Reinvention Resources

Books to Help You Find the Perfect Career

There are hundreds of books about career reinvention on the market and many of them are quite good.  It's hard to pick my favorites, but these five are right at the top of my list:

Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type This book helps you make the link between your unique personality traits and possible career options. Includes information on today's most popular new career tracks, advice on how to develop a career game plan and insights into how your personality impacts career choice.

Repacking Your Bags: Lighten Your Load for the Rest of Your Life  Author Richard Leider has a number of books and I am a fan of them all. However, this book is particularly well suited to middle-aged folks who find themselves at a crossroads as they begin to contemplate the "retirement" years.  

Now What?: 90 Days to a New Life Direction  This is the book I use with many of my clients during my 12 week coaching program. An excellent read with many useful exercises, even if you choose not to partner with a coach.

Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want  If I could pick one book for my clients, this would be it.  Author Barbara Sher has a magical way of getting you to see how to turn your dreams into reality.  She has a number of excellent books -- highly recommended!

Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life  Author Marc Freedman profiles people (generally in the 50+ age range) who have successfully transitioned from corporate to non-profit careers. Well researched and filled with inspirational stories.

Career Exploration Websites

MyPlan.com 
With over 150,000 pages of content, including articles, statistics, images, and videos, MyPlan.com is the most extensive guide to colleges and careers you'll find anywhere. Read career profiles, job descriptions, educational requirements, and career outlook information. Find out what kind of salary to expect, watch short videos, and even learn about the types of people that typically go into each career.

StartupJournal.com 
This online version of the Wall Street Journal's publication is a goldmine for people interested in exploring entrepreneurial options. You'll learn about opportunities in franchising, consulting, and get lots of ideas about small business possibilities.

JobStar.com 
This site has links to guides on specific careers and industries. Excellent resource!

JobProfiles.org 
Have you ever wished you could talk with someone to learn more abut what their typical day on the job is like? This site features profiles of people working in an assortment of jobs.