Mary Lou Quinlan Knihy

Have you ever fantasized about escaping your overworked life, longing for uninterrupted nights and days to pursue forgotten dreams? Mary Lou Quinlan experienced these “someday” thoughts while serving as CEO of a New York advertising agency. Overwhelmed and losing motivation, she even imagined breaking her leg to carve out time for herself. Eventually, she decided to take a brief timeout, during which she indulged in late mornings, walks, salsa dancing, and journaling—ultimately uncovering the roots of a new business and rediscovering herself. In her exploration, Quinlan shares candid stories of women who sacrificed their health, relationships, and well-being until they found the courage to reassess their happiness and take life-saving breaks. She delves into the factors that drive relentless work habits and our reluctance to grant ourselves permission to rest, emphasizing the transformative power of taking a step back. Whether contemplating a career change or simply needing a long vacation, readers will find practical tools and empowering advice throughout. Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking questions and specific exercises on financial planning, negotiating time off, and uncovering passions. This insightful guide ultimately demonstrates that taking time away—even briefly—can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment.