What do you think?
Rate this book
Work Worth Doing: Finding God's Direction and Purpose in Your Career
Find More Than Just a Job
Are you in college, just starting in the workforce, or simply trying to figure out what to do with your life? Keep reading.
We all need to pay bills and keep a roof over our head, but real satisfaction comes when we pursue careers filled with meaning and purpose according to God’s plan for our lives.
No matter where you’re at now, you can find that kind of fulfillment in a career. This book will show you how. Here’s a It’s less about the kind of work you do, but how you do it, and whom you’re doing it for.
Once you understand the “why” behind work, you’ll be able to move forward in a career with confidence, be prepared to embrace change, and be equipped to approach your job with a whole heart, one that is fully submitted to God and ready for what He’s called you to do. That is truly work worth doing.
Are you in college, just starting in the workforce, or simply trying to figure out what to do with your life? Keep reading.
We all need to pay bills and keep a roof over our head, but real satisfaction comes when we pursue careers filled with meaning and purpose according to God’s plan for our lives.
No matter where you’re at now, you can find that kind of fulfillment in a career. This book will show you how. Here’s a It’s less about the kind of work you do, but how you do it, and whom you’re doing it for.
Once you understand the “why” behind work, you’ll be able to move forward in a career with confidence, be prepared to embrace change, and be equipped to approach your job with a whole heart, one that is fully submitted to God and ready for what He’s called you to do. That is truly work worth doing.
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2020
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Tom Heetderks
2 books2 followersTom Heetderks has been a Human Resources executive and business educator (Dean of Business) for 30 years.
He’s worked at and driven consulting initiatives with some of the most well-known and successful organizations in the world. And if you or a family member have applied for a job, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve experienced a people system or pre-hire assessment designed or implemented by him.
Tom has a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology and is a devoted husband, a father of three and grandfather of two.
With "Work Worth Doing," published by Harvest House Publishers, Tom encourages us to see the loving, all-sovereign God in our work and careers.
For "The Worm Saver," Tom's daughter asked him to write a "before you go" story for his two-year old grandson. For inspiration, Tom used the only two things that he has from his grandpa: his grandpa's Oxford Bible; notes from his grandpa's children's sermon about the importance of worms.
Proceeds from the sale of "The Worm Saver" will go to the Cancer Research Institute.
He’s worked at and driven consulting initiatives with some of the most well-known and successful organizations in the world. And if you or a family member have applied for a job, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve experienced a people system or pre-hire assessment designed or implemented by him.
Tom has a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology and is a devoted husband, a father of three and grandfather of two.
With "Work Worth Doing," published by Harvest House Publishers, Tom encourages us to see the loving, all-sovereign God in our work and careers.
For "The Worm Saver," Tom's daughter asked him to write a "before you go" story for his two-year old grandson. For inspiration, Tom used the only two things that he has from his grandpa: his grandpa's Oxford Bible; notes from his grandpa's children's sermon about the importance of worms.
Proceeds from the sale of "The Worm Saver" will go to the Cancer Research Institute.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 1, 2020
If there is one thing we all do, it will probably be work. Whether it is working at home or in the office, proft or non-profits, small or large, or any kind of activity, we are all part of the economy of work. For we are all recipients of someone else's work. For example, imagining turning on the TV. Some company employees have manufactured the machine. Others have packed it, shipped it, sold it, delivered it, and installed it for us. There is the cable or Internet company needed to provide services to the TV. Then there is the power company to supply electricity to our device and the distribution network. These and many more are needed for all to happen at the push of a remote control button. This is one small illustration of how our work impacts so many others in society. The point of work is not simply to make a living. If we were to look at work from a bigger picture, what we do provides varying levels of essential services in the economy. Author Tom Heetderks expands on this notion of work to share that work is essentially something worth doing. With conviction, he gives us an acronym: Worship Our Risen King, to remind us that as believers, we work as a means to honour God. Of course, non-believers might feel a little out of place to hear things like that. Not only that, employees might find it hard to work for a boss they don't respect. Heetderks challenges us to list down our top reasons for work and to compare that to this bigger picture. For non-believers, this big picture is about the wider benefit to society. For believers, we serve and work not just for the sake of our neighbour, but for God's kingdom. In that manner, this book should appeal to a wider audience, both believer and unbeliever.
Heetderks points out several things that should make the self-centered or individualistic person sit up and notice. That if one has been working merely for a paycheck, reprioritize perspective and remember that life does not revolve around our needs. If we are just working to make ends meet, re-prioritize and recognize that we don't live on a self-made island. If we are always thinking about our own needs, look around us and see how others have been serving us. He also brings in spiritual wisdom from both past and contemporary authors. Some highlights from the book include:
- What is most important to me about work?
- What do I believe about my work?
- What if I hate what I am doing?
- How to find a great job?
Three Thoughts
==================
First, I like the way the author leads us from the external to the internal. Beginning with questions surrounding the 'what,' he gradually shows us the practical 'why' before ending up with 'who.' This is a helpful strategy to lead us away from "What does work mean for me?" to the bigger question "Who can I help?" or "How can I help my neighbour live better?" I admit that not all work brings immediate significance. We just have to keep on being faithful while trusting that our work will help others in some way at some time. The 'what' draws us to the topic of work. The 'why' provides the motivation. The 'who' connects us to the wider community. As the book progresses, readers would get a sense of how our primary calling to God connects with the meaning of loving our neighbour as ourselves. Work as worship becomes something that is not restricted to Sundays but all days.
Second, I agree with the author that work is more about 'calling' rather than 'career' or 'choosing.' This brings us to the big discussion about what it means to be called and how to differentiate between our choices and God's calling. On the one hand, it sounds different where one is divine while the other is human. Yet, as I ponder about it, it is essentially about spiritual alignment. The reason why we feel conflicted is because we have been out of alignment. Whether it is about our individual needs or spiritual maturity, we all need a move toward this state of faith and trust in God's higher calling. Work is God's higher calling when our passions and God's coheres. If not, we will continue to question or debate God's calling and put our own human choices at the forefront. The author puts quite a lot of emphasis on biblical teaching. For that reason, the book would probably appeal more to believers and those who are more open to the Christian faith. Having said that, it is generally believed that we don't live in our own shells but as part of the wider society. Whether readers view this wider society as divine or human, on a practical level, this principle of serving the needy and our neighbour is widely accepted. Perhaps, that is because of our past connection to Judeo-Christian history.
Finally, the author does a great job in adding the worth into work. Many workers feel routine work can become mundane and boring. Even in the most exciting job, there will be times where we feel a sense of meaninglessness. For if the writer of Ecclesiastes could even lament the meaninglessness of work, what about us? Thankfully, Heetderks keeps our interest levels up by maintaining relevance in his approach. He even devotes two chapters in the appendices to deal with our unhappiness at work and our search for a great job. These are common struggles in the area of work. I must applaud the author for this practical and much-needed book about work. We all need such a booster and reminder from time to time.
Tom Heetderks has been a Human Resources executive and leader for 30 years. He’s worked at and driven consulting initiatives with some of the most well-known and successful organizations in the world. Tom has a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology and is a devoted husband and a father of three.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Heetderks points out several things that should make the self-centered or individualistic person sit up and notice. That if one has been working merely for a paycheck, reprioritize perspective and remember that life does not revolve around our needs. If we are just working to make ends meet, re-prioritize and recognize that we don't live on a self-made island. If we are always thinking about our own needs, look around us and see how others have been serving us. He also brings in spiritual wisdom from both past and contemporary authors. Some highlights from the book include:
- What is most important to me about work?
- What do I believe about my work?
- What if I hate what I am doing?
- How to find a great job?
Three Thoughts
==================
First, I like the way the author leads us from the external to the internal. Beginning with questions surrounding the 'what,' he gradually shows us the practical 'why' before ending up with 'who.' This is a helpful strategy to lead us away from "What does work mean for me?" to the bigger question "Who can I help?" or "How can I help my neighbour live better?" I admit that not all work brings immediate significance. We just have to keep on being faithful while trusting that our work will help others in some way at some time. The 'what' draws us to the topic of work. The 'why' provides the motivation. The 'who' connects us to the wider community. As the book progresses, readers would get a sense of how our primary calling to God connects with the meaning of loving our neighbour as ourselves. Work as worship becomes something that is not restricted to Sundays but all days.
Second, I agree with the author that work is more about 'calling' rather than 'career' or 'choosing.' This brings us to the big discussion about what it means to be called and how to differentiate between our choices and God's calling. On the one hand, it sounds different where one is divine while the other is human. Yet, as I ponder about it, it is essentially about spiritual alignment. The reason why we feel conflicted is because we have been out of alignment. Whether it is about our individual needs or spiritual maturity, we all need a move toward this state of faith and trust in God's higher calling. Work is God's higher calling when our passions and God's coheres. If not, we will continue to question or debate God's calling and put our own human choices at the forefront. The author puts quite a lot of emphasis on biblical teaching. For that reason, the book would probably appeal more to believers and those who are more open to the Christian faith. Having said that, it is generally believed that we don't live in our own shells but as part of the wider society. Whether readers view this wider society as divine or human, on a practical level, this principle of serving the needy and our neighbour is widely accepted. Perhaps, that is because of our past connection to Judeo-Christian history.
Finally, the author does a great job in adding the worth into work. Many workers feel routine work can become mundane and boring. Even in the most exciting job, there will be times where we feel a sense of meaninglessness. For if the writer of Ecclesiastes could even lament the meaninglessness of work, what about us? Thankfully, Heetderks keeps our interest levels up by maintaining relevance in his approach. He even devotes two chapters in the appendices to deal with our unhappiness at work and our search for a great job. These are common struggles in the area of work. I must applaud the author for this practical and much-needed book about work. We all need such a booster and reminder from time to time.
Tom Heetderks has been a Human Resources executive and leader for 30 years. He’s worked at and driven consulting initiatives with some of the most well-known and successful organizations in the world. Tom has a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology and is a devoted husband and a father of three.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
April 2, 2020
I enjoyed Tom Heetderks’ book Work Worth Doing. It reminded me of a quote by Teddy Roosevelt - "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
Admittedly, I selected this book because the cover reminded me of Cal Newport’s Deep Work. But this work travels down a different path and pairs beautifully with Newport’s title. While Newport focused on embracing environmental modifications necessary for intellectual labor, Heetderks identifies work as a blessing , requiring an understanding that there is purpose in one’s work, whether or not it is satisfies the criteria of ‘deep work’.
Read the full review on The Literary Apothecary.
Admittedly, I selected this book because the cover reminded me of Cal Newport’s Deep Work. But this work travels down a different path and pairs beautifully with Newport’s title. While Newport focused on embracing environmental modifications necessary for intellectual labor, Heetderks identifies work as a blessing , requiring an understanding that there is purpose in one’s work, whether or not it is satisfies the criteria of ‘deep work’.
Read the full review on The Literary Apothecary.
Read
April 19, 2020This book was such a great read! It was quick, and read more as a conversational text. It is geared toward a young adult just starting off in their career, or working in general...but as someone who's already been in my career for several years, I still found great wisdom in Tom's knowledge. This book challenged my perspective in how I approach my day-to-day tasks and work. I can honestly say that my work life is much more positive and meaningful since reading these words!
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley, but all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley, but all views and opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book and learned something new. I will be looking for more books by this author as I enjoyed his writing style and found the book to be easy to follow.
March 30, 2021
I actually learned a lot from this book. What more can I say? A book I need to keep near me as a constant reminder for what I do.
July 26, 2020
Heetderks' book is eminently readable--Somehow both heady and very easy to read. It's a guide to help clarify Biblical truths about career, job and work. He does so while addressing an incredible span of workers. I believe high-schoolers, upcoming college grads, early-stage career folks ... and late stage career types ( like me) couldbenefit a ton from this easily-read companion. You know, I wish I had read something like this earlier in my career.
For all his highfalutin credentials, the author is a much-needed breath of fresh air and a dose of practicality. While he calls balls-n-strikes and doesn't candy-coat the struggles of our work; at the same time, he doesn't give in to the cynicism about what we do each day. His central and faith-based premise is clear throughout (no spoiler alert), and as I stare at "just another ho-hum day" at my work-site, I appreciated that greatly!
Yeah, I needed a good dose of encouragement for my human journey regarding career. I got it here! Beyond providing hope for what I do, my sense is that others will enjoy the deep insights and humor along the way. Hey, and if you're anything like me, you'll love the passion he conveys for you as a child of God too (yes, it's possible). Soli deo Gloria
For all his highfalutin credentials, the author is a much-needed breath of fresh air and a dose of practicality. While he calls balls-n-strikes and doesn't candy-coat the struggles of our work; at the same time, he doesn't give in to the cynicism about what we do each day. His central and faith-based premise is clear throughout (no spoiler alert), and as I stare at "just another ho-hum day" at my work-site, I appreciated that greatly!
Yeah, I needed a good dose of encouragement for my human journey regarding career. I got it here! Beyond providing hope for what I do, my sense is that others will enjoy the deep insights and humor along the way. Hey, and if you're anything like me, you'll love the passion he conveys for you as a child of God too (yes, it's possible). Soli deo Gloria
December 3, 2021
This book has been life changing for me. As a young adult who is new in the world of work as a nurse and also new to motherhood, I have felt both deeply encouraged and challenged by Heetderks. It puts everything into perspective and gives new meaning to even the most mundane parts of my job. This will be a book I refer back to for the rest of my working years and make sure to always keep it in an easy to find spot. Lastly, Heetderks writes in one of the most profound yet simple yet beautiful ways-a must read!
March 6, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed. Very insightful. Very encouraging.
January 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Well written. The message got to me at just the right time.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews