How do you handle the judgments and disappointed from family and friends upon leaving law?

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With a smile and a nice middle finger up

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I left BigLaw to go do government HR type work and truthfully, I just had to tell my family that I was miserable and that it wasn’t worth my health. They still make jabs every now and again at how much money I gave up and how much in loans I have that I won’t be able to pay off quickly like I would have been if I stayed in BigLaw. For me it’s been a process of positive self talk reminding me I did the right thing and having a partner who reminds me of that too when others try to bring me down. I also deal with it by just doing all the things I couldn’t do before (like going on bike rides and other small things) and reminding myself that my family and friends are wrong and this type of freedom and balance are worth it. I never would’ve been taking the time to do things like that a year ago and so sometimes just doing those things lifts my spirits

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People can talk, but at the end of the day, only you are living YOUR life. No one else was suffering for you while you were in big law. I am glad you did what was best for you. Please ignore those comments!

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Tell them to kindly **** themselves. Friends who are disappointed in you for that aren’t your real friends. With family, let them know you made the best decision for yourself and ask that they respect it. And if they don’t, f***’em too. It’s not their life.

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You’re going to be forgotten in three generations. Who cares about their judgment. You don’t get another shot at life, do what is authentic to you

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I judge them for being less educated and badass lol

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People in general I think are too much oriented around achieving goals which are widely perceived as desirable. A good portion of the fulfilling aspects in life happen in ways which nobody else but who is, and it's really okay. Just because other people don't understand the value of a particular course of action you're taking doesn't mean that it's not valuable to you and therefore worthwhile

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Family and friends can rain on our parade. It is your life to live not theirs. They are always welcome to go to law school.

Your decision is a brave one! You are choosing to be authentic. So many people do the opposite.. living for others or society’s approval. Congratulations and much success on your new path..

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Agree with everyone above telling them to F off with such a ridiculous disappointment. Lawyer is a meaningless title propped up by fake prestige. I am proud of you for leaving! I think one thing that won’t be immediately obvious to friends and family is who you’ll be after leaving a toxic job behind. The happiness you gain back will reflect across every bit of your life. If they’re disappointed after seeing that, they should be left behind

No point being miserable!

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