Want to make a career change but need to know where to start? Fret not, we’ve got five books to help you make the transition with confidence
When your work is equal to your personality, change can shake that sense of identity. These paths toward change are not always linear, which is why it is difficult to figure things out right away when facing this kind of identity crisis. Whether we feel unfulfilled in our current job or are simply ready for a new challenge, finding and transitioning into a new chapter is always overwhelming. However, when we focus on the brighter side of change, this season of life can surely open new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
During this phase, it’s important to have the right resources and support to guide you through the process, and what better place to turn to than a book? Here are five must-reads in this pivotal phase of your career journey.
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Illuminate your passion
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Knowing the “why” of something can be like solving a puzzle, connecting the pieces to create a clearer picture of the current life circumstance. Understanding the reasons behind our actions and decisions can empower us to make more informed choices and give us a sense of purpose and direction. And that’s why we can all stand to learn something from Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why.
Illuminate your purpose
The Escape Artists by Joshua Piven
How could a person turn their passion into a profession? This is the question repeatedly posed to the escape artists. In this book, personas from different industries show the one thing they have in common—they embrace their purpose. By reading this book by Joshua Piven, we’ll learn how these fearless pioneers avoided the pitfalls of a dead-end job; dealt with concerns about pay, stability, and backup plans; and took the plunge into a more fulfilling line of work at the right time.
Illuminate your calling
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Steven Hanselman
In its natural form, this book comprises a 366-day meditation on Stoic philosophy from some of the well-known philosophers in the world. However, unlike most self-help books, it is not entangled solely in morality or valuable wisdom. This piece focuses on relatable passages that you can read every morning to guide you to your aspirations. Like many of us, who ultimately try to pursue our calling each day, there’s wisdom to glean from Ryan Holiday and Steven Hanselman’s words.
Illuminate your focus
Deep Work by Carl Newport
Both in scope and used vocabulary, Deep Work is epic beyond words. The relatable nonfiction piece provides a sense of true fulfillment from craftsmanship amidst the fluctuating economy in the 21st century. A must-read for anyone trying to achieve results while juggling multiple tasks in today’s distracted world is Cal Newport’s Deep Work.
Illuminate your perspective
What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles
In one complex inquiry, Richard Bolles shifts our earthbound perspective and takes us high above our daily lives to see the importance of finding not just any job, but your dream job. That perspective shift is all we need to settle a crisis of identity.
With a little more practice and patience, you will be ready to take on the next steps in your future career. And after choosing to bring to light your desire for a career change, remember that it’s a process that may take time, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
