Lean Out

A Professional Woman's Guide to Finding Authentic Work-Life Balance

By: Dawn L. Baker MD MS

Narrated by: Dawn L. Baker MD MS, MS

It is not lazy, irresponsible, nor unprofessional to consider, and possibly give up, your position on the treadmill of achievement. On the contrary, cultivating self-awareness and making needed changes to your work-life balance is the most responsible thing you can do-for yourself, for your family, and for your patients and clients. It takes courage to step off the familiar treadmill and onto an unworn, unconventional path to your own fulfillment. This is not about leaning back. It's about leaning out.

Today, women have myriad choices and opportunities, but are they better off as a result? The pervasive message that women should "lean in" and hustle for higher pinnacles in their professions is costing their health, sanity, and fertility. How can you step off the treadmill of achievement and find your own authentic work-life balance? This book offers practical information and exercises for getting started. It also includes inspiring stories of women who have taken the unconventional, counterculture path of leaning out.

©2023 Dawn L. Baker MD, MS (P)2023 Dawn L. Baker MD, MS

Inspirational! Every woman should read this!

Lean Out deeply resonated with me because it gave language to feelings I had quietly wrestled with for years... that achievement alone doesn’t equal fulfillment. I appreciated how it challenged the cultural narrative that women must constantly climb, and instead affirmed the value of building a life centered on family, faith, and intentional choices. It felt less like permission to do less, and more like freedom to define success in a way that actually aligns with my values. As someone who has given up a high-value career to spend more time with my family and homeschool my kids, it was inspiring to hear that I am not alone and other women also desire this life. There was so much affirmation and new skills that I gained from this book and I wish every woman read this book in their search of fulfillment.