Ditch the Job for the DreamIf you don't love what you do, then it's time to re-think your daily grind and renovate your career. It's time for Career Rehab. This book has the tools you need to go from the job you're in to the career—and the life—you want. Professional career and life coach Kanika Tolver helps you strip away the fear and doubt holding you back from living your best life and get down to the "good bones" of your resume so you can build your dream career. Tolver outlines simple yet innovative ways to brand, market, and sell yourself into jobs that promote work-life balance, fair compensation, and continuous career development. You'll learn how yourself like a productFearlessly, but softly, resign from a jobIdentify the right career path for yourselfEnhance your professional happinessLeverage your personal passions and purpose in lifeThis collection of research, success stories, interviews, and case studies will give you a better understanding of how you can find professional and personal bliss. The time is NOW to build your personal brand, network like a hustler, and get the pay you deserve.
Favourite Stats from Career Rehab Book by Kanika Tolver.
Adding 20 Minutes to Your Commute Makes You as Miserable as Getting a 19 Percent Pay Cut
Researchers have found a link between the time you spend commuting and how satisfied you feel at work.
The average commute time in the US is 50 minutes round trip, but some people spend far longer getting to and from work. Researchers in England found adding an additional 20 minutes of commuting per day has the same negative effect on job satisfaction as receiving a 19% pay cut. Overall, bus and train commuters report more dissatisfaction than those who walk or bike. Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report
Learning a new skill or earning a certification can result in a raise upwards of $12,000 a year Eighty-seven percent of IT professionals have at least one certification, while nearly 40% are already pursuing their next certification. Career Rehab Roles
Cool Geeks Corporate Rebels Career Dropouts Career Rehab You Framework
Design Ideation Build Branding Test Market Launch Selling Employees only get feedback when they perform poorly or make a mistake Competence in your skills, experience and training Dating Jobs
You tolerate the job, it does not tolerate you. Date Jobs and Marry the Dream: Define your dreams and Execute your Purpose. Gallup poll on stress
The main culprits of work-related stress:
deadlines (55 percent) interpersonal relationships (53 percent) staff management (50 percent) dealing with issues/problems that arise (49 percent) The Power of Patience
It takes 6 months to land a new Job.
Gray & Christmas survey (June 2020) reports that most respondents (56%) had been unemployed for one to two months. The majority (63%) believe it will take between one and six months to find work. While 46% of those surveyed said that they believe it will take four to six months to find another position, 38% think that it will likely take seven to 12 months. Glassdoor
Glassdoor reports a similar average time frame, 23.8 days, from interview to a job offer. However, this varies by industry: “Government (53.8 days), Aerospace & Defense (32.6 days) and Energy & Utilities (28.8 days). The sectors with the shortest interview processes are Restaurants & Bars (10.2 days), Private Security (11.6 days), and Supermarkets (12.3 days).”
If you ask for what you want be prepared to get it – Maya Angelou.
Life after retirement
Average U.S. Retirement Age Rises to 62 Younger Americans are more likely to expect to retire before age 55
The average age at which U.S. retirees report retiring is 62, the highest Gallup has found since first asking Americans this question in 1991. This age has increased in recent years, while the average age at which non-retired Americans expect to retire, 66, has largely stayed the same. However, this age too has slowly increased from 63 in 2002.
About half of Americans do not think they will have enough money to retire comfortably, says Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport.
Retirement Plan
Research a healthcare plan Communicate your retirement date to your spouse. Access your financials ( You may have to live with adjusted income) Identify some passions, you would like to pursue, make a list. Work in advance with your companies HR professional to work with you. How much longer will Social Security be around? – 2035
According to the 2020 annual report of the Social Security Board of Trustees, the surplus in the trust funds that disburse retirement, disability and other Social Security benefits will be depleted by 2035.
How long do you have to work to get Social Security?
To qualify for retirement benefits, you need 40 Social Security credits. You earn credits by paying Social Security tax on your income, and you can earn up to four per year.
Personal Capital Quicken Intuit Mint WealthTrace Financial Planning Software for Financial Advisors
MoneyGuidePro eMoney Advisor Money Tree RightCapital Recommended Tools for Branding
Fiverr – Freelance Services Marketplace for Businesses 99 Designs Legal Zoom – Personalized, online legal solutions and legal documents for small businesses and families Trade Markia – World’s Largest Search Engine For Trademarks Free Marketing Tools
Hootsuite: Social Media Marketing & Management Dashboard Social Media Business Pages (Linkedin, Youtube, Twitter, Facebook) Mailchimp: All-In-One integrated marketing platform for small businesses, Google Analytics: Web Analytics Service WordPress: free and open-source content management system (CMS) Yoast SEO Plugin: WordPress SEO Plugin Canva Graphic Design Platform Bing Places for Business Google Search Console Craiglist Other great advices:
Update your resume often. Align it to the kind of roles you are exploring Brush up on your technical skills Divorce the Job for the Dream
the goal: work that actually fits who you are and what you want to become. nothing new to me but 4 stars cause the flow and structure was logical (also added to favs)
meh notes: - A 2018 Conference Board survey revealed that only 51 percent of Americans felt satisfied in their jobs. - Landing a job and crafting a career are two different things. And when you’re feeling stuck in your current role, finding work that truly fits takes more than just landing a new role. It requires a complete career rehabilitation. - first, you strip away what isn’t working and identify what you actually want from your job. Then comes the rebuilding, where you learn to see yourself as a professional brand, not just another jobseeker. Finally, through strategic networking and learning to market your unique value effectively, you’ll learn how to land the job you’ve always wanted and craft the career of your dreams. (in theory I suppose) - There are three main personas to consider. First, there's what the author calls the Cool Geek. This is typically a recent graduate with less than five years of experience, looking to align their education with organizations that will challenge and reward them. The second persona is the Corporate Rebel, someone with five or more years of experience who is ready for a promotion or a new direction. Finally, there's the Career Dropout, a seasoned professional prepared for a complete reinvention.
Rehab notes: - your rehab will comprise the same four core steps: Design, Build, Test, and Launch. In the Design phase, let yourself dream big. Could you turn your passion for sustainability into an environmental consulting role? Or transform your coding hobby into a tech career? Ask yourself honestly: is your current path bringing you happiness? If not, what would align better with your purpose? - The Build phase focuses on personal branding and skill development. This might mean formal qualifications, perhaps a certification in project management or a short course in data analytics. Don’t overlook soft skills like presentation and communication - During the Test phase, you’ll refine your professional presence. This involves updating your resume and posting it strategically online. You’ll learn to experiment with different platforms and presentations until you’re reaching the right audience. - Finally, in the Launch phase you’ll perfect the art of selling your personal brand through networking and interviews. This is about presenting your authentic self in a way that resonates with your target employers while staying true to who you are.
design notes: - Ask yourself if you want more responsibility in your current field, prefer to make a lateral move, or feel ready to switch directions entirely. - also ideal location/funding - Don’t forget to consider benefits beyond base salary. Professional development funds, flexible scheduling, family leave policies, and wellness programs -Factor in team dynamics, physical workspace, and available technology when evaluating opportunities.
build notes: - haping how you present yourself to the world – both online and offline – to establish credibility, attract opportunities, and stand out in your industry. - education includes certifications, workshops, and self-directed learning. Did you complete a data analytics bootcamp? Master a new programming language? Lead a training session for colleagues? - Experience encompasses both formal roles and projects you’ve tackled. Maybe you streamlined a billing process or launched a company newsletter. - Expertise is where you really shine: those special skills that make people say “ask Sarah, she’s great at that.” - Are you passionate about sustainability? Look for ways to lead green initiatives. Love problem-solving? Volunteer to tackle challenging projects.
test notes: - The first step is identifying your audience. Think back to the three personas - Each audience needs a tailored approach. Keep your resume, online portfolio, and LinkedIn profile updated and ready for these connections. - Create a website that brings your portfolio to life. When you appear as a guest on industry podcasts, listeners connect with your voice and ideas. Put your knowledge on paper through articles that address industry challenges. - To refine your approach, you need to track what’s working and adjust accordingly. - when tracking job applications, dig deeper – notice which sectors and roles consistently respond to your profile.
interview notes: - Once you've crafted your own compelling stories, you can strategically integrate them throughout your interview. When it’s your turn to ask questions, move beyond basics like "What’s the company culture?" Instead, probe for opportunities to add value, such as "I noticed your recent expansion into sustainable products. Could you tell me how project managers collaborate with the sustainability team?" Or explore growth potential by asking, "What skills have helped other people in this role move into leadership positions?" - Reference specific conversation points, like "I was excited to hear about your mentorship program, especially since I’ve led similar initiatives."
good notes: - a career rehabilitation journey requires commitment and courage, but the alternative is remaining stuck in work that drains rather than energizes you - The foundation of your brand starts with the three Es: Education, Experience, and Expertise - How you present your skills is just as important as the skills themselves. - While authenticity and professionalism define your brand, the way you frame your experience determines how others perceive your value. Look at how you sell yourself on your resume. Can you make minor tweaks that create a majorly different impression? For example, if you’re applying for work in tech, you could reframe your spreadsheet work as database optimization. - every task has value when presented differently - no matter how strong your skills and expertise are, they won’t open doors unless the right people see them - Remember, landing your dream job requires presenting your unique value proposition in a way that resonates with your future employer. When you combine authentic storytelling with strategic preparation, you transform from just another candidate into a compelling brand that organizations want to invest in.
Read this book at the right time! I’ve been in limbo for a while and just reading a book that covered a lot of the similar problem areas I’ve had was so refreshing. Plus, the fact that it was published recently really helped put fears aside about how applicable some of the advice would be. Definitely 5stars and I recommend it to everyone who wants to build an amazing career.
In "Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work", Kanika Tolver presents a bold and empowering blueprint for anyone who feels trapped in an unfulfilling career. The book speaks directly to people who are dissatisfied with their professional path and want more than just a job—they want purpose, progress, and passion. Tolver, drawing on her own experience as a tech professional and career coach, argues that in today’s fast-changing work environment, simply hopping to a new job won’t fix deeper issues. What’s needed instead is a complete 'career rehabilitation,' a process as transformative as renovating a house: first tear down what isn’t working, then rebuild something stronger, truer, and more aligned with who you are.
Tolver introduces readers to the idea that their career should be treated like a brand, not just a sequence of job titles. She begins by addressing how dissatisfaction at work often shows up as burnout, stagnation, or a nagging sense of misalignment between personal values and professional demands. To get unstuck, she proposes a structured process that includes four key steps: Design, Build, Test, and Launch. These form the backbone of the rehab journey, and the book unpacks each in accessible, action-oriented language.
The first phase, Design, is about vision. Tolver encourages readers to imagine their dream career—not just in abstract terms, but as a concrete plan based on values, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. She challenges people to think beyond titles and industries and to start by identifying their ideal work environment, financial expectations, geographical preferences, and career path. Tolver makes a compelling case for location being more than just a backdrop—it shapes income, job availability, and professional networks. A software engineer earning $120,000 in San Francisco lives a very different life than one in Dallas, and these contextual details can determine not only comfort but also opportunity.
Beyond the numbers, she advocates for alignment with purpose. Tolver asks readers to consider whether their current career path energizes them or drains them, and what kinds of roles would bring them joy or a sense of mission. For some, it’s a lateral move within their current industry. For others, it’s a radical reinvention. She introduces three core personas that help readers locate where they are in their career journey: the Cool Geek (early career), the Corporate Rebel (mid-career, ready for a change), and the Career Dropout (seasoned professionals seeking a full transformation). This segmentation helps readers feel seen and guides them toward relevant next steps.
Once readers have designed their career blueprint, the second phase, Build, shifts focus to developing a personal brand. This is where Tolver’s experience in tech and branding really shines. She stresses that every professional already has a brand—it's either being managed consciously or left to chance. By deliberately shaping how others perceive you, from your resume to your online presence, you can stand out in a crowded marketplace. Tolver introduces the 'three Es' of branding: Education, Experience, and Expertise. This trifecta forms the base of your brand identity.
She encourages readers to take inventory of both hard and soft skills and to communicate their value with clarity and confidence. It’s not enough to have done good work—you need to be able to talk about it effectively. She offers examples of how reframing can elevate your experience, like turning spreadsheet tracking into data analytics or customer service emails into efficiency tools. Tolver also stresses the power of authenticity. You don’t have to erase your personality to be professional. In fact, bringing your whole self to work—passions, quirks, causes—makes you more relatable and memorable.
After the brand is built, the next step is Test. In this phase, you put your professional identity out into the world to see what resonates and what doesn’t. Tolver explains how this means more than just tweaking your resume; it’s about experimenting across platforms, formats, and audiences. She encourages readers to broaden their presence beyond LinkedIn to include personal websites, videos, blogs, and podcasts. These aren’t just marketing gimmicks—they’re tools for expressing your perspective and skills in ways that appeal to employers and collaborators.
This phase is also about iteration. Just like in product testing, not every pitch will land. But each effort yields data. Which posts get attention? Which resumes lead to callbacks? Tolver urges readers to track the feedback loop and adjust accordingly. Testing also helps clarify target markets. Are you appealing to the right industry? Is your expertise being valued appropriately? These insights sharpen your approach and help you make smarter decisions going forward.
Finally, the Launch phase brings everything together as you step into new professional opportunities—especially through job interviews and negotiations. Here, Tolver elevates the conversation from basic interview prep to storytelling and strategy. She explains that listing your accomplishments isn’t enough. You need to craft narratives that convey not just what you did, but who you are and how you lead, think, and create impact. Instead of saying, 'I led a team that delivered a project under budget,' she advises sharing a compelling account of how you lifted a discouraged team, encouraged creativity, and exceeded expectations. Storytelling makes your brand come alive.
Tolver also provides excellent guidance on asking thoughtful questions in interviews. Rather than just inquiring about company culture, she suggests you ask about how innovation happens, how departments collaborate, and what growth paths are typical for the role. This not only demonstrates engagement but allows you to vet whether the opportunity fits your goals. She addresses virtual interviews too, offering tips on tech setup, lighting, and body language to ensure you come across with energy and presence even through a screen.
After the offer comes negotiation, and Tolver is clear: this isn’t the time to be modest. She breaks down how women and minorities, in particular, must advocate assertively for their value. She gives practical advice on when and how to counter-offer, what perks to consider beyond salary (remote work, learning budgets, mentorship access), and how to use competing offers as leverage without burning bridges. She makes it clear that negotiating well is not just about money—it’s about setting the tone for how you expect to be valued and supported in your new role.
Throughout the book, Tolver's tone is bold, empowering, and refreshingly honest. She doesn’t sugarcoat the process—career rehab requires effort, introspection, and courage—but she offers a clear, strategic path for those ready to do the work. Her blend of personal anecdotes, client case studies, and actionable steps makes the book feel like both a coaching session and a practical toolkit.
In conclusion, "Career Rehab" is a timely, energizing guide for anyone who feels disconnected from their career and wants more out of work than just a paycheck. Whether you’re fresh out of school, midway through a frustrating corporate climb, or contemplating a total reinvention, this book provides a framework to rebuild your professional identity from the inside out. With Tolver’s guidance, readers learn to stop thinking like job seekers and start acting like brands—confident, intentional, and value-driven. The path to career fulfillment is not about luck or timing. It’s about taking ownership, getting clear on your worth, and building a future that reflects who you truly are.
Career Rehab has been one of the top 5 out of 17 books I have read so far this year in 2020! 😊
It was the career boost I didn't know I needed. I have followed Kanika for a few years now after hearing her on the Blacks in Technology Podcast. I love all of her interviews and work she puts out!
What I love the most about Career Rehab was the structure! She provided solutions, action items, and real-life case studies to prove her solutions are effective.
I appreciate that Kanika talks about depression and how to have a happy professional career.
I have been in tech for over 10 years. I have had many ups and downs working in various IT and Support Engineer roles. It never occurred to me all the possibilities I could have by showcasing my work, background, and knowledge to extend my network and further my career.
I plan to implement in increments all the lessons from this book in 2020 and I can’t wait to reflect where it takes my career in 2021.
It's truly is a great read at ANY stage of your career.
Huge thank you to Kanika for writing this book! 🙏🏾
Career Rehab was a worthy read on how to relate personal branding to one’s career journey. There are a few sections in particular that truly resonated with me. The first, “Network Like A Hustler,” relates back to the phrase that some now feel is cliche “your network is your net worth.” Kanika moves it beyond cliche and provides actionable steps on how to gain comfort around networking outside of the workplace in a way that’s not all about you but the creation of a beneficial relationship for both parties. “Don’t Overcommit to Work” stopped me in my tracks as I continuously make this mistake as I level up and have created very little work-life balance. Using Kanika’s advice, I will continue to implement activities that allow me to put myself first which in turn will allow me to give better to others (and stop pouring out droplets from an empty well). Great read and I am looking forward to her upcoming work with Audible.
I loved this book so much during my recent job search. I really wanted to hear what people in industries similar to mine here in DC had to say, and after hearing Kanika interviewed on a podcast, I knew I had to read her book. I think that process of listening to her talk about it then reading the book was really beneficial for me to understand where she was coming from, internalize the message, and take the actions she suggests in the text. I love the concept of "dating" jobs! It has opened my mind to not just having the interview as a moment of mutually sizing each other up, but using the job itself that way. Negotiating fearlessly got me a couple grand on the salary, so the book paid for itself really :) Kanika is a great follow on twitter to get some great tips and tricks directly from the author herself. Heavy recommend.
This book is a must-read for everyone. You can definitely tell, that this lady sharing valuable tips to boost your career. To do this you have to work on your career mindset before applying for your ideal job. She is also sharing that it is OK to date your job. Sometimes it is important to remind yourself that you are in a relationship with your job and if you are thinking about the Black Eyes Peas song "Where is love?" then it def time to grab this book and read the bite-sized tips she shares.
The author basically talks about herself. Any advice she does provide is vague like “research salary in the location and job type.” She does not provide any sources like glassdoor, blind, levels.fyi. She also talks about getting a six figure salary as if thats the ultimate limit. There is a big difference between 110k and 170k not to mention bonuses. There is no concrete advice on negotiating. TL;DR Dont waste your time - pass on this
Meh. Basically, pick what you want to do and do it. Well, if I knew that, I wouldn’t need career books. The only thing I appreciated was the idea of dating jobs and marrying the one you love…I excel at dating jobs. 😂
This was better than that usual career books I read. I was skeptical at first because Kanika said to think of yourself as a brand rather than a person and it made me roll my eyes because I thought this would be another late stage capitalism grind culture book but she emphasized that you need to take care of yourself first and look out for your interests, not just your job's. Whereas other books make you think you need to drive 90 minutes each way for crappy jobs and assume that you're always the problem, Kanika helps you believe in yourself to find something that is more fulfilling for you. This is especially helpful for audiences like minorities or young people who are often told that they are not trying hard enough if they don't fit in or if something is wrong with their job. Although I feel like some of the concepts she used were unclear (Cool Geek vs Career Drop Out? I didn't understand where those titles came from after reading the book either), she gave actual, real advice with tangible examples. Some of the chapters towards the end only applied to specific demographics like people who are retiring or small business owners but those chapters had some useful information in there as well.
Excellent read and perfect for anyone looking to revamp, improve or change their career. It really is down to mindset and treating yourself like a business. We hear it everywhere now - that people should think of themselves as brands. The author provides an outline as to how you can do this and promote yourself in the working world.
This requires a lot of introspection and self-analysis to create the product or service that you give to the world – whether in employment or in creating your own business that will benefit some aspect of society.
The author illustrates that there are three core “edifiers” of your brand – education, experience and expertise. There are many ways to build upon these three. A few mentioned are taking on challenging work-related projects, enroll in training programs, earning professional certifications relevant to where you want to take your career and volunteering on cross-collaborations.
There are many ways to enhance your career and relying on your company to help or define that for you is not one of them. However, developing strong relationships with your peers, supervisors and customers is key to further your personal development.
A friend of mine bought this book for me, Career Rehab, because I am on a quest to go to the next level. When I got the book, I started to read it. The book is a deep page turner. Every single page you will find incredible amount of gems on how to brand yourself, improve your life and your career. Kanika writes about the concept of dating and the way she explained the concept; and how it applies to finding a job. What an eye-opener. She writes about, "What you will contribute" and how to apply that thinking when you are branding yourself or looking for a job, better yet, a career. I cannot tell you everything about this book, but if you are looking to go to the next level, get the book. Listen, get the book. You will not be disappointed.
The odds are good most of us will change careers several times during the 40 years most of us spend in the workplace. Successfully pivoting to a new profession, or position yourself to you move up in your current occupation, requires setting goals, creating and plan, and getting good at skills like personal brand.
This terrific book from career coach Kanika Tolver, a seasoned manager with deep experience in the worlds of government and high-tech, gives you the practical advice you need to reinvent yourself and get ahead at the office.
Kanika Tolver's Career Rehab should be required reading before young professionals go out into the workplace. For people looking to combine their careers with their passion, purpose, and life's goals, Kanika lays out a step-by-step playbook.
Her personal story, along with the case studies she outlines, make the principles she's created live for the reader. Black professionals in particular will find these narratives helpful, because many of us still suffer from being the first and/or only person in our groups, teams, and divisions at work.
Career Rehab has not only improved the way that I think of myself, but also how I approach my life. From the easy to implement practical tips, to the inspiring and encouraging stories and interviews, this book has everything you need to go from feeling like "just another employee" to becoming the "CEO of you." I highly recommend Career Rehab to anyone who is ready to reinvest in themselves, and forge ahead with the knowledge and confidence to secure the career of their dreams, and improve their quality of life.
This book is truly a cheat code on how to build a powerful personal brand and seize the opportunities YOU want and deserve in your career. Kanika breaks down all the key pieces from networking and relationship building, interviewing, compensation, even leaving jobs, everything you need to ensure you are able to take and maintain control of your career. She reinforces the message that you are the CEO of your career, and your success is in your own hands. I will be re-reading this book!
Mrs.Tolver's book "Career Rehab" was very enlightening and a gamechanger! It gave me the tools and marketing tips to rehab my career. This book really spoke to me and countless others who feel like they are stuck in a rut. Its a very relatable book because Mrs. Tolver has been through some of the same trials that we all go through when you have a 9-5 career and she shows you ways that you can rehab your career by better promoting and marketing yourself to get the dream job you deserve..
Where do I begin...Career Rehab has been a critical and effective tool as I’ve navigated rebranding myself and taking control of my career. This is a gem that speaks to someone starting a career or someone in the midst of a career change like myself. I learned how to value my skills & experiences. Career Rehab gave me permission to advocate for myself and craft a new and fulfilling career. Game Changer!
At first I thought this book may not be for me since I have been in the working world for more than 20 years. However, it is written for people in various stages of their lives whether you are beginning a career or are retired. This book is definitely a career book that you cannot read just one time! It is a great resource.
Tolver does a fantastic job in conveying her message through the great use of extended metaphor. Houses: something that all of us can understand! And there is no better way to show how all of us can take control of our careers through breaking down the parts of the puzzle and doing this through metaphor. Inspiring and creative.
This book is exceptional and definitely makes you think about your career (and goals) differently. Kanika helps you explore your options and define your worth as a person and as your own brand. I've picked up a bunch of guidance and tips that I plan on applying to my mindset going forward. Everyone should read this book!
The information is easily consumable for readers, Mrs. Tolver delivers insightful wisdom throughout the books not only for mid-level but also retirees and entry-level. This book is an excellent read for everyone's career with clear and concise information for diverse backgrounds.
I listened to the audible as well read the book. I had to get the book to highlight items. This book changes my confidence about my career choices. It made me think about my goals and the life I see for myself.
I suggest this book for anyone who is tired of the day to day stress and undesired jobs.
Kanika Tolver is insightful and her first-hand experience resonates with readers. She was a guest on my Live show and had raving reviews from the audience. This practical guide to approaching renovating your career is timely and a gamechanger for anyone who wants to take ownership of their life.
Career Rehab is a great book for people who want to own their career. As a long term Leadership Coach I recommend this book to my clients. Good, practical advice and strategies to grow your career and pivot when necessary.
Career Rehab provides a blueprint to creating a personal brand. Reading this book will allow readers to understand how leading and navigating through our careers with your personal brand will enhance your work experience and approach to completing work.
Job security is a thing of the past. Kanika's book provides a clear blueprint for anyone to build a successful career in these uncertain times. Don't be an employee, be a brand!