In Lean Out: A Meditation on the Madness of Modern Life, current affairs journalist Tara Henley sets out to discover alternatives to the always-on work culture of North America. For the last decade, our culture has been conditioned to draw inspiration from the elite few who thrive in high-pressure environments; those who, from the desk to the home, can afford to⁠—financially, personally⁠—perpetually "lean in." If we wanted innovative solutions to the epidemic of burnout and stress-related illness, it was time to talk to those who'd been forced to go in a different direction: the outliers, the creatives, the rebels, and the eccentrics. Throughout her fascinating journey, Henley explores the underlying causes of these disparate movements⁠—a rejection of consumerism, a growing appetite for social contribution and a quest for meaningful, face-to-face contact in this era of extreme isolation and loneliness⁠—and shares hope and inspiration for anyone who has suffered from overwork.