I don’t get paid to be a lawyer anymore. For now.
The decision is still pretty fresh, so I still have those “OMG, what did I do” moments every so often.
I’ve moved into the wonderful world of higher education. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed you. Two years ago, I would have listened, but probably would have stayed my course.
I’ve gotten mixed reactions about my career shift. Initially, people seem hesitant and uneasy about why or how I made the decision to leave. When I tell the story, the tone shifts. Some folks start asking me why and how, not out of judgment, but curiosity in light of their own thoughts of doing the same. I keep hearing the word “courage” used in connection with my move. It’s humbling, but I never thought about it that way. I just knew I needed to make a change.
I knew I would not last long in “Big Law” because I always felt drawn to do something else. I respect the grind. I appreciated the salary. I learned invaluable lessons from my colleagues and mentors. I created lasting relationships. I gained needed insight and experience in a world that is intriguing, obvious, and misunderstood all at once. I often felt unstable and off balance, like I was walking around wearing someone else’s prescription lenses. I never let on to my firm that things were out of focus for me. I could make out what was in front of me. But no matter how much I squinted, furrowed my brows, and blinked extra hard and fast, I couldn’t bring someone else’s vision in line with mine own.
As much as I like to deny it, I’m a touchy-feely person. My joy comes from helping people develop or achieve something, tangible or intangible. Being able to learn about someone’s strengths, goals, concerns, areas for improvement, and then help them get from point A to point B is kinda why I’m here. Some get this feeling from practicing law. Maybe I could have if I started off in another area. Maybe not.
I feel pretty good about where I am and the work I can do here.
The shift has its share of challenges, though. I’ll share those later.
Until next time…
Always remember…
great post. i’m also planning my move out of my current career. right now i’m doing 100% bench research with plans of starting my own lab. with federal budget cuts to cancer research funding is tough to come by. i want to also move more towards education and start outreach initiatives which get minorities more into science and mathematics. best of luck to you with your career switch.
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Thanks! Sounds like this outreach initiative is a calling, my friend. Good luck to you as well.
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SO very proud of you! CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!
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I love the analogy between vision and prescription lenses.
Well done and keep writing
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thanks, boo!
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Again, congratulations!!! I just want you be happy & enjoy yourself. That’s the most important thing. Anytime you feel out of place & don’t enjoy what you’re doing anymore, its time to step aside. And no matter how people look at it, you still have law to fall back on. I know how you feel about it, but its still a very nice cushion to have. I have so many other questions, but I won’t go into it here.
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Thanks! I agree, it’s important to make sure you enjoy what you do, to some degree. Dues always have to be paid, but we all know what we can and are willing to deal with. Feel free to drop me an email!
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Thanks for this post! You are such an amazing writer. I think you should work on publishing a book/novel of some sort. (wink, wink).
I like the new website!!
As for your step to a courageous decision to leave law, I say you should claim it as a step in courage regardless of what you think it feels like. Many people in your position would’ve stayed for the job security or stability. And you listened to your heart. You looked within. And sharing your story will motivate others.
I am inspired by your courage. I too, am looking to shift gears into the field of counseling. God has a plan for me. And this time I am listening to God and NOT to my fears.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Hugs,
B
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Thank you, love! Your words mean so much. Counseling sounds like a great fit for you. We need to catch up!
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