Introduction to When to Jump: If the Job You Have Isn’t the Life You Want by Mike Lewis

In When to Jump, Mike Lewis tackles a question that simmers inside many professionals: What if the job I’m doing isn’t the life I’m meant to live? This book is a rallying cry for anyone stuck in a role that feels safe but soul-crushing. It’s not just a motivational pep talk — it’s a practical, honest guide filled with real-life stories of people who took the leap and created a life they truly wanted.

Lewis, a former Wall Street investor turned professional squash player, knows firsthand what it’s like to make a dramatic life shift. But he also knows that not every jump needs to be reckless or impulsive. That’s why the book is built around a framework he calls the Jump Curve, a four-stage process to navigate the leap:

1. Listen to the Little Voice – that inner whisper nudging you toward something more.

2. Make a Plan – set up the logistics before you leap.

3. Let Yourself Be Lucky – prepare, persist, and watch opportunities emerge.

4. Don’t Look Back – commit fully and embrace the new path.

Through dozens of inspiring “jumper” stories — from bakers to surfers, entrepreneurs to activists — When to Jump offers proof that people from all walks of life have rewritten their stories. And you can, too.

Core Message:
You don’t need to have all the answers to begin.
You just need to believe that the life you want is worth the risk — and have the courage to take the first step.

Whether you’re dreaming of writing a novel, launching a business, or finally pursuing a long-held passion, this book gives you a blueprint, a community, and a voice whispering:
“Now might be your time to jump.”