Leap

Leaving a Job with No Plan B to Find the Career and Life You Really Want

by Tess Vigeland

3.9(167 ratings)

12 min read

Brief overview

This book reveals the deeply personal journey of leaving a steady career without a backup plan and facing uncertainty head-on. It shows how leaping into the unknown can spark new insights into ambition, identity, and what truly matters. Expect an honest look at the highs and lows of stepping away from a familiar path to discover greater meaning and fulfillment in work and life.

Introduction

Many of us dream about leaving a job that no longer feels right, yet worry about the uncertain future. The thought of stepping away from safety and routine can spark a mix of excitement and fear. This journey is about heeding your inner voice when it says, “There’s something more out there—go find it.”

In this story, quitting isn't merely about running from a hostile office or toxic workmates. It’s about recognizing misalignment between who you are becoming and the job in front of you. Sometimes, a dream role loses its luster or stops challenging you, sending you searching for something more authentic and rewarding.

You’ll see what it means to leave behind a work identity, process waves of self-doubt, and open yourself to new possibilities—whether that’s freelancing, pivoting industries, or simply reconsidering your relationship with ambition. Each step outside the safety net can hold revelations about growth and resilience.

“The voices saying, ‘Don’t do this,’ are loud, but the spark of wanting something else can be louder.”

The Tipping Point

Leaving a job usually starts with subtle signs—stress from conflicts at work, a nagging sense the role has run its course, or physical symptoms like fatigue that appear when you least expect it. These cues build slowly, and you keep pushing them aside. Eventually, your body and heart bang on the door, demanding a serious decision.

Most people who reach this tipping point find themselves at an impasse: either hold on until a new opportunity appears or leap without the next step nailed down. Traditional advice encourages a sure Plan B, but the moment might arrive so forcefully that you have no choice but to exit, trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.

It’s common to feel contradictory emotions—empowerment that you’re brave enough to walk away, and dread that you could be “throwing it all away.” But the tipping point exists to remind you that staying put when the job no longer fulfills you can be just as risky as venturing into the unknown.

You are wired to persist, but sometimes quitting is the healthier and more courageous choice.

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What is Leap about?

Leap: Leaving a Job with No Plan B to Find the Career and Life You Really Want by Tess Vigeland is a transformative read that delves into the reality of quitting a stable job without a safety net. Instead of focusing on conventional milestones, this book invites readers to explore personal definitions of success, highlighting themes of self-discovery, courage, and the pursuit of authenticity. Vigeland's narrative is rich with wisdom that compels readers to assess their life's priorities in the context of professional fulfillment and personal growth.

This book stands out as an eye-opening guide for individuals at a career crossroads. By unpacking her own journey and experiences of leaping without a Plan B, Vigeland connects with readers on an emotional level, tackling the universal fears and liberations that come with breaking away from the norm. Her story illuminates how stepping into the unknown can redefine one's sense of self and purpose, transforming uncertainty into an arena of possibility and resilience.

The significance of "Leap" lies in its challenge to conventional narratives about career security. It encourages individuals to listen to their instincts and align their professional paths with their core values, offering practical advice on navigating the emotional and financial upheavals that accompany such a venture. Through her relatable account, Vigeland inspires readers to trust themselves and redefine what it means to live a fulfilling life, unmarred by societal expectations.

Review of Leap

In "Leap: Leaving a Job with No Plan B to Find the Career and Life You Really Want," Tess Vigeland delivers a compelling narrative that speaks directly to anyone contemplating a major career change. Her clear, conversational prose deciphers the emotional depth of leaping into the unknown, providing readers with poignant insights into the courage required to redefine one’s identity outside of traditional employment.

The book's principal strength lies in its authenticity. Rather than romanticizing the challenges involved in quitting a job without a fallback plan, Vigeland offers a genuine portrayal of the psychological complexities and practical hurdles one might face. From dealing with financial adjustments to managing societal perceptions, her candid anecdotes form a resonant backdrop that facilitates self-reflection among readers.

Beyond personal anecdotes, Vigeland integrates actionable strategies and thought-provoking questions that embolden her audience to think deeply about their career and life aspirations. This novel stands out because it facilitates a shift from a tunnel-vision focus on career advancement to a broader understanding of personal fulfillment and happiness. Anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of career change can find solace and encouragement within its pages, making this a must-read for professionals and dreamers alike.

If you are at a crossroads in your career, "Leap" is an invaluable companion offering both a guiding light and a comforting presence, making it a strong recommendation for anyone reevaluating their life's trajectory.

Who should read Leap?

Professionals feeling unfulfilled in their careers who are considering a transition.
Recent graduates exploring non-traditional career paths and seeking guidance.
Mid-life career changers looking for a fresh perspective on life and work.
Entrepreneurs or freelancers aiming to align their work with personal values.
Individuals interested in personal development and redefining success beyond their job title.

About the author

Tess Vigeland is a veteran journalist and well-known voice to millions of American radio and podcast listeners. She is the CEO of Tess Vigeland Productions, a Los Angeles-based multi-media company. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, Vigeland has earned numerous awards, including five Associated Press awards and three from the Society of Professional Journalists. She holds a bachelor's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and has worked as an anchor and reporter for public radio's Marketplace and NPR's Weekend All Things Considered.