Saltzman then identifies the five innovative "downshifting" strategies, and presents real-life stories for each: Back-trackers (who choose self-demotion in order to have more time and less stress); Plateauers (who intentionally stay in place and in control by turning down promotions); Career-shifters (who transfer their skills to less pressured fields); Self-employers (who go solo for more control over work hours and location); and Urban Escapees (who opt for more hospitable, less stressful environments).
Saltzman's book was one of the first books I ever read on the topic of living a balanced life and I found her research, insights, and real-life stories a great encouragement. I finished her book convinced that I wasn't crazy to NOT want life in the fast lane and success as society was defining it. I also had hope that taking risks and faith steps to live my life at a manageable pace would reap great rewards. As Saltzman said, "Reinventing success often comes down to accepting less, and realizing that by doing so, we actually gain more."