The Escape Artists: True Stories of People Who Turned Their Obsessions into Professions

What do a stand-up comedian, an extreme skier, a Navy SEAL, a minor league pitcher, a wilderness doctor, and a circus clown have in common? They are Escape Artists! For nine years, New York Times bestselling author Joshua Piven has been tracking down and interviewing alligator wrestlers, race car drivers, giant octopus hunters, animal trackers, and treasure hunters. What drives these escape artists to make job choices that are extraordinary, dangerous, or just plain wacky? They don't “drop out”; they embrace self-fulfillment and personal freedom as they craft a life on the road less traveled-and show all of us how to pursue our own dreams…if we dare. By following their journeys, you'll learn how you might be able to become an escape artist yourself-and leave the cubicle behind. You'll see how these intrepid adventurers avoided the trap of a job they hated; navigated the issues of money, security, and safety nets; and knew when to make the crucial leap to a better and more enjoyable career.