Yesterday was a good day. I was really impressed with myself. I woke up at 5, practiced dance lessons, did two water colors, made breakfast and tea, got to work by 10, put in 8-10 hours of solid work and then came home. It’s been ages since I painted or danced.
However today, I slept till 7:00, did not work out or have food. Still got to work by 10 and did 8 solid hours of work.
Some days are good and some are just okay. And that is okay. Trying to build on my good days and we all can. :)
I am at a much different stage of my career (20 plus years in), but the conversations I am having with myself are the same. The reasons are different, but I’m deciding if it’s time to get out and imagine a new way of living.
It is a blessing that you are really looking at this so early in your career. It’s an opportunity to reimagine what you think life is about and make it different. If you decide this live isn’t for you, nobody worth a damn is going to look down on you for the decision.
I don’t really have actual advice on what you should do but want you to know that if you do set out on a new course, it’s the most courageous thing you could do.
Keep searching.. I wish you the best
I assure you it’s not ‘for nothing’. I suffered through my breakup of my marriage when I was graduating grad school and starting my big boy job. And I felt the same as you. So I took a break and worked in restaurants around DC and ended up going back into consulting once my head was on straight. If you can afford it…take a break and think about what you want to do and what is important in your life.
Your experiences whatever they are are never for nothing! There are always learnings, takeaways, relationships, connections that were created for everything you've experienced. My mom passed unexpectedly 6.5 years ago and even in that I have connected with people I would never have because we have this commonality, changed careers because I went through the darkest phase of my life and now support others. I don't say this out of pride I say it because even it what seems like the most dramatic experience there is nothing wasted! If you want more support I'm happy to talk with you as I totally get this and there are ways to determine if and when it's time for something new! DM me or send me an email at krysta@krystapogge.com. I'm always open to chatting and supporting! Your not alone, your time wasn't waisted and there are opportunities and endless possibilities to what you can create and become, even if it doesn't feel like it right now!
I feel so lost. I spent so much time in school. Going from undergraduate to law school and landed a good job but now that im actually here, I hate it. But I do not want to quit because then I will feel like all of that school and debt was for nothing. But I also do not want to be unhappy. I do not have enough industry experience to pivot into other roles which makes me feel like my options are to leave the industry all together or go to another employer where it might be better or might be worse which also does not inspire thoughts of hope.
I know you’re saying that you don’t have enough experience to pivot into another role but on the flip side, this can be an advantage. You don’t have a lot of experience so your next employer can train you for exactly what they are looking for. You don’t have to “unlearn” old methods. I think entry level is a great place to be if you want to make a pivot because most people don’t have a ton of experience. Employers at this level are looking for transferrable skills (which I’m sure you have some from this job) and a good attitude. I also think it’s important to note that as a new graduate, your feelings are totally valid and it’s totally normal to feel lost! Your happiness is extremely important so don’t lose sight of that. If a job is interfering with your mental health, it’s time to move on
I’ve been feeling all of this too. That sunk cost fallacy is a common reason people don’t leave law practice when they’re miserable. I don’t know if I’ll leave law entirely (at least know I want to leave law firm/corporate) or what I’d rather be doing. It’s helping me to hear stories of other people who left the law and how they dealt with those emotions and fears around pivoting. I listen to several podcasts by ex-lawyers interviewing others about their experiences changing careers. If you’re interested, a good one to start with is The Former Lawyer Podcast.