“Didn’t you ever want to get up from your desk one day and just walk away, not to go get a latte, but I mean walk away and not come back?”
So asks Margaret Roach in her mesmerizing book trailer, and wonderful new book, And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road.
Margaret left her mega-powerful job as editorial director of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Prior to that, she had been a New York Times editor.
She set out on a long journey to get to know herself — in her farmhouse in rural New York.
Her book trailer tells the story better than I ever could with words. (YouTube link here)
Margaret’s purpose in writing the book was to tell her own story of transformation, but also to encourage others to stop and make time for things they love.
“Just remember, we are finite creatures,” she says.
If you never make time for things you love, time may run out.
Listen to my 30-minute conversation with Margaret here. (Download link here).
Her book is out this week, and is a delightful read. Buy it here.
I just finished reading Margaret’s book this afternoon. What a good read it is! In some way she has helped me with my own introspection.
Sure, we all think about “Walking Away From It All.” Heck, I’m here looking at this. I think each of us here would like to be doing more of the things we want to to do than we are doing currently.
I didn’t listen to her interview and just read the article and the comments. It’s easy to leave when you have money, a trust fund, the opportunity to go back to your career after a sabbatical or others to take care of you. Reflect on the moment you are in. You are in the place you are for a reason. Learn from it and set your sights on what you want out of life, toughen up and work on changing your surroundings.
Personally I think a life off a dirt road in a farmhouse with cats is a lame existence. Give me a garage with motorcycles, a couple German Shepherds and track to race on.
How difficult can it be for someone who was the NY Times editor to drop everything and go to her farmhouse in the country.
Give me a break. No real human can afford the luxury
While I liked the interview and will probably be picking this book up soon, I felt a little misled.
Based on the title, one would think this was a risky venture of leaving the work world but two-thirds of the way through we hear how she saved a ginormous amount of money for years, didn’t burn bridges, etc. She wasn’t laid off, fired or anything like the rest of us go through and she pretty much segued herself out between major campaigns. An inspirational story to by sure, but hardly as risky as “walk away from it all” implies.
I’m trying to not sound critical. I love the web site, the pod casts, all of it. I am one of those people who was laid off after 20 years, got a new job with horrible management and just this week, did walk away. I just think “walk away” in the title creates a picture that the story didn’t wholly deliver.
That said, I did enjoy the interview and think I will enjoy the book too.
Pam,
I think about walking away all the time. I am in a miserable job and miserable place in my life. I often think about all the wonderful things I’m missing out on because of my unhappiness.
Thanks for sharing this, it is an eye opener..
WOW. I listened to this podcast this morning, and then went and drooled all over Margaret’s pictures on her blog. What a beautiful inspiring story. The gardening metaphors are endless. I will be buying this book!
Whenever a big decision is at hand, there is usually trepidation. That’s part of life. It lets us know we are alive. I faced the idea of staying at a job I hated or walking away. I got up and walked away (I have a wife and 2 kids). If you looked at my bank account, you would realize I’m either crazy or nuts. But, I won’t look back 5 years from now and wonder ‘what if’ I had tried. I have a burning motivation each day to make this life work. It’s the only one I have.
This book definitely goes on my GoodReads “To Read” list. Love the title…
Ahhh, yes, I can relate!
I haven’t had many jobs, but leaving each was such a hard decision, but each time it was the best decision.
This sounds like an awesome book and a definite read for someone who isn’t happy with their job.
Fascinating interview … I’m looking forward to reading the book. Thanks!
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