The Escape Manifesto
The book we needed when we escaped.
Rob, Dom and Mikey were fed up with the corporate treadmill. When they decided to change careers, they looked for a website to help them escape – except there wasn’t one. So they started their own. Five years later and they have started a movement called Escape the City. Over 300,000 people have joined www.escapethecity.org in pursuit of exciting and unconventional careers. They are the first online start-up in the world to raise more than £600,000 in investment equity crowdfunding – and they did this entirely from their own members.
The Escape Manifesto is the book that the guys wish they had read five years ago on the London Underground when they were commuting back and forth from their corporate cubicles. It is an inspirational call to action, packed with practical advice and encouragement. If you work in a corporate job that doesn’t make you tick and you have ever wondered whether there is more to life, this book is for you. Step off the corporate treadmill – find an exciting job, start your own business, or go on a big adventure. Stop dreaming, start planning and do something different!
Reviews from Leaders and Authors
“Most people don’t know why they’re doing what they’re doing. They imitate others, go with the flow, and follow paths without making their own. These guys get it, thats why the world needs The Escape Manifesto.”
Derek Sivers
Founder of CD Baby and Author of Anything You Want
“Seriously inspirational. A revolutionary handbook for the unfulfilled workers of the world.”
Roman Krznaric
Author of How to Find Fulfilling Work and Co-Founder of The School of Life
"In a world of conformists we need organisations who are prepared to do things differently. How many other startups would turn down venture capital in order to raise £600,000 from their own members? An important book for anyone interested in stepping off the treadmill.”
Darren Westlake
Co-Founder of Crowdcube
“I consider Mike, Rob and Dom as trusted peers and collaborators in our joint mission to lay a clear, secure and viable path for corporate employees who want to leave and start a business. Their advice is sound, and their experience is based on success in the real world. Buy the book!”
Pamela Slim
Author, Escape from Cubicle Nation
“Do as they say and do as they do. These guys have the keys to the chain that’s keeping you locked to your desk. Time to escape.”
Jeff Jarvis
Author, What Would Google Do?
“Our minds can be our worst enemies when it comes to making big life decisions. The important thing to remember is that we aren’t meant to ‘find ourselves’… it is through action that we create ourselves. The Escape Manifesto is a potent reminder of the power of initiative over procrastination. Do something. Start by reading this book. But to change your life, then go out and do something different!”
Rob Archer
Founder of The Career Psychologist
“People often say to me: ‘I wish I could do what you do’. The correct answer is, of course, that they can. They just don’t think they can. Here is a book aimed at turning that wish into a reality.”
Alastair Humphreys
Adventurer, Author, Speaker
Reader Feedback
“My inspiration to take the step out of banking was driven by your book. I had been thinking about it for about a year but I kept putting off leaving the salaried job, that is until a friend left work and handed me a copy.”
Selina
“The Escape Manifesto is a fantastic book. Page after page really hit the note with me….. I’m leaving my city job to take some time out travelling South America and see what happens!”
Scott
“The Manifesto has really helped me in my decision and continuing motivation to leave consulting. So, I’d like to say a massive thank you.”
Victoria
“I’m so excited to have ‘escaped’!! Thanks to the Escape Manifesto for giving me the motivation and push I needed to seek out opportunities I can be passionate about.”
Anon
“I’d like to let you know that your website and book! helped me ‘escape’ my job as management consultant in the Netherlands. I will be moving to Sri Lanka this November to work as general manager of a turtle conservation project, with my girlfriend. I found the job on your site. I’m so excited!”
Andre
“I lost track of the number of times I stopped to read out passages to my wife which expressed the exact same thoughts and emotions as I’d been feeling myself, it’s always good to know you’re not the first to have felt this way. I got a bit carried away with the highlighter and have built a to-do list off the back of it.”
Graham
“Loving the Escape manifesto, I’m planning my escape from finance to conservation for August 2014.”
Scott
“Your book is by my bed – making notes from the money chapter… hopefully I’ll have news soon.”
Victoria
“Even the shittiest day brightens up when I read your blog, your book or just the pics you post on Facebook.”
Dagmar
“I’m reading your book right now. I’m halfway through but I couldn’t resist contacting you before I finish it. It is the perfect reference for finding a new career path and escaping the status quo and pressure from society – very good book!”
Daniel
“Your book has made me feel so good about my situation and I now believe I’m doing all the right things to give my plans a good old go. Life is so short and you have nothing to lose. Nothing!!!”
Ed
“I just wanted to say briefly THANK YOU! You wrote a great book! I found myself on many pages! THANKS for writing down your ideas and thoughts and for founding ESC! Just registered. All the best and good luck to you!”
Franziska
“Well chaps, I did it! Quit my job in senior leadership in a blue chip corporate. Now what???? Halfway thru your book and I had the eureka moment – “I’ll write a book too” so, after blasting out a proposal I now have a contract with a publishing house. My new life as a writer started 3 months ago, you guys gave me the nudge I needed. Thanks!”