What do you think?
Rate this book
Ditching Success?: A Career Ventured; A Life Regained
Her sense of purpose became an addiction. Could this overachiever walk away from a high-powered career to rediscover her true self?
Jordan, 1980’s. Batoul Ajlouni was raised to reach for the stars. Losing her beloved father at seventeen, the driven young woman used her fond memories to spur her through college, become an architectural engineer, and grow a cutting-edge business. But when thirty years vanished in the blink of an eye, the accomplished businesswoman woke up to discover herself middle-aged, burnt out, and empty.
Rebelling at the thought of giving up on her inner free spirit, Ajlouni confronted her anxiety head-on. And while turning her back on the priorities that had ruled her choices for decades felt impossible, the goal-oriented entrepreneur fought to find a way to pour her passion into a new future.
In this emotionally raw story, Batoul I. Ajlouni shares her deeply personal quest to redefine herself even at the cost of severing ties with her remarkable achievements. And for anyone struggling with a lack of work-life balance, this tale of sacrifice, reflection, and hard-earned triumph offers the first step toward freedom.
Ditching Success? is a heartfelt and award-winning memoir. If you like self-transformation, re-evaluating decisions, and chasing hopes and dreams, then you’ll love Batoul I. Ajlouni’s journey to enlightenment.
Buy Ditching Success? to pull back from the grindstone today!
Jordan, 1980’s. Batoul Ajlouni was raised to reach for the stars. Losing her beloved father at seventeen, the driven young woman used her fond memories to spur her through college, become an architectural engineer, and grow a cutting-edge business. But when thirty years vanished in the blink of an eye, the accomplished businesswoman woke up to discover herself middle-aged, burnt out, and empty.
Rebelling at the thought of giving up on her inner free spirit, Ajlouni confronted her anxiety head-on. And while turning her back on the priorities that had ruled her choices for decades felt impossible, the goal-oriented entrepreneur fought to find a way to pour her passion into a new future.
In this emotionally raw story, Batoul I. Ajlouni shares her deeply personal quest to redefine herself even at the cost of severing ties with her remarkable achievements. And for anyone struggling with a lack of work-life balance, this tale of sacrifice, reflection, and hard-earned triumph offers the first step toward freedom.
Ditching Success? is a heartfelt and award-winning memoir. If you like self-transformation, re-evaluating decisions, and chasing hopes and dreams, then you’ll love Batoul I. Ajlouni’s journey to enlightenment.
Buy Ditching Success? to pull back from the grindstone today!
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2021
20 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Batoul I. Ajlouni
1 book3 followersBatoul Ajlouni is an architect, entrepreneur, and business executive with thirty years of experience in fifteen of the world’s toughest markets. Co-founded her company at twenty-four, before serving as VP for Business Development at a leading IT firm, helping it grow into a multinational corporation. A prominent businesswoman engaged in activities and public speaking events on design, business, technology, and women and youth empowerment. Also, an active board member at Jordan’s premier Society for the Conservation of Nature. Batoul works from her home in Amman, Jordan where she lives with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 11, 2021
Success is a Life Regained. Inspiring Self-Discovery.
The author takes the reader into a journey of self-discovery, from a successful business career, through a period of soul-searching and self-doubt, to a destination of freedom, contentment, focus, and purpose. But it was not smooth sailing, as the ocean of emotions was unsettling, and the winds often unpredictable. We lived with the author through each tidal wave and calmer sea, relishing the momentous life-changing decisions and the trivia of mundane daily life. With every step in the journey, we can feel and relate an aspect of our own life to the author’s adventures, and misadventures.
The book touches on an incredible thesis: the empowerment of Middle Eastern women. From that aspect, the book is tremendously inspirational.
The book structure is well-organised into 3 parts. Each part chapters have memorable, often humorous, headings. The pace is moderate, allowing the reader time to ‘live the moment’. The production theme of the book is birds; the part page has a flock of birds, each chapter one bird. The visualisation of birds, enjoying their freedom of flight, reflects the ‘spirit’ of the book, and the author. Overall, an enjoyable reading experience and memories that will last. The author’s second book will be eagerly awaited.
The author takes the reader into a journey of self-discovery, from a successful business career, through a period of soul-searching and self-doubt, to a destination of freedom, contentment, focus, and purpose. But it was not smooth sailing, as the ocean of emotions was unsettling, and the winds often unpredictable. We lived with the author through each tidal wave and calmer sea, relishing the momentous life-changing decisions and the trivia of mundane daily life. With every step in the journey, we can feel and relate an aspect of our own life to the author’s adventures, and misadventures.
The book touches on an incredible thesis: the empowerment of Middle Eastern women. From that aspect, the book is tremendously inspirational.
The book structure is well-organised into 3 parts. Each part chapters have memorable, often humorous, headings. The pace is moderate, allowing the reader time to ‘live the moment’. The production theme of the book is birds; the part page has a flock of birds, each chapter one bird. The visualisation of birds, enjoying their freedom of flight, reflects the ‘spirit’ of the book, and the author. Overall, an enjoyable reading experience and memories that will last. The author’s second book will be eagerly awaited.
October 10, 2022
Award-winning author Batoul Ajlouni penned this novel. She is an architect, an entrepreneur, and a business executive with thirty years of experience in fifteen of the world's toughest markets. The book is divided into 3 parts and contains 27 chapters. It is an autobiography in which the writer has shared her journey. The writer's journey is full of ups and downs. In the book, she has beautifully shared her journey of transformation from a highly ambitious person to a balanced one.
At the beginning of his career, the writer was a workaholic who knew nothing but work. It has a devastating impact on her life, leading to depression, anxiety attacks, and a loss of interest in work and life. Later in her journey, she realizes that work-life balance is the need of the hour and takes steps to achieve the same. Her journey is an inspiration for all who are stuck in mundane life. She emphasizes that one needs to have "me-time" in life. Apart from career growth, one needs to grow as a person also. The writer faces the challenges with full vigour and overcomes them. Her journey is a must-read not only for the young professionals of the corporate world but also for those who have lost meaning in life.
At the beginning of his career, the writer was a workaholic who knew nothing but work. It has a devastating impact on her life, leading to depression, anxiety attacks, and a loss of interest in work and life. Later in her journey, she realizes that work-life balance is the need of the hour and takes steps to achieve the same. Her journey is an inspiration for all who are stuck in mundane life. She emphasizes that one needs to have "me-time" in life. Apart from career growth, one needs to grow as a person also. The writer faces the challenges with full vigour and overcomes them. Her journey is a must-read not only for the young professionals of the corporate world but also for those who have lost meaning in life.
October 4, 2022
Having an addiction to work I believe is something that many people battle with nowadays. Society has made people believe that the more you work the more success you get. Batoul’s book, Ditching Success? A Career Ventured; A Life Regained has proven in so many ways that that is not true. I love how she openly admitted that she suffered burnout and had lost herself in the cobweb of building a career that she forgot her true essence. She also pointed out that being addicted to work does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process. One day Batoul decided to quit her career of thirty years which some people thought was odd. I loved her courage to do this which was also partly influenced by what her father had gone through, perpetual work stress which led to his death. She admitted missing out on so many things including spending time with loved ones all in the name of work. We should stop defining ourselves by what we do rather than who we are. Batoul advises people to always take a break once in a while and disconnect from their busy schedules. This was a simple and interesting read!
October 16, 2022
"Ditching Success: A Career Ventured; A Life Regained", the deeply meaningful title itself makes the central theme of the book very clear. Batoul I. Ajlouni, an architect, an entrepreneur, a workaholic has penned down this fascinating personal memoir about the journey of her life. At the age of 50 and at the peak of her career, she felt lost, anxious and empty. She feels something is amiss.
The book raises an important question whether a successful career alone is sufficient to make one feel peaceful and contente or something else is required to lead a meaningful and emotionally rich life. and it also emphasizes whether we need to change our approach and create a harmonious balance between our personal and professional life or not.
A small and crisp read of 194 pages divided into 27 small chapters, the book is engaging, immersive and fast paced and has a powerful and incredible theme. The narrative is simple and meaningful.
This masterpiece will be an inspiration for most of us looking for answers pertaining to personal and career growth in today's fast paced and ruthlessly competitive world.
The book raises an important question whether a successful career alone is sufficient to make one feel peaceful and contente or something else is required to lead a meaningful and emotionally rich life. and it also emphasizes whether we need to change our approach and create a harmonious balance between our personal and professional life or not.
A small and crisp read of 194 pages divided into 27 small chapters, the book is engaging, immersive and fast paced and has a powerful and incredible theme. The narrative is simple and meaningful.
This masterpiece will be an inspiration for most of us looking for answers pertaining to personal and career growth in today's fast paced and ruthlessly competitive world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2021
Ditching Success is about a woman who refused to bury away her beliefs and fought to what she believed in.
Although it might seem to some individuals that she has literally kicked success away, or wasted opportunities to make a fortune, but in fact she did not. The positive attitude, her high self-esteem, dedication, and the courage that she possessed, made her develop an unbeatable success ever.
I liked her writing style and the flow of information in the book which takes the readers into a completely different experience and builds eagerness to explore further details.
I personally think that this book holds so many valuable lessons for people to learn from in addition to different kind of mindset on how to tackle problems and how to have the courage to face life failures.
Although it might seem to some individuals that she has literally kicked success away, or wasted opportunities to make a fortune, but in fact she did not. The positive attitude, her high self-esteem, dedication, and the courage that she possessed, made her develop an unbeatable success ever.
I liked her writing style and the flow of information in the book which takes the readers into a completely different experience and builds eagerness to explore further details.
I personally think that this book holds so many valuable lessons for people to learn from in addition to different kind of mindset on how to tackle problems and how to have the courage to face life failures.
August 13, 2022
A fantastic book about the true meaning of success and the ills of the modern work life. Aljouni's candid memoir of her decision to leave an enviable position in business to pursue her true passions is eye-opening, inspiring, and empowering. From my personal experience, I can say this lady got it all right and I'm so glad she did before it was too late. I'm also looking forward to seeing more from this author because I have a feeling she has much more to say.
If you're feeling stuck, with your work life taking over everything else and leaving you with nothing but a dried-out husk of who you want to be, then pick up this book. This author has some amazing things to say about why killing yourself for work isn't worth it, even if you're at the pinnacle of a highly successful career.
If you're feeling stuck, with your work life taking over everything else and leaving you with nothing but a dried-out husk of who you want to be, then pick up this book. This author has some amazing things to say about why killing yourself for work isn't worth it, even if you're at the pinnacle of a highly successful career.
July 14, 2021
This book is an eye opener, and a serious attempt by the author to answer the very difficult question.....is it time to let go when you are at the peak of your career !!
I and many, can relate to the author's attempt to debate the concept of retirement, when someone is successful and at the peak of his/her career. I enjoyed the debate, the openness and the author's honesty in addressing it...…
I'm an avid reader of books, and this one is a very good book to read.... it will make you think and question.....
I and many, can relate to the author's attempt to debate the concept of retirement, when someone is successful and at the peak of his/her career. I enjoyed the debate, the openness and the author's honesty in addressing it...…
I'm an avid reader of books, and this one is a very good book to read.... it will make you think and question.....
November 9, 2021
Fascinating, empowering book of self discovery!
I truly enjoyed reading this book written by an empowered woman from a culture so different than mine. (Jordan) It was a joy to discover all the twists and turns on her path & witness the depth of her process of self discovery. I learned a lot and was inspired by her ability to question the narrative of societal norms and her own projected unconscious story. I definitely recommend her memoir if you are looking for an uplifting read by a modern woman in an ever shifting world!
I truly enjoyed reading this book written by an empowered woman from a culture so different than mine. (Jordan) It was a joy to discover all the twists and turns on her path & witness the depth of her process of self discovery. I learned a lot and was inspired by her ability to question the narrative of societal norms and her own projected unconscious story. I definitely recommend her memoir if you are looking for an uplifting read by a modern woman in an ever shifting world!
December 2, 2022
an honest, searching book for strivers who have stepped off the path
Batoul- as someone that stepped away from a highly lucrative career, and designing my new chapter since, every bit of the void after resonated with me. Thank you for the honesty with which you write about the journey into the unknown. Am still on the quest. Funnily, I am reading Strength to Strength in parallel.
Batoul- as someone that stepped away from a highly lucrative career, and designing my new chapter since, every bit of the void after resonated with me. Thank you for the honesty with which you write about the journey into the unknown. Am still on the quest. Funnily, I am reading Strength to Strength in parallel.
July 13, 2021
A joy to read and ponder
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Ajlouni did a wonderful job taking us through her journey of self reflection, and the desire for change that she knew would come at a high cost. She wrote about her experience of making a life altering decision with eloquence, which griped my thoughts and emotions. A compelling book, that is fun to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Ajlouni did a wonderful job taking us through her journey of self reflection, and the desire for change that she knew would come at a high cost. She wrote about her experience of making a life altering decision with eloquence, which griped my thoughts and emotions. A compelling book, that is fun to read.
September 6, 2021
The author shares her journey from overworked professional to finding happiness. Read this book if you've ditched a high pressure career, or you're thinking about it. You'll find inspiration from the author as she details her own process. I really liked hearing her thought process, and hearing her perspective, as well as how others reacted to her actions.
July 25, 2021
Beautifully written!
I was taken on an exciting journey into the author 's life with such vivid details that made me feel as part of it. Well thought out and organized. Makes me want to review my own success!
A quick great read.
I was taken on an exciting journey into the author 's life with such vivid details that made me feel as part of it. Well thought out and organized. Makes me want to review my own success!
A quick great read.
February 9, 2022
So enlightening!!
This book honestly was so helpful and gave some really amazing tips and perspective that I so much appreciated! I would recommend this to anyone looking for advice on finding happiness in your career!
This book honestly was so helpful and gave some really amazing tips and perspective that I so much appreciated! I would recommend this to anyone looking for advice on finding happiness in your career!
December 20, 2021
Live your life
In this fast racing world, this book hits on the right nerve that says work is not everything. You gotta live life too...
In this fast racing world, this book hits on the right nerve that says work is not everything. You gotta live life too...
January 6, 2022
An excellent memoir that was written eloquently. Would recommend it for those interested in reading a relatable story about career changes for a better life.
Read
January 11, 2023We just fail to understand that its important to take care of ourselves, work comes second.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews