20 Reading Recommendations for Career Discernment

Recently I joined my library’s summer reading challenge. I have been inspired by and enjoying the wide-ranging challenges, which not only span genres and activities but also stretch me in surprising ways. Examples include “read an author with your initials,” “send your local library a postcard,” and “visit special collections and look up a newspaper article from the day you were born.”

In the midst of this summer reading challenge, I am imagining a “career discernment reading challenge.” Ideally, the challenge would inspire creativity and curiosity. It would invite perspective and playfulness. Suggested challenges might include: “read a memoir that involves career change,” “re-read a favorite text that inspired your career early on,” and “try a suggested practice from a book offering nervous system support.”

Ideally, any reading challenge rekindles imagination, ignites learning fire, and illuminates broader possibilities. Without any expectation or pressure to read this summer (or to read in any particular way), I share the following 20 reading recommendations for career discernment. And I offer the challenge to read (or re-read) one that feels like “a strong yes” — like excitement in the belly, a deeper breath, or another somatic sensation that says “yes!”

The following books are ones that I have suggested through career discernment coaching and ones that I have learned from myself. May one or more of these recommendations support the ongoing self-work of discerning what’s next … and next after that … and next after that …

Notice which recommendation sparks interest, and consider taking on a single reading challenge this summer — to pick up, listen to, or spend time with this book.

And I am here for career discernment support anytime. Reach out to learn more about career discernment or to begin your journey via coaching.

Beth

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Beth Godbee, Ph.D. (she/her)
Heart-Head-Hands: Everyday Living for Justice