If we live for 100 years, that equals 36,500 days. Breaking it down further, we spend roughly 4,000 days of our lives on our careers, assuming we work eight hours a day between the ages of 21 and 65. Interestingly, we sleep more than we work, dedicating approximately 12,500 days of our lives to sleep, assuming an average of eight hours of sleep per day. This perspective dramatically shifted my understanding of my career.
So, do you want your career to be accidental or intentional? I'm certain your wiser self would opt for intentionality, which is why it's vital to design your career.
Here are some highly recommended books on career design:
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One by Jenny Blake. Jenny offers a four-stage process to transition from career uncertainty to clarity.
The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success by Nicholas Lore. This book guides you to self-discovery and finding a career that genuinely fits you.
Designing Your Work Life: How to Thrive and Change and Find Happiness at Work by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. This book specifically tackles how to create happiness and fulfillment at work.
What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles. A classic in career development, offering practical advice and exercises for finding the right job
The Start-Up of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha. The authors explore how to apply entrepreneurial strategies to your career.
Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future by Dorie Clark. Dorie provides insights on how to reshape our careers to align with our passions and strengths.
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott. This book focuses on career development through honest communication and building strong relationships.
The books cover a range of approaches, from design thinking to personal branding, offering valuable insights for anyone aiming to design or redesign their career.
