Useful Resources for Career Exploration, Change and Transition

Books

What Color is Your Parachute Workbook by Richard Bolles
A shorter version of the tough-to-finish Parachute Guide. This one includes many useful exercises and can be a good place to start thinking about career change.

Wishcraft: How to Get what you Really Want by Barbara Sher and Annie Gottleib
A classic that goes beyond the nuts-and-bolts into important emotional areas.

Strategies for Successful Career Change by Martha E. Mangelsdorf
If you’ve done some basics like thinking about your strengths, values, interests, and personality, and would like guidance on next steps, including how to overcome challenges like changing careers while still paying the bills, this book offers both practical advice and examples of how many other professionals tackled the tough parts of career change.

Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career by Herminia Ibarra
This book examines the psychology of identity and career change and suggests many non-standard approaches, including trying out new activities, reaching out to new groups, finding new role models, and reworking one’s story. It profiles 39 career changers, their motivations and their courses of action.

Embracing Fear and Finding the Courage to Live Your Life by Thom Rutledge
A poetic and inspiring book about making fear your ally and talking back to your inner bully.

Online Resources

Useful website and Twitter link: CareerToolBelt.com and @careertoolbelt

Career Exploration Advice articles at KarenChopra.com