Stuck In A Career Rut? Read These Nine Books!

Originally published on Relish Growth.

This post will share nine must-read books for anyone stuck in a carrier rut.

Anytime I find myself at a crossroads, I read books. I’ve been stuck in a career rut for the past couple of years. Over the years, when that happened, I became very agitated and frustrated.

But this time around, for some reason, I’m just calm, patiently waiting for a new direction. But in the meantime, while I wait, I’m spending my time investing in myself. I’m listening to many audiobooks and podcasts to inspire and motivate myself.

As I face my late twenties, I like to think that I’m currently in a quarter-life crisis, which isn’t necessarily bad. Do you know how we all like to attach names to our experiences just to validate them? I’m doing just about the same thing.

But instead of beating myself up for not knowing what I want for my career at this age, I’m choosing a positive mindset that embraces change. Because one thing I know about change is that when it eventually happens, you’ll be completely blown away, leading to fulfilment.

So, I’ll share some book recommendations I’m going through to help anyone else in my current situation.

Here Are Nine Must-Read Books For Anyone Stuck In A Career Rut

Sometimes, all you need to achieve your goals is a little nudge here and there that eventually adds up. This is why books will always be my go-to resource.

Pivot by Jenny Blake

This timely book will be particularly useful for those who want to pivot our careers post-pandemic. Personally, I quit my job in the hospitality industry simply because of the fact that I couldn’t work from home.

So, if you want to change careers or switch industries, this book is for you. It defines the four-step approach to navigating personal career changes and growth.

What Color Is Your Parachute? By Richard N. Bolles

This is a practical manual for job hunters and career changers. Think of it as a classic career book, first published in 1970.

But the newest edition, published in 2017, has been revised to include suggestions on succeeding in this digital landscape. It includes job hunting, interviewing and negotiation tips.

Do What You Are By Paul D. Tiger, Barbara Barron & Kely Tieger

I’m sure a lot of us know what our personality types are. One way to navigate and choose the perfect career is by utilising your unique personality traits.

This book will help you discover how to use your natural strengths, weaknesses, temperaments and general interests to find the right career. Also published in 1992 but was updated in 2004 and 2021.

Best Job Ever By Dr C. K. Bray

This is another good one for those who want to pivot their careers and switch industries. It’s a guide that will walk you through switching jobs, changing fields or just trying something new that you’ve always wanted to do.

There is also no such thing as too much information. So, the more books you read on a certain topic, the more you’re armed to take serious decisions confidently.

Do Over By Jon Acuff

This one is specifically for those scared of switching careers or big changes. Honestly, the entire process can be very daunting because it is more comfortable to do what you’re used to.

It’s so much harder to step out of your comfort zone. But you must decide if you’re happy with being mediocre or need more aspiration.

The Squiggly Career By Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis

So, if you’re anything like me and you’re not a fan of traditional/corporate careers but, instead, you prefer to carve your own career path, then this book is for you.

It’s a fairly recent book published in 2020 backed by research that guides you on navigating the modern-day challenges we experience today. So, if you’re a job-hopper or recent college graduate, you should read this book.

The 10 Laws of Career Reinvention By Pamela Mitchell

Anytime I discover people who have had several careers in their lifetime, I’m always amazed. It shows that they never stop re-inventing themselves, which, to me, is pretty courageous.

While some people prefer to have one career for decades and retire, the other end of the spectrum prefers to switch careers after a few years or decades. I feel like I’m leaning towards the latter. This book will teach you all the career survival skills you need to succeed in the 21st century, including job security.

The Long View By Brian Fetherstonhaugh

After you have switched careers, how do you build a meaningful and lasting one? This book will teach you how to build a solid career by assembling the right skill set, building your personal network and finding a good work-life balance. The trifecta of a successful career if you ask me.

Start-Up Of You By Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha

We can shame start-up culture all we want, but there’s no doubt that Tech companies, particularly Big-Tech companies, are some of the most successful companies in the 21st century. So why not try out some of the strategies startups use to build your career.

This book will provide tips and tricks to hustle like an entrepreneur by being adaptable, building your personal network and chasing those big opportunities.

In Conclusion,

If you have found yourself stuck in a career rut, I hope these books will get you to find your way.