Eight Career Resources to Change Your World

With the New Year fast approaching comes a time for reflection, and for some of us that might include reevaluating our careers. This week we asked the Mind Room Career Psychologist, ​Ashley Clinch, to share the top resources he recommends to clients.

Here you’ll find career books to help understand the rapid change in work, why generalists are better off in the long run than specialists, right brainers will rule the future and how “old jobs” may not be coming to an end.

Roadmap: The Get it Together Guide for Figuring Out What to Do With Your Life by Roadtrip Nation

I came across this in a second-hand book store in New York and it has become a favourite. It’s a great guide that’s packed with practical exercises to help you identify and pursue a career that is suited to you. While I’ve never seen it here in Australia, you can purchase on on their website –  which also has some great other resources.

Body of Work: Finding the Thread that Ties Your Career Together by Pamela Slim

In Body of Work, Pamela Slim explores how – in a world where our careers are increasingly less stable – we can put the pieces together and make sense of our diverse experiences. I listened to this as an audio book and you can also download a short workbook which has some interesting activities.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialised World by David Epstein

This is the most recent book on the list and has taken a step towards changing the paradigm about how we think about being a generalist or specialists. If you don’t want to buy the book you could listen to this excellent interview on the Rich Roll podcast.

So Good They Can’t Ignore You, Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport

Another book on the list that changes the paradigm! It flips “follow your passion” thinking on its head. Be ready to be challenged.

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink

Daniel Pink is a well known author but I think this is his best work. Here, Daniel writes about how the future belongs to right-brain thinkers and outlines the six human abilities that are essential for success and fulfillment in the digital age.

The Shift: The Future is Work is Already Here by Lynda Gratton

This book talks about the huge change going on in the world, what it is and how we should best prepare for it. From addressing the low carbon economy, to technology, to globalisation – Lynda explores how societal changes will transform what we currently take for granted.

Masters of Craft: Old Jobs in the New Urban Economy by Richard Ocejo

I love this book. It is almost like reading a real cool PhD study. Richard takes a deep dive into work as a barber, butcher, distillery and cocktail bar person.

The Three Marriages: Reimagining Work, Self and Relationships by David Whyte 

This is a great book that takes some time to read. I think it took me six months to read and digest. David Whyte writes beautifully and his observations about our relationship to work is exquisite.