Career Book Reviews

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2023: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers, by Richard N. Bolles

"What Color Is Your Parachute? 2023: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers" by Richard N. Bolles is an essential guidebook for anyone looking to navigate the job market and pursue a fulfilling career. This latest edition of the classic career guide is updated with the latest job search strategies and includes practical exercises and tools to help readers identify their strengths and interests, craft an effective resume and cover letter, and prepare for job interviews.

Bolles' approach to career planning is grounded in the belief that finding the right job is about more than just skills and qualifications. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's values and passions in order to find work that is truly meaningful. The book is filled with insightful exercises and worksheets to help readers identify their unique strengths and interests, as well as practical tips for networking and using social media in the job search process.

Overall, "What Color Is Your Parachute? 2023" is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to change careers or find a new job. Bolles' warm and engaging writing style makes the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor, and his wealth of experience in career counseling shines through on every page. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to find meaningful work in today's job market.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

"Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans is an insightful and practical guide to designing a fulfilling life. Drawing upon their experience in design thinking and innovation, the authors present a unique approach to life planning that emphasizes experimentation and iteration.

The book is divided into two main sections, with the first focusing on understanding what makes a fulfilling life and the second providing practical tools and strategies for designing that life. Throughout the book, the authors use anecdotes and examples to illustrate their points, making the material engaging and relatable.

One of the strengths of the book is its emphasis on reframing problems and shifting perspectives. By encouraging readers to try out different options and learn from their experiences, the authors help readers avoid getting stuck in analysis paralysis. The book also provides a wide range of exercises and tools for readers to apply the concepts discussed to their own lives, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Overall, "Designing Your Life" is a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth and development. The book's innovative approach to life planning and practical exercises make it a valuable tool for anyone feeling stuck or unsure about their next steps

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

"Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath is a highly engaging and practical guide to making change happen. The authors, who are brothers and experts in the fields of psychology and organizational behavior, provide a framework for understanding how change occurs and offer actionable strategies for making it happen.

The book is divided into three main sections, with each section focusing on a different aspect of the change process. The first section, "Direct the Rider," emphasizes the importance of getting the rational part of the brain on board with the change. The second section, "Motivate the Elephant," focuses on the emotional side of change and the need to appeal to people's emotions to motivate them. The final section, "Shape the Path," provides strategies for making change easier to achieve by changing the environment.

One of the strengths of the book is its use of real-life examples to illustrate the concepts discussed. The authors draw upon a wide range of case studies, from successful business turnarounds to personal transformations, to demonstrate the power of the strategies they recommend.

Another strength of the book is its practicality. The authors provide a wealth of tools and exercises that readers can use to apply the concepts discussed to their own lives or organizations. These exercises are designed to be easy to follow and can be completed in a relatively short amount of time.

Overall, "Switch" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to make change happen. The book's engaging writing style, real-life examples, and practical exercises make it a must-read for anyone looking to effect change in their own lives or organizations.