Working Identity - Summary & Guide

The Book “Working Identity” is written by Herminia Ibarra, a respected authority on career transitions and leadership. This book was published in 2003 and offers practical insights into how people navigate the complex process of changing careers. The paperback version contains 224 pages, and you can find it using the ISBN number 978-1591394136.

The Pareto Technique

The 20% that’s a bit tricky

When I think about “Working Identity,” I realize it’s about more than just picking a new job. It’s about trying out different roles and sometimes changing how we see ourselves. This part can be a bit complicated because it involves deep reflection on who we are and what we truly want in life.

The 80% that’s easier to understand

Imagine I’m playing with different toys to figure out which one I like the most. Sometimes I play with blocks, other times with cars, and sometimes with dolls. After playing with each toy for a while, I start to understand which one I enjoy the most.

In the same way, when adults want to find a new job, they often try out different kinds of work to see what they like best. Maybe someone who works in an office tries cooking, teaching, or making things with their hands. By doing this, they start to learn more about what makes them happy and what kind of job they want to do for a long time.

So, this book is really about how I—or anyone—can discover what we truly enjoy doing by experimenting with different things and paying attention to how we feel about each one. Just like how I learn about my favorite toy by playing with different ones!

Reading Guide in Table Format

Days Reading Guide
Days 1-3 Introduction and Chapter 1
Days 4-7 Chapter 2
Days 8-10 Chapter 3
Days 11-14 Chapter 4
Days 15-17 Chapter 5
Days 18-21 Chapter 6
Days 22-24 Chapter 7
Days 25-28 Conclusion