Books about Work & Career
Explore our top book recommendations that delve into surviving—and even transforming—the capitalistic system. In a world driven by relentless productivity and profit, understanding how to navigate, challenge, and reshape the workplace is crucial. These books offer insights into resisting burnout, reclaiming work-life balance, and building careers and organizations that prioritize people over profits. Whether you want to redefine success, advocate for fairer workplaces, or find sustainable ways to thrive within (or beyond) the system, these reads provide the strategies, tools, and inspiration to push back against the status quo. Dive in and discover how to work smarter, not just harder—and maybe even change the game entirely.
no1 book recommendation
Unmasking Burnout: The Exhaustion of a Generation and the Systems That Sustain It
In Can’t Even, Anne Helen Petersen offers a razor-sharp examination of burnout—a condition that feels like the hallmark of modern life. With clarity and empathy, Petersen uncovers how societal forces, rather than personal failings, have shaped the pervasive exhaustion plaguing millennials. From the relentless demands of the modern workplace to the pressure to monetize joy, she unpacks the historical, economic, and cultural shifts that have left an entire generation feeling perpetually drained. Petersen doesn’t just diagnose the problem; she asks us to confront the systems that sustain it.
Drawing from her viral BuzzFeed article that resonated with millions, Petersen expands her thesis into a broader exploration of how burnout affects every facet of life: work, parenting, leisure, and even social interactions. The result is both deeply personal and strikingly universal, as she uses interviews, analysis, and her own experiences to give voice to the collective exhaustion many feel but struggle to articulate.
Anne Helen Petersen began her career in academia, earning a Ph.D. in media studies before transitioning to cultural writing. Known for her incisive takes on celebrity culture and millennial issues, she made waves with her 2019 BuzzFeed article on burnout, which served as the foundation for Can’t Even. Petersen’s ability to weave personal stories with cultural critique has made her a standout voice in journalism. She has also authored other works, including Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud, and continues to challenge societal norms through her longform essays and thought-provoking commentary.
What makes Can’t Even so compelling is Petersen’s refusal to blame individuals for the burnout epidemic. Instead, she traces its roots to systemic issues: the erosion of workers’ rights, the gig economy, and the societal expectation to “perform” constantly—whether at work, in parenting, or on social media. Her writing is clear, persuasive, and often cathartic, helping readers to let go of the guilt they may feel for their inability to “keep up.”
Petersen’s insights resonate deeply, especially in her exploration of how millennial burnout is not just a workplace issue but a lifestyle, affecting everything from the way we parent to the way we rest. Yet, she doesn’t stop at diagnosis; she urges collective action, emphasizing that burnout cannot be solved by self-care alone—it requires systemic change.
Can’t Even is a vital read for anyone trying to make sense of the exhaustion that defines our times. It’s not just a call to action; it’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our struggle and that change is both necessary and possible. For millennials, their parents, and anyone grappling with the weight of modern life, this book offers clarity, compassion, and a spark of hope.
If you want to support the site, please use one of the links below to buy from one of our affiliated partners.
no2 book recommendation
Breaking the Mold: How to Fix Workplaces, Not Women
In The Fix, Michelle P. King delivers an eye-opening examination of workplace inequality, challenging the pervasive myth that women must change themselves to succeed. Drawing on over 16 years of research and interviews with industry leaders, King identifies how workplaces are inherently designed for men, perpetuating hidden barriers that hold women back at every stage of their careers. With compelling evidence and actionable insights, this book redefines the conversation about gender equality, shifting the focus from “fixing women” to addressing the systemic issues within organizations.
King’s work underscores that women are not the problem—workplaces are. She exposes the unseen barriers, like gender denial, that prevent progress and offers readers practical strategies to thrive while advocating for meaningful change. This book is more than a guide; it’s a call to action for creating workplaces that empower everyone to succeed.
Dr. Michelle P. King is a globally recognized expert on organizational culture and gender equality. She has held prestigious roles, including Director of Inclusion at Netflix and head of the UN Women Global Innovation Coalition for Change. As a passionate advocate for equity, King advises organizations worldwide and writes for Forbes, Thrive Global, and the Harvard Business Review. She also hosts The Fix, a podcast offering practical advice for achieving workplace equality. With her extensive expertise and commitment to creating inclusive environments, King continues to inspire change through her work.
What sets The Fix apart is King’s unflinching honesty about the flawed structures that underpin modern workplaces. Rather than perpetuating the outdated narrative that women need to adapt to succeed, she places responsibility where it belongs: on organizations to dismantle ingrained gender biases. King’s insights are both sobering and empowering, as she maps out a path for individuals to navigate these barriers while fostering systemic change.
Her writing is clear, passionate, and deeply informed, making complex issues accessible to readers of all backgrounds. King’s argument that gender equality benefits everyone—not just women—is both refreshing and necessary, urging us to reimagine workplaces that work for all.
For women striving to advance their careers, male allies seeking to support them, and organizations ready to embrace equity, The Fix is an essential read. It’s not just a roadmap for navigating workplace challenges; it’s a manifesto for transforming the way we work and live.
If you want to support the site, please use one of the links below to buy from one of our affiliated partners.
no3 book recommendation
Unlocking Hidden Brilliance: The Art and Science of Spotting Talent
How do you find the creative spark that transforms individuals into game-changers? In Talent, renowned economist Tyler Cowen and entrepreneur Daniel Gross dive into this question with remarkable depth and clarity. This book is both a guide for talent seekers and a mirror for those who wish to stand out. With insights from social science, interviews with industry leaders, and their own experience, the authors explore the subtle art of identifying hidden potential, particularly in a world that often overlooks brilliance. From conducting meaningful interviews to spotting undervalued groups like talented women and individuals with disabilities, Cowen and Gross present a practical and thought-provoking roadmap for discovering and nurturing untapped genius. Whether you’re scouting for the next big innovator or striving to be noticed in a competitive landscape, Talent offers actionable wisdom and a fresh perspective on what makes someone truly exceptional.
Tyler Cowen is a distinguished economist and thought leader, holding the Holbert C. Harris Chair in Economics at George Mason University. Known for his widely read blog Marginal Revolution and numerous bestselling books like The Great Stagnation and Average is Over, Cowen brings a multidisciplinary lens to the complex world of talent discovery. Daniel Gross, an accomplished entrepreneur and venture capitalist, brings a wealth of real-world experience to the table. As the founder of Cue, an AI-powered search engine acquired by Apple, and Pioneer, a platform designed to uncover "Lost Einsteins" across the globe, Gross has a track record of identifying and nurturing extraordinary talent. Together, Cowen and Gross combine academic rigor with entrepreneurial savvy to redefine how we think about creativity, potential, and the competitive edge in talent acquisition.
What makes Talent stand out is its seamless blend of research, practicality, and human insight. Cowen and Gross reject adversarial interview tactics, instead advocating for genuine curiosity and mutual trust. This approach, they argue, not only uncovers the true potential in candidates but also builds lasting connections.
The book also challenges readers to reconsider traditional definitions of talent. It emphasizes the importance of context—understanding how an individual’s unique skills fit within specific environments—and the power of multidisciplinary thinking. Cowen’s emphasis on context knowledge and Gross’s entrepreneurial flair make for a compelling partnership that resonates across industries.
While the book delves deeply into social science, it remains accessible and engaging, filled with examples and anecdotes that ground its principles in real-world scenarios. The call to action is clear: talent is everywhere, often hidden in plain sight. With the right tools and mindset, we can unlock it—not just in others, but within ourselves. For anyone passionate about finding or becoming the best, Talent is a must-read. It’s not just a book about talent scouting—it’s a manifesto for recognizing and valuing human potential in all its forms.
If you want to support the site, please use one of the links below to buy from one of our affiliated partners.
no4 book recommendation
Navigating the Curves: A Guide to Thriving in the Age of Squiggly Careers
Gone are the days of the straight career ladder. In The Squiggly Career, Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis redefine the modern approach to work, presenting a roadmap for success in a world where career paths are nonlinear and ever-changing. With a focus on adaptability, self-discovery, and meaningful growth, this book equips readers with practical tools to navigate the twists and turns of today’s professional landscape. From uncovering your unique "super strengths" to mastering confidence and cultivating a strong support network, the authors provide a wealth of insights to help you take charge of your career and design it on your own terms. This book is not just about career advancement—it’s about building a fulfilling professional life that aligns with who you are and what matters most to you.
Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis are not just personal development experts; they are trailblazers in helping people thrive in the changing world of work. Helen Tupper, the CEO of Amazing If, has held leadership roles at Microsoft, Virgin, and BP. Her passion for learning is evident in her academic achievements at Henley, Cranfield, and Cass Business School. A trustee for the Working Families charity and a Fellow of the RSA, Helen brings a wealth of experience and insight into making work both meaningful and manageable. Sarah Ellis, the Chief Learning Officer at Amazing If, has led marketing and corporate responsibility teams at Barclays and Sainsbury’s. With studies at Warwick University, London Business School, and Harvard, Sarah combines practical expertise with a deep understanding of personal growth. Her role as a qualified mental health first aider underscores her commitment to holistic professional development.
What sets The Squiggly Career apart is its empowering approach to the challenges of modern work. Instead of viewing the lack of a linear career path as a limitation, Tupper and Ellis show how it can be a unique opportunity for freedom and purpose. The book strikes a perfect balance between theory and application, featuring actionable exercises, real-life examples, and inspiration from successful professionals.
The authors introduce five essential skills—identifying values, leveraging strengths, silencing inner doubts, building networks, and exploring future possibilities—that form a toolkit for navigating uncertainty. They encourage readers to embrace lateral moves, rethink traditional definitions of success, and lean into moments of self-reflection to stay aligned with their evolving goals.
Accessible and engaging, The Squiggly Career is more than a business book; it’s a practical guide for anyone looking to chart their own path in a world where careers are no longer predictable. Whether you’re starting out, pivoting, or simply rethinking your next steps, this book will inspire you to take control, embrace the squiggles, and design a career that’s uniquely yours.
If you want to support the site, please use one of the links below to buy from one of our affiliated partners.