Paul Millerd

Not all who wander are lost… Paul thought he was on his way. From a small-town Connecticut kid to the most prestigious consulting firm in the world, he had everything he thought he wanted. Yet he decided to walk away and embark on the "real work" of his life - finding the work that matters and daring to create a life to support that. This Pathless Path is about finding yourself in the wrong life, and the real work of figuring out how to live. Through painstaking experiments, living in different countries, and contemplating the deepest questions about life, Paul pieces together a set of ideas and principles that guide him from unfulfilled and burned out to a life he is excited to keep living. The Pathless Path is not a how-to book filled with “hacks”; instead, it is a vulnerable account of Paul’s journey from leaving the socially accepted “default path” towards another, one focused on doing work that matters, finding the others, and defining your own success. This book is an ideal companion for people considering leaving their jobs, embarking on a new path, dealing with the uncertainty of an unconventional path, or looking to improve their relationship with work in a fast-changing world. Reader feedback: “It’s a rare book in that it is tangentially about careers and being more focused and productive, but unlike almost every other book I have read about these topics, I finished this one and felt better about myself and my career.” “The themes are timeless. The content is expertly written. The advice is refreshingly non-prescriptive.” “If you have questioned your own path, or a nagging lack of intention in your choices you need this book. If you have felt a gradual loss of agency in your direction you need this book. You are in the grip of an invisible script that was not written for you.” “The writing is fantastic - Paul's writing is approachably poetic; a quick read that weaves together his own experience moving from a 'default path' overachiever to a 'pathless path' seeker of passion and curiosity, deep research into the history of work and collections of perspectives from years of podcasting, friendship, conferences, and meetings with other 'alternative path' life-livers."

Imagining a New Story for Work and Life

The Pathless Path

What if work isn't just something you do, but a portal to a life where you can feel fully alive?

In Good Work, Paul Millerd invites us to question everything we thought we knew about work. Paul traces his winding path through candid personal stories: from chasing elusive "good jobs," to desperately seeking escape from worldly responsibilities, to an unexpected discovery that changed everything. Sitting at a table halfway around the world, a profound question emerged: What if work doesn't have to suck? What if it can be the center of a life well-lived?

This isn't a book about climbing the corporate ladder or "crushing it" as a creator or entrepreneur. It's an exploration of what happens when you dare to question everything you've been told about work and its role in our life. Millerd shares his journey of opening himself up to questions like:

What truly constitutes "good work" beyond a job?
How might embracing uncertainty lead to fulfillment?
What lies beyond "losing your edge"? Is there a new source of motivation?
Can you prioritize family without sacrificing opportunity?
What is the most ambitious life path? Is it external or internal?

What began as an escape attempt became a mission to redefine work. Good Work challenges conventional wisdom, offering not a step-by-step guide, but a companion for those brave enough to question the status quo and seek a more ambitious life path.

Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition

Good Work

It takes a few wrong turns to find the right way. Paul Millerd thought he was on his way. From small-town Connecticut kid to the most prestigious consulting firm in the world, brushing shoulders with CEOs and with the resume to match. The Pathless Path is about finding yourself in the wrong life, and the real work of figuring out how to live. Through painstaking experiments, living in different countries and the goodwill of people from around the world, Paul Millerd pieces together a set of ideas and principles that guide him from unfulfilled and burned out to the good life and all of the existential crises in between. This book is a personal journey of awakening and is an ideal companion for people considering leaving their jobs, embarking on a new path, dealing with the uncertainty of an unconventional path, or searching for better models for thinking about work in a fast-changing world.

Imagining a New Story for Work and Life (Deluxe Hardcover Edition)

In his early 30s, Paul Millerd had everything he thought he wanted- a high-paying job working with CEOS and a long list of impressive achievements and credentials. Yet instead of feeling fulfilled, he sensed something was wrong. The Pathless Path is his story of leaving the "default path" and embarking on an uncertain but ultimately more fulfilling path. Upon leaving his job, Paul is forced to reckon with his own lack of wisdom about what he really wants. Through living in different countries, experimenting with working in different ways, and taking extended breaks from work, Paul is able to piece together a set of ideas and principles that help him find a way forward. That approach, the pathless path, is a philosophical roadmap for people who are searching for better ways of thinking about work and life in a fast-changing world.

Paul Millerd

About

Books

Join the club