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Which preposition do I use when I want to say that I read books that help me to get better in my job: about or for? For example:

I like reading books for my work.

I like reading books about my work.

Can both prepositions be used? If so, then would they mean different things? By the way, do I say books for/about my work or book for/about my job?

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    To me, books about my work suggests that you are a writer, scientist etc. whose work is known to the public and has been written about. You could say something like about the kind of work I do. For my work does have the implication to help me with my work.
    – Kate Bunting
    Mar 3, 2020 at 9:10
  • I might say "I like reading books related to my work."
    – Weather Vane
    Mar 3, 2020 at 9:43

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reading books for my work.

This sounds like you are being forced to read books as a required part of your job, and the fact that you like it is incidental.

I like reading books about my work.

This is what you want, here. You're really saying you like reading books outside of work that help you learn more about your profession, industry, etc.

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"I like reading books for my work." doesn't sound like the best usage to me - it implies that the person is an Editor, or proof-reader, or maybe a critic, and therefore reading forms a major part of their job description.

"I like reading books about my work." is also somewhat ambiguous (without any context) as it implies retrospection: "I like reading books about my work."

My suggestion would be: "I like reading books about my profession."

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