When it comes to business, there are tons of books out there. But what about those books to help you quit your day job? I have a list of them that will take you from nine-to-fiver to full-time entrepreneur.

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Original photo by Nikita Kachanovsky 

Okay. Before we get too far into it, y’all know that reading a book isn’t all it takes to quit your job, right?

Okay. Before we get too far into it, y'all know that reading a book isn't all it takes to quit your job, right? Click To Tweet

So don’t buy all these books and wonder why you’re still working in a cubicle. These books are a great starting point, but you also need a TON of action on your part.

Think of these books as a foundation for you. I know that I’ve been reading a ton of business books and books on how to build your online empire. But at the end of the day, the only way these books to help you quit your day job actually work is if you do.

(I know if you’re here on the reg you know that, and you’re probably a little addicted to work like I am. But if you’re new here, know that this is a place where we talk about resources and then go offline to make shit happen.)

So it’s with all that in mind that I wanted to share these books with you today. They will help you get to a place where you’re ready to quit your day job.

Also, don’t be like me and over-plan your leap. I was ready a whole year before I quit, though I didn’t think I was.

And if you want to hear about how business is going, make sure to check out today’s YouTube video:

 

And don’t forget I have a list of the best business books for beginners, books for female entrepreneurs, and the best books on money.

Now, onto the books!

Books to Help You Quit Your Day Job

001: The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do by Jeff Goins

Are you in that rut where you believe that you don’t have any skills that people will pay for? Do you worry that you don’t have any marketable skills? Are you concerned that you don’t know what you want to do for the rest of your life and that will always hold you back?

Tap your breaks, firstly. You’re going to be fine. And this book by Jeff Goins will help you feel that way. I’m not saying this book will tell you exactly what to do. But it’s a great way to help you figure out what you can do.

And as a side note, I find Jeff Goins to be a super interesting person, and I love reading about how he built his dream career.

Company of One, Playing Big, The Art of Work --- All books I'm recommending for those who want to quit their day jobs! Click To Tweet

002: Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr

The title of this book says it’s for women. I would argue it’s valid for a lot of different gender identities.

I read this book about two years ago, and it has by far, been one of my favorite personal development books that I have. Mohr not only lays out the path you need to take to step into the life you really want to live, but she makes the case for why you absolutely need to do it.

If you’re looking for a book that covers the nuts and bolts of how to take up your space along with the spiritual components that are necessary for that kind of life, then this is your book. And on her website, Mohr has a ton of really good meditations that you can access for free.

003: Body of Work: Finding the Thread That Ties Your Story Together by Pamela Slim

Full disclosure: I think the content of this book is fantastic. However, it was super hard for me to get through.

I’m not entirely sure why, and it could be that I started reading it after a manic phase in which I read a ton of personal development books. So, know that I think it’s good stuff, but it may not be your cup of tea.

I do recommend this for people with a lot of seemingly disparate interests or passions. Because this book outlines exactly how you can bring those things together and create a business that allows you to do all those things.

004: The Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rimes

I love a good writer’s memoir that isn’t all navel gazing and sadness. I wanna see how the writers who have made it do what they do, and Rimes doesn’t disappoint.

This is such a great book for many reasons, not only because it’s the story of how Rimes improved her life. It’s also a story of how she reclaimed her health and created a life for her and her kids that was everything she wanted.

Granted, one of the main criticisms people have of this book is that Rimes has achieved a level of financial success that most people will not. Even so, she never recommends anything that is only available to people at her price point.

005: The Art of Money by Bari Tessler

Hey gang. Did you know that your money issues probably have nothing to do with how you use spreadsheets or which budgeting philosophy you subscribe to? Like everything else in life, there are psychological and emotional reasons we do what we do. And that includes how we view money.

I needed this book really hard, and I’m still in a process of healing my relationship with money. But know that a lot of the dominant narratives or money gurus out there recommend things that just don’t make sense for your lifestyle, and only lead to tons of shame.

If you need to heal your relationship with money, and if you’re tired of counting pennies in your envelopes so you can buy the worst possible stuff at the grocery store and live unhappily, this book is for you.

Has it occurred to you that maybe healing your relationship with money is the first step to quitting your day job? Click To Tweet

006: You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero

You’re only allowed to read this after reading The Art of Money, okay?

I like this book because it’s the first time I felt like I could actually make money. Which is stupid for a number of reasons. We can all make money in this crazy system. It’s set up that way.

I will say, though, that I was conditioned to believe I couldn’t. And that was mostly because previous employers made it seem like my skills weren’t worth enough for them to pay me more.

This book fixed that.

And I gotta say, chatting with my old boss occasionally and having her tell me how much they need me to come back is a great way to realize how much your skills are actually worth, even if employers won’t pay you that.

007: Design the Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Meaningful Future by Ayse Birsel

The best part about working for yourself is that you get to create a life that works 100% for you. That includes everything from the environment you work in to the hours you will work.

And while it may seem super simple to just follow your heart, this book is great for breaking down a lot of the ingrained habits you have around how you live. For example, I’m really starting to question whether or not I’m a morning person. I always thought I was, but now that I don’t have to get up at a certain time, do I still want to?

Also, if you’re the type who believes they need to keep up with the Joneses, this book will help you see whether or not that’s what you really want.

008: Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis

You may remember this one from my 2020 syllabus for self-study post.

Sure, you could build a great business on your own, and scale it up, and sell it to someone who wants it. Or, you could create a sustainable business that enables you to work for yourself for the rest of your life.

That’s what I plan on doing, anyway.

I like this book for a number of reasons, but the most important is that Paul Jarvis has been doing this for years, and just knowing that is enough to prove this book is legit. He’s not making stuff up for the sake of selling some lifestyle or ideology.

What kind of advice do you give people who want to quit their jobs? Click To Tweet

What Book Helped You Quit Your Day Job?

Which books have helped you created a business that you love? What kind of advice do you give people who want to quit their jobs? Which of these books is your favorite?