Do you ever regret your decision to be a lawyer? I've really been struggling lately with stress and job performance. I see a lot of my friends working jobs that they get to sign out of at the end of the day and actually enjoy their lives. I might be making more money than them, but I'm definitely not having as much fun.

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Yes I am resigning Friday to teach yoga.

likeupliftingsmartfunny

Me too!

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Sometimes, but I try not to beat myself up about it. I was in my early 20s and made the best decision with the information available at that time. Even though I’m planning on transitioning out, I do think that I’ve acquired a lot of skills and experience that will serve me well in my next chapter.

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Every day lol. Find a hobby and pursue stress management techniques like meditation and exercise.

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As a Gen Z I regret it everyday - no jobs without experience, no experience without jobs, and people continually telling me that things will get better even though its harder everyday.

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Yes. I actually love the work, but Im not motivated by a desire to die sitting on a mountain of cash I never had time to spend, so I don't fit in well. Considering going sole and trying to build something humane, but I don't feel like I have the experience yet.

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Do whatever makes you happy, I feel the same as you do OP. I have no clue what the future holds for me but know I it’s not being an attorney, and I know that with everything in me—I’m a very self aware person and I just know it’s not for me. Although, I held the belief it was exactly for me my whole life. Being an attorney has honestly turned me into a hippy. No job or money is worth being unhappy. I’m trying to simply understand how to not give a F. Walk away, bow out, and chunk up the deuces. Money isn’t everything. Sure it helps. But what money without happiness?? Paper.

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Yes. The partner who hired me has severe mental health issues. They have run off every associate they’ve ever had and make my life absolute hell. The firm does nothing bc their questionable billing practices bring in a ton of money. I’m going to try one more legal job after this and leave the field if that isn’t better.

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Every. Day.

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Yes. Thoroughly convinced that I should have just learned to code.

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🥲

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I found an attorney job that is very much 9-5, but I don’t make very much as a government attorney. Riding out my time for student loan forgiveness and then hoping to do something else. Not sure what.

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I think I could be much worse off. I make just short of 200k working 45 hours a week. The job in itself isn't exciting or fun, but it affords me the ability to seek personal pursuits elsewhere, like having a family and enjoying nice vacations. Personally, I think the whole notion of working for passion is a pipedream reserved for the ultra privileged.

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I agree with all of this. HOWEVER there is a difference between having a job/profession that you tolerate (as it seems AA1) has, and a job/profession that you hate. Only OP knows in which category the law falls. If the former, maybe a different firm/government/in house. If the latter, make the change. You can make 200K in more professions than just the law, and the quicker you leave the faster you’ll be able to climb the ladder somewhere else.

No. Being a lawyer is both incredibly stressful and wonderful. You have to take the good with the bad in this career. Celebrate your wins. Pick your tribe (support system). Also, be incredibly grateful. Many want to be attorneys but were unable to make it. If you're not happy with your current job, find another one. There is a job that you will love but you have to find it. 🙂

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Where’s the wonderful part 😂

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I felt that way until I landed at my current firm. It is the biggest of the 4 I have worked for, and the work can be demanding, but the people, culture, and clients are great.

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I don’t regret it but that’s probably because so far, I have been able to sign out most days and enjoy my life while still making a lot of money

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Lol I’m in big law! Mostly financial regulatory and compliance work with some fund formation and M&A. I think I have just been lucky thus far tho

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Nope, but I had an eight year career before law school where I made less than half as much and had a really messed up schedule. Not as many hours total, but had to work nights and weekends normally. Law uses a totally different part of brain, which I love, and obviously the money is great. And I actually get to eat dinner with my family and occasionally go out on a Saturday night which I could literally never do before.

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I'm tired of practicing lol but i wouldnt mind work in the academia (I have a PhD and a little teaching experince).

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I did when I was working for a terrible boss, I even began looking for alternatives to being a lawyer. Once I switched jobs my life became much happier - I went from litigation to in house though

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I don’t. I always wanted to be a lawyer and love what I do. I’ve changed firms twice already though because I wasn’t happy where I was, but it was firm specific not an issue with being a lawyer. My next move will likely be going in house in a couple years.

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