Top 10 Books for the Unemployed

Few of us like the idea of being unemployed. Looking for work is difficult and demoralizing. However, it can also open up new avenues. Many people use their time without a job to improve themselves and look for new opportunities.

If you are looking for inspiration, or just looking for helpful hints, here are 10 books that you can read while you are unemployed to help you boost your efforts to improve your life – and maybe even find another job!

Read through these books as quickly as possible to boost your chances of coming up with new employment ideas before you get in a financial pinch.

1. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson: If you have lost your job suddenly and you are wondering why these outside forces are impacting your life, this is a great book to start with. It’s about change, and taking charge when events outside your control affect your life.

2. iJobless: 50 Ways to Survive Unemployment by Jenny Holmes: Once you lose your job, you need to find a way to lower your monthly expenses. This book is chock full of ideas for stretching your dollars, and suggestions for earning a little extra money on the side.

3. Landing on the Right Side of Your Ass: A Survival Guide for the Unemployed by Michael B. Laskoff: This slightly irreverent look at unemployment can help you figure out how to move on from your lost job. One of the great things about this book is that it is upbeat about helping you see the good in your situation.

4. Falling Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success by John Maxwell: You don’t have to view mistakes as failure. In many cases, the most successful people have many failures behind them. This book can help you create a plan for learning from your mistakes and turning failure into success.

5. Work at Home Now: The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Your Perfect Home-Based Job by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren: As a home business owner, I love this book. You find a good home based business opportunity, and learn how to boost your income without having to go into the office.

6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: This business classic can provide you with tips on networking. When you’re unemployed, you need to know how to make yourself more likable, connecting on a level that can help you get your next job – or start a business.

7. The Job-Hunter’s Survival Guide: How to Find Home and Reward Work, Even When “There Are No Jobs” by Richard Bolles: Want to do something meaningful with your time? Use this book as a guide to help you find work that matters, even in an economy like this one.

8. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson: Want to start your own business? This book offers you the advice you need to get going. It’s a great way to learn the basics, and turn your unemployment into an opportunity to “rework” the way you approach your career.

9. Little Victories: Conquering Unemployment by Tom Brophy: This is another inspiration book that can help you get through the frustrating aspects of unemployment and the job hunt. You also learn how to find the victories in life, and hold on to those.

10. The Bliss List by J.P. Hansen: Want a career that makes you happy? This book can help you get there. Hansen offers a look at how you can create the career that makes you happiest by following your bliss.

While unemployment is a challenging time, it can also be a time for reflection and transformation. It might be just the time to rethink your career goals and life goals, and embark on a new adventure.

What is your favorite book about career and unemployment? Leave a comment!

Miranda writes about personal finance almost every day. An experienced freelance writer, she's covered your money online and in print from every angle and is always looking for new ones.

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