In 1950s New York City, ambitious young secretary Caroline Bender starts a new job at a prestigious publishing company. Engaged to her college sweetheart, Caroline is enthusiastic about her future both professionally and personally. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a heartbreaking letter from her fiancé, ending their engagement. Determined to succeed despite her broken heart, Caroline focuses on climbing the career ladder while navigating the complex dynamics of office life. She encounters a mix of supportive colleagues and cutthroat competition, and she develops a close friendship with April Morrison and Gregg Adams, two other women trying to find their way in the corporate world. Additionally, Caroline attracts the attention of Mike Rice, a sympathetic editor whom she might be developing feelings for despite her initial hesitations about romance after her recent breakup.

Meanwhile, April and Gregg face struggles both in their personal and professional lives. April falls impulsively in love with Dexter Key, an older executive who promises more than he can deliver, leading her into a tumultuous affair. Gregg, an aspiring actress, sacrifices her stability and risks everything for the chance to achieve her dreams, only to face harsh realities that test her resolve and mental well-being. As the three women confront the challenges of love, ambition, and societal expectations in a male-dominated workplace, they must each make critical decisions that will shape their futures. Together, they experience the highs and lows of striving for both professional success and personal fulfillment in a world that often demands compromising one for the other.