ book is designed specifically for twenty-somethings. she encourages readers not to assume that what you specialize in is the same as what your career will be. she offers strategies not only for discovering a career, but also for creating the right opportunities and knowledge. an excellent read for current college students or young adults starting their careers.
the pioneer: how to choose or change your career for a life of satisfaction and success by nicholas lore
This is a great book no matter if you’re just starting out or looking for a career change. lore shares tips, self-assessments, and diagnostic tools for choosing a career and/or changing careers. is the perfect action-oriented, practical guide for career seekers.
roadmap: the working together guide to figure out what to do with your life by brian mcallister, mike marriner, and nathan gebhard
the roadmap will help you figure out what the hell you want to do with your life. it is interactive, full of instructions and practical. their advice and wisdom act as helpful guides to finding answers to all of your career path questions.
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