Working Identity

More about the book

Nearly everyone has entertained the idea of reinventing themselves, especially when feeling unfulfilled or burned out. However, the fear of letting go of years of investment in a current profession often holds us back. In this insightful book, Herminia Ibarra introduces a new approach to career reinvention that challenges traditional career advice. Instead of believing we must first identify our desired path, Ibarra asserts that understanding comes through action and experimentation. Career transitions are not linear but rather a winding journey where we explore various "possible selves." Drawing from extensive research on professionals in transition, Ibarra outlines a dynamic process for career reinvention that involves three key strategies: experimenting with new activities, engaging with new networks, and interpreting our experiences in light of emerging opportunities. Through compelling stories—from a literature professor who becomes a stockbroker to an investment banker who turns novelist—Ibarra highlights common guidelines shared by successful career changers. This exploration serves as a call to the dreamer in all of us, offering practical insights for crafting a more fulfilling future, with outcomes that may surprise us.