When I was laid off from my job, a couple years ago, my mom told me to do something with myself. LOL. I choose to volunteer, figure out who I was beyond my job, and also read books. When I started reading books, the topics centered around restructuring how I approach work/life (which as you might have noticed is what I also talk about on Breakroom Buddha).
If you’re seeking clarity around topics that revolve around work/life balance, future of work, autonomy, financial freedom, and life design, dive in below!
Books I’ve Read
Bullsh*t Jobs – David Graeber
Why so much work is meaningless (and how to escape that trap).
Rework – Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
The anti-hustle guide to working smarter, not harder.
The Courage to Be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
Let go of external expectations and design life your way.
We Should All Be Millionaires – Rachel Rodgers
A mindset shift around money, work, and self-worth.
Do Nothing – Celeste Headlee
Unlearning toxic productivity and embracing actual rest.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You – Cal Newport
Why passion alone isn’t enough (and what to do instead).
Weapons of Mass Instruction – John Taylor Gatto
A deep dive into how traditional education limits creative careers.
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
Inspiration for those craving more creativity in their work.
10x Is Easier Than 2x – Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Thinking bigger to make life simpler and more fulfilling.
Books To Read
Walden Two – B.F. Skinner
A 1948 utopian novel exploring behaviorism and societal structure.
The Overworked American – Juliet B. Schor
An analysis of how work hours have increased and its impact on life.
Private Government – Elizabeth Anderson
Examining how workplaces function as private governments over employees.
The Burnout Society – Byung-Chul Han
A critique of the modern work culture and the psychological toll of constant productivity.
Work Optional – Tanja Hester
A guide to financial independence and designing a life beyond work.
You² – Price Pritchett
A mindset-shifting book on exponential personal and professional growth (recommended for yearly reading).
Consumed – Aja Barber
A deep dive into consumerism, privilege, and the impact of fast fashion.
Rocket Fuel – Gino Wickman & Mark C. Winters
A guide to building visionary-integrator partnerships for business success.
The One Thing – Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
A productivity book focusing on prioritization and efficiency.
The Slight Edge – Jeff Olson
How small daily choices compound into significant success over time.
Work the System – Sam Carpenter
A practical approach to streamlining processes and gaining control over work and life.
