My doctoral training in public health and health economics taught me to examine the evidence and be clear about what remains uncertain.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A life beyond the numbers
Austin Haag, PhD, is a health economist and educator. The book grew from his own question about when another year of work is worth the time.
Why I wrote the book
An extra year can add to savings while taking time from something that matters, and I wanted a way to consider both. That question became The Vital Crossover.
What shaped the approach
My work informs the framework, while the decision stays with you.
Teaching and research taught me to make the reasoning clear, so people can use what they learn.
Healthcare leadership, finance, and business ownership keep my thinking close to the practical demands of work and responsibility.
THE AUTHOR'S POSITION
Give the year a purpose
- Check that essential spending is covered before reducing paid work.
- Consider all that work provides, including income, routine, relationships, identity, and purpose.
- Remember that healthy time and time together cannot be saved for later.
- When facts are uncertain, consider a smaller change you can test and review.
- Make the decision with the people affected, and seek qualified advice where it is needed.