8 Books That Made Me Better At My Job in Tech
Published: 2023-01-03 17:02:49

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title: 8 Books That Made Me Better At My Job in Tech
published: true
date: 2022-12-13 14:59:57 UTC
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---

![](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*kXf2ZvLbusvQuQNjVDsuLg.png)

I’ve always been a huge reader, I even pursued my ever-useful degree in English Literature, and have begun to be more thoughtful about what it is I’m reading. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to select some books that I really think will make me better: at my job, at being a partner, at managing a house, whatever.

The books on this list have had a true impact on my career in tech, and I find myself recommending them to everyone I know that starts the path toward software engineering, pursuing their MBA, entering law school, or any other cognitively or emotionally challenging intellectual endeavor.

I highly recommend these to everyone, and if you know me in real life, you probably have one of my copies of these lying around your house!

Here they are: _the 8 books that made me better at my job._

#### [_Deep Work_, Cal Newport](https://amzn.to/3UVhWLR)

If you stop reading this blog after this recommendation, I’m fine with that, as long as you get this book. Deep Work genuinely changed my life. Cal Newport is brilliant and writes books like interesting research papers. This book dives into how high-performing students study and how to most effectively use your brain for cognitively intense jobs. If you plan to go back to school, are in college, or want to be a software engineer, _the list goes ON_, this book is essential reading.

#### [_Turn the Ship Around_, L. David Marquet](https://amzn.to/3PnDuzk)

This book was introduced to me by my boss when we started contracting at USAA and the US Air Force and Space Force. This book gave me a glimpse into military life, but primarily focused on the importance of effective management and making all workers stakeholders.

TL;DR — if you’re in a management position (even unofficially) this will change your life.

#### [_Extreme Programming Explained_, Kent Beck & Cynthia Andres](https://amzn.to/3BwBO0C)

Believe me when I say this is not my typical type of reading. Technical manuals are the stuff of nightmares. However, this book helped me grasp why XP (extreme programming) is so damn effective. It’s also allowed me to fundamentally understand each element of XP, which I’m able to apply to my work despite not always operating in a true XP format. If you thrive on efficiency, even if you aren’t a dev, this content is truly work-changing.

#### [_The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fck_, Mark Manson](https://amzn.to/3uNGtHY)

This book is on every book compilation list, and for good reason. Manson helps you reframe the way you think and the way you think about what others think. As a woman in tech, reframing my mindset has been really important and integral to my success.

#### [_You Are a Badass_, Jen Sincero](https://amzn.to/3iPd2m0)

Like the above, this book helped reframe my mindset around goals and who I aspire to be. Though this is likely categorized as “self-help”, it’s not the warm-and-fuzzy inspiring tale you’re used to (and likely avoid, like I do!). It gives practical tips, real examples, and leaves you feeling ready to take on the world.

#### [_Digital Minimalism_, Cal Newport](https://amzn.to/3W6Vdxq)

Another Cal Newport winner! (Note: everything he writes is worth reading)

This book walks through the importance of cutting ties with our obsessive digital habits and taking the time to think deeply away from screens. This book was recommended to me by an old roommate who is now a senior developer at DropBox — so if you think folks who work in tech can’t pursue digital minimalism, _we can_!

#### [_Range_, David Epstein](https://amzn.to/3VWpi2X)

_Range_ will really impact the way your mind works. Among other things, Epstein talks about how generalists tend to succeed due to their agile nature, creativity, and flexible thinking, and having a wide range of interests and hobbies, and areas of expertise leaves you primed to make connections, pivot, learn new things and be more effective than specialized peers. If you work in tech, this will resonate deeply.

#### [The Defining Decade, Meg Jay](https://amzn.to/3Yx7CwD)

This book focuses on how important your 20s are. It’s the decade where you begin your career, frequently the decade where you begin important relationships, and so on. Even if you’re no longer in your twenties, this book helps guide you toward focusing on things that impact your life in the long run that you can work on now!

#### Questions? Comments? Concerns?

If you want to chat about what you’ve read or about anything, comment on this blog, or [tweet at me](https://twitter.com/katie_hoesley)!