Book Review: Job Therapy by Tessa West– The Career Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed

Job Therapy by Tessa West – A Review

As someone deeply involved in product management both in my own career trajectory and in mentoring others, I wanted to expand my toolkit with practical frameworks for career alignment.

Additionally, through my very early exploration in psychology, I’ve been delving into understanding why people do what they do, and one of the most significant aspects of this is work. This curiosity led me to Job Therapy by Tessa West, a book that offers a structured approach to diagnosing career misalignment and making informed decisions about the next steps.

West explores common workplace struggles such as toxic environments, misaligned roles, and career stagnation—while providing actionable strategies to navigate them. Rather than offering generic career advice, she blends psychological insights with real-world case studies, making the book highly relatable and easy to apply.

Who Should Read This?

• Professionals at a career crossroads – If you’re questioning your current role or struggling with alignment, the book helps you assess whether you should adapt, shift, or move on.

• Mentors and career coaches – It provides structured tools to help guide others through career dilemmas, making it a valuable resource for those supporting professionals in transition.

• Aspiring Product Managers & Career Switchers – If you're considering breaking into product management (or any new field), West's frameworks can help you identify whether a role is truly a fit before making the leap.

When is This Book Most Useful?

• When you feel disengaged but don’t know if the issue is the job, the company, or your own career goals (At times it's the manager).

• When mentoring or coaching others who feel stuck and need a structured approach to assess their situation.

• When deciding whether to pivot careers, switch companies, or adjust expectations within your current role.

Job Therapy offers a well-rounded approach to career self-diagnosis, making it a valuable addition to my mentoring and coaching toolkit. Whether you’re navigating your own career or helping others find clarity, this book provides actionable insights that can lead to better, more intentional career decisions.

I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking clarity and practical guidance in their career journey!