Working for Keeps
(Lives of the truly committed—and the lessons they teach)

It happens to the best of us. Somewhere in between those "everything's possible" years—when the future spreads out like an endless invite to adventure—and reality, our dreams all too easily get crowded out by the dolorous day-to-day and the need to make ends meet. All the cool things we thought we'd be—mountain climber/novelist/musician! skier/doctor/wilderness guide!—start looking impossibly out of reach, especially when we read the statistics. Only about 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their job, surveys show, and nearly all are seeking more time off and a better balance between work and leisure. But then we hear about someone with an epic formula: They've gone for the stoke without going broke, and they're having a blast in the meantime. What's their secret?

According to our adventure-minded sources, it's fairly simple: The happiest people find ways to make their professions and their passions intersect. They give the same full-throttle commitment to their work as they do to their play, applying balance as they go—and getting the ride of their lives.

Wish you could do that, too? Want a life filled with thrills, challenges, and good works? Want to do all this and still pay the mortgage, nurture a family, and have a life fueled by participation? It's within your grasp, and we're here to help. On the pages ahead, you'll find ideas to help you reach toward the life you've imagined, and you'll hear from a cast of inspiring people who have pioneered the way, from surfer/songwriter/supernova Jack Johnson to a mountain-biking brewmaster, not to mention a former location scout for celeb photographers who chucked it all to scour Asia as an importer of the world's finest tea. While their paths and vocations span a broad landscape of possibilities, our role models all have something in common: a yen for a more organic and inspired life, plus the creativity and drive to make their dreams materialize. If that's not enough, we've also got a roundup of the best books, courses, programs, and Web sites, and sage advice from a life coach who's going to urge you not to waste one more day just wishing. "Having it all" isn't just a phrase for fairy tales. It's the most important thing you can do to make your world—and the world at large—the best possible place to live.

Jack Johnson: How a rock supernova keeps his balance on the ride of his life.
Timm Smith: Product Developer
Jessie Stone: Health-Clinic Director
Holly Morris: Adventure Filmmaker
Lincoln Else: Climbing Ranger
Jim Cantore: Broadcast Meteorologist
Rogan Lechthaler: Sous-Chef
Kelly Streeter: Structural Engineer
Sebastian Beckwith: Tea Purveyor
Kristen Ulmer: Ski Guru
Chris "Gunny" Gunnarson: Terrain-Park Designer
Jimmy Lizama: Cycling Angel
Rob Spencer: Brew Meister
PLUS: Turning an epic road trip into the ultimate job, a short list of no-BS career resources, and an inspiring way to win at the game of life.