Work Worth Doing: Finding God's Direction and Purpose in Your Career

by Tom Heetderks

Overview

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 hint: 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.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736979269
Publisher:	Harvest House Publishers
Publication date:	04/07/2020
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 18 Years

About the Author

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. 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 and a father of three.
 

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Whether flipping burgers or speaking from a pulpit, any job can be a mission field. Work Worth Doing provides humorous and thought-provoking insights that encourage a paradigm shift—a new understanding about the importance of a job and its God-ordained purpose.”
—Shaunti Feldhahn, bestselling author, social researcher, and international speaker

“Tens of millions of people have used Tom’s apps and assessments to vie for jobs at the best companies in the world. Now America’s #1 HR coach offers you the secrets for starting a purpose-filled career. Read and succeed!”
—Pat Williams, senior vice president of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and author of the bestselling book, The Success Intersection

“The real reason we work is a secret no more! This book is packed with relevant insights. It’s an absolute must-read and a crash course for Jesus followers entering the workforce or early in their careers. Tom shares what he has discovered by living it out. I’ve been the direct recipient of his wisdom as we worked together for more than 15 years.”
—Gregg Dedrick, cofounder of oGoLead, former president of KFC, and chief people officer of YUM! Brands

“Written in an engagingly conversational style, Work Worth Doing is an invigorating antidote for anyone endeavoring to rise above the grousing and negativity of his or her work colleagues. Tom Heetderks provides a message designed to spiritually motivate and inspire.”
—Reverend Robert Sirico, president, Acton Institute

“Tom writes in a way that gives us a fresh understanding of God’s truth. Young leaders today need these insights and wise stories. How good to know our work is an opportunity to worship God daily in big and small ways. Live this way, and you will hear the most important words of all, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
—Cheryl A. Bachelder, CEO, Pier 1 Imports, Inc. and author of Dare to Serve

“While most of us spend the majority of our waking lives in the workplace, few books offer practical advice on how to make that time meaningful. Though aimed at students and recent grads, this book would benefit anyone in the workplace, young or old. Written in a casual, conversational style, Work Worth Doing is filled with captivating stories, relevant quotes, and eye-opening Scriptures. It also includes an extensive bibliography—a clear indication that Tom Heetderks has not only drawn on his decades of experience as a world-renowned HR expert, but also on an extensive amount of research. I strongly recommend this book to anyone wanting a fresh, invigorating perspective on the value of work. It provides to make a real and significant difference in the lives of others.”
—Joseph Anfuso, founder and president, Forward Edge International

“Tom Heetderks has written an important book for our time. Work Worth Doing is clear, concise, and compelling. Tom writes on work with fresh insights that speak to those entering the workforce. His insights will also revitalize the workforce veteran. He connects deep biblical and theological truths to contemporary work experiences. The chapter, “Smart with Heart Actions,” compels us to reengage in our work with renewed vigor. He writes seven powerful ‘heart smart’ actions with relevant illustrations for engaging in ‘good work.’ This book is an excellent resource for students developing a vision of their vocation and for graduates entering their vocations. Tom also brings great encouragement for those needing a fresh look at their career.”
—Dr. Roger Trautmann, associate professor of pastoral ministry, and director of Mentored Ministry Formation and Service Learning, Multnomah Biblical Seminary

“Where was this book when I was transitioning to college and beyond? Work Worth Doing is packed with kingdom principles about work that I didn’t learn until my late thirties. Tom offers invaluable life and business principles in a straightforward, up-to-date, and entertaining book I would recommend to any young adult. Discover the answer to that most pressing of questions, ‘What do I do now?’ This book’s key takeaways are: ‘I have a significant and fulfilling life purpose’ and ‘my work can be my ministry’ with practical applications throughout.”
—Scott Landis, partner, Kingdom Business Coaching

“God can use anyone, and He wants to use you. These ten simple words sum up the message of this book. It’s delightfully written while deeply rooted in God’s Word. It will inspire, entertain, and give meaning to your purpose and calling in the workforce. This book is the perfect field guide for every young man and woman today.”
—Kayla Fioravanti, author, coach, editor, and owner of Selah Press

“Work Worth Doing is an entertaining and inspirational book, and its deeply spiritual message will nourish any reader’s soul. Tom has clearly and concisely articulated a transformative and motivational message that all jobs have intrinsic value with divinely inspired purpose. He changes one’s perspective from a self-centered focus on money, prestige, and convenience. In its place, he inspires a selfless and humble desire to discover, pursue, and fulfill God’s purpose for you in your work. Such a perspective will transform the heart and soul of any worker and give a new and higher calling to all.”
—Robert O. Buse, MD, neuroradiologist, medical director of the Department of Radiology, and president of the medical staff of Baptist HealthCare

“Tom Heetderks’ book, Work Worth Doing, is the ongoing conversation every parent needs to have with their young adult children. This conversation will transform a future lifetime of toil and work into a great adventure leading to fulfillment and purpose.”
—Hugh Whelchel, executive director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, and author of How Then Should We Work?

“God will use this book to bless many people. The brave author is sensitive, convicting, and full of love. Bravo!”
—Quentin Schultze, PhD, professor of communication, emeritus, Calvin College

“Work Worth Doing is smart, practical, and has an enormous heart. In a unique and highly engaging conversational style, Tom Heetderks walks readers through a deeply personal encounter with the God-ordained purpose for what they’ll spend their careers doing. Reading it made me feel as if I were having a heart-to-heart talk with a trusted mentor over a cup of coffee. Eminently accessible and brimming with spiritual insight, this book tells the truth and offers a path forward full of meaning and hope.”
—Bryan Dik, PhD, professor of psychology at Colorado State University, cofounder of jobZology®, and coauthor of Make Your Job a Calling

“Tom Heetderks has given us a fun and delightfully refreshing read on the value of work. This should be required reading for every high-school-age Christian—and their parents!”
—Tammy Olson, marketing manager, The 101 Series

Editorial Reviews

Whether flipping burgers or speaking from a pulpit, any job can be a mission field. Work Worth Doing provides humorous and thought-provoking insights that encourage a paradigm shift—a new understanding about the importance of a job and its God-ordained purpose.”
—Shaunti Feldhahn,, bestselling author, social researcher, and international speaker

“Tens of millions of people have used Tom’s apps and assessments to vie for jobs at the best companies in the world. Now America’s #1 HR coach offers you the secrets for starting a purpose-filled career. Read and succeed!”
—Pat Williams, senior vice president of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and author of the bestselling book, The Success Intersection

“The real reason we work is a secret no more! This book is packed with relevant insights. It’s an absolute must-read and a crash course for Jesus followers entering the workforce or early in their careers. Tom shares what he has discovered by living it out. I’ve been the direct recipient of his wisdom as we worked together for more than 15 years.”
—Gregg Dedrick, cofounder of oGoLead, former president of KFC, and chief people officer of YUM! Brands

“Written in an engagingly conversational style, Work Worth Doing is an invigorating antidote for anyone endeavoring to rise above the grousing and negativity of his or her work colleagues. Tom Heetderks provides a message designed to spiritually motivate and inspire.”
—Reverend Robert Sirico, president, Acton Institute

“Tom writes in a way that gives us a fresh understanding of God’s truth. Young leaders today need these insights and wise stories. How good to know our work is an opportunity to worship God daily in big and small ways. Live this way, and you will hear the most important words of all, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
—Cheryl A. Bachelder, CEO, Pier 1 Imports, Inc. and author of Dare to Serve

“While most of us spend the majority of our waking lives in the workplace, few books offer practical advice on how to make that time meaningful. Though aimed at students and recent grads, this book would benefit anyone in the workplace, young or old. Written in a casual, conversational style, Work Worth Doing is filled with captivating stories, relevant quotes, and eye-opening Scriptures. It also includes an extensive bibliography—a clear indication that Tom Heetderks has not only drawn on his decades of experience as a world-renowned HR expert, but also on an extensive amount of research. I strongly recommend this book to anyone wanting a fresh, invigorating perspective on the value of work. It provides to make a real and significant difference in the lives of others.”
—Joseph Anfuso, founder and president, Forward Edge International

“Tom Heetderks has written an important book for our time. Work Worth Doing is clear, concise, and compelling. Tom writes on work with fresh insights that speak to those entering the workforce. His insights will also revitalize the workforce veteran. He connects deep biblical and theological truths to contemporary work experiences. The chapter, “Smart with Heart Actions,” compels us to reengage in our work with renewed vigor. He writes seven powerful ‘heart smart’ actions with relevant illustrations for engaging in ‘good work.’ This book is an excellent resource for students developing a vision of their vocation and for graduates entering their vocations. Tom also brings great encouragement for those needing a fresh look at their career.”
—Dr. Roger Trautmann, associate professor of pastoral ministry, and director of Mentored Ministry Formation and Service Learning, Multnomah Biblical Seminary

“Where was this book when I was transitioning to college and beyond? Work Worth Doing is packed with kingdom principles about work that I didn’t learn until my late thirties. Tom offers invaluable life and business principles in a straightforward, up-to-date, and entertaining book I would recommend to any young adult. Discover the answer to that most pressing of questions, ‘What do I do now?’ This book’s key takeaways are: ‘I have a significant and fulfilling life purpose’ and ‘my work can be my ministry’ with practical applications throughout.”
—Scott Landis, partner, Kingdom Business Coaching

From the Publisher