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I went to law school. I decided to take the LSAT and see if I scored high enough for scholarship money. I studied hard for it ahead of time…gave it my all…and I did. Just graduated. I’m taking the bar in February.
How is this relevant?
Honestly, I'd encourage you to discover your passion or find a new hobby rather than continue to wrap yourself up in work and find fulfillment there.
You have a good amount of PTO, a nice commute, and a nice schedule, and no billable requirement is a dream! Without knowing if you live in a HCOL city it's hard to know if your salary is fair or not.
It’s called hazard pay. 😂🤣😂🤣🤪
It’s not a bad thing to want more for yourself. Have you thought about what more you want out of your career? What would the next step be for you and what responsibilities do you want to be doing that you’re not doing now?
And yes this was me. I’ve moved roles every 3-6 years as I’ve felt burned out or just like I’ve reached my max. My most recent move has been satisfying and rewarding. It continues to challenge me and I don’t see myself leaving any time soon.
Thank you for sharing your story! i will definitely think about an honest game plan/desire for my future self in my career.
I am currently in this boat. If you find out please let me know.
I've been looking for a new job in my area and there isn't much out there and/or firms/corporations do not want someone who has so much experience in one field but not in another.
I'm also in a boat where I need a huge bump in pay to afford to live in my HCOL city.
I have asked in my current role to learn other areas of law and have been told no.. so I am at a loss.
So sad..most employers don't want us to grow as they realize they will have to pay more and it makes you more marketable to leave.
I was a paralegal for many years. I found satisfac tion outside my work. If you are corporate, you may also look into transitioning to legal ops roles in -house as well. Good luck!
Thank you! I’m in litigation both plaintiffs and defense work mainly general civil litigation.
You’ll make more money in big law but the hours will be worse and there still is no growth. The issue with being a paralegal is there isn’t much of a career trajectory. Paralegal is basically just the end of the road with basic raises annually.
This is very true!
I feel like I could’ve written this myself. The difference is I am in-house. What I am doing is trying to find my passion. I still have a lot of years ahead of me for working, and I decided 2025 was the year that I’m going to commit to figuring out the next step. I’ve become complacent and honestly, I don’t like that feeling so it’s time to step out of my comfort zone and change. Your post sounds like you’re in a similar boat.
Take stock of what you want from a future job. Don’t put a title on it, the best advice I’ve ever been given is just to make a list of things that you want to do. Don’t say things like (and this is just an example)- “I want to be a lawyer”, put things on your list like “I enjoy learning about environmental law” or “ I like learning about technical programs to make discovery easier”(you know what I’m trying to say here, I hope).
Also, don’t forget, there are so many transferable skills you have as a paralegal, and many people have echoed that in this thread.
Unfortunately, moving has risks and there are going to be trade-offs, but if it makes you happy in the long run, that’s all that matters. I’ve always been interested in IP litigation so I’m currently pursuing opportunities there. Ironically, even as a junior level IP litigation paralegal I would be making more money than I am as a senior level in house paralegal.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting more for yourself, if anything that is a very good thing.
Yes, I am definitely seeing the tradeoffs and risks with switching firms/locations... I don't see a best-case scenario for me with what is offered vs. what I get. I suppose I just shut my mouth and go with the flow for now.
Go to law school
I felt this way when I was litigation paralegal after 10 years. There is no room for growth at a law firm unless you want to go to law school or go into HR. I took a job last year as a Claims Analyst because I wanted room for growth, no billables and more $$.
I make mid 90s in Medical Malpractice claims (fully remote). Depends on what kind of claims you are working in.
I'm here now..I'm at my favorite job in my 25 year career but it is a smaller firm with no room for advancement or really no guaranteed future. I am beginning to realize we sometimes need to learn no job is perfect..nothing is guaranteed and as paralegals we do have an invisible cap that is placed on us for salary/job security.
Start interviewing and that may either lead you towards something you find more fulfilling overall, or it will help you appreciate what you have. You have nothing to lose by doing so.
i had that thought as well. I actually interviewed through two different recruiters and those positions I am definitely not interested in. It has helped a little bit be more appreciative of what I currently have.
I feel you and feel the same. I'm currently looking for roles that my experience can be transferred too. I am looking and researching how to transfer all these lzw skills to to a different field but it's been tough road.