Two years of the pandemic have led to many sudden and jarring adjustments— and changed our relationship with work. Whether you’re looking for a switch or transitioning back, here’s how to approach rebalancing work so it’s tailored to your needs.

1. What Color is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles)
A comprehensive, classic guide on making the most of your career, with many introspective writing activities that will help you organize your thoughts.

2. Designing Your Work Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
A useful guide on how to create a more satisfying work life where you are now, paired with helpful reflection exercises.

3. Design is a Job(Mike Monteiro)
A practical reference from a design veteran on getting clients, maintaining healthy working relationships, how to charge and present solutions.

4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People(Stephen Covey)
A straightforward and principle-based classic on habits that apply in both personal and career challenges.

5.Do Over(Jon Acuff)
Acuff outlines how to navigate major career transitions from the perspective of a protective Career Savings Account (Relationships + Skills + Character x Hustle) while offering practical tips on growing your career.

I like the late Bernard Haldane’s definition of an achievement. He says it is: something you yourself feel you have done well, that you also enjoyed doing and felt proud of.

— Richard Bolles