We talk endlessly about the how of being a lawyer, but almost never about the why. Lately I’ve been realizing I don’t know if I still feel connected to the reason I went to law school in the first place. Somewhere along the way, the work became mechanical instead of meaningful. I’m functioning, but I’m not inspired. Do you still feel tied to your original “why,” or has it faded?

likesmart
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Yes. Money

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Yep, totally money and job security. While I do ok financially, the job security thing remains just out of reach.

Volunteer with a dog rescue or somewhere else if you are looking for purpose. I don't think anyone finds purpose in this job 😅 the purpose of law school was to get the job to support myself and animals.

likesmart

Same.

$$$

like

Yes, I still feel tied to my original why because the work that I do for my clients still matters to me. When I consider where society is heading right now and how many people are still coming in and out of our courts alleging multiple violations of their rights, the drive to continue as a litigator grows for me. There is a point, however, when you give so much to law that the body burns out! I’d like to avoid that!

Yes. I wanted a challenging career that would force me to learn constantly. Sometimes I hate it because I didn't realize how hard it would be to find someone who is willing to actually train and mentor me. But I am learning something new every day, so I'm getting exactly what I wished for.

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