I Quit My Job as a Corporate Litigation Lawyer

After 6 years, I've finally decided to leave the legal industry for good. In this video I'll be sharing why I quit my six-figure job as a lawyer, what had been keeping me in the industry and the important lessons I learned before I left.

*Contact and Goodies*

[hanhk]

My daughter is a UK dual qualified solicitor. She graduated her degree and completed her DLP in 2013. She went through her traineeship in a medium size firm and eventually ended up in a top tier global law firm. She had doubted all along if she really wanted to be in the legal professional, she hated the long hours and the stress. One day last year she called and told me she had resigned, she had enough and just did it without a back up plan. As her father I supported her move and told her she could change her career path to whatever she liked, there was nothing to prove to anyone. After a 2 month rest, she was headhunted for a in-house role in a MNC, she is now very very happy to be working without a time sheet and is able to have weekends. Being a lawyer is not glamorous any more, sure you still get the respect and social status as a professional. The work life in private practice is horrible, though the money is good but hours are extremely long, one would find it very challenging to find work life balance, especially for young female lawyers. My point is, there is a price to pay for success. So next time when you see a lawyer with a big house and flashy car, don’t get jealous, he/she works very hard from very young for it.

[Erika]

I saw your comment on my video and wanted to come here to say I'm really proud of you! I know that it must've been scary and it's amazing that you've made the jump! Speaking from experience, I've never once regretted my decision--it was actually the best decision of my life. I hope that you will feel the same and I'm rooting for you :)

[HuyenNguyen-whnl]

Hi Em. Thank you so much for your sharing. I am also struggling with my career as a lawyer and doubtful about my choice. You've encouraged me to step out from the safety zone to rethink and reshape my life. Thank you so much and wish you all the best in your new journey ahead.

[plosk]

Huge decision. Good on you! Your mental and happiness is what truly matters. Money comes and goes.

[yugaoli]

Congrats Em. I can feel the positive energy that you project in this video.

[hilbertcontainer]

Thanks for the video!
I am also coming to the age of 29, and had been keep thinking but struggling in these months to quit my industry that I had been working on since graduate.
It is an uneasy decision, by given up the developed & good paid career to restart in something highly uncertain.
Appreciate that you have made your decision, which have also given courage to people with similar thought.
All the bless to another page of your life!

[KT-kgnt]

Thanks for the video, it somehow showed up at the right time! I have been to law school, admitted as a lawyer and working within the public sector. This video gives me some thinking space to reconsider my values and rethink what's best for me and we do always have a choice.
Thanks for sharing and making this video. Am happy for you and look forward to hearing more :) Take care

[frugalmang]

Congratulations! Big things ahead. Great lessons in this video. The algorithm has made it to Australia, keep it up.

[jaydenu.]

Must have taken a lot of courage to share something so personal, thanks a lot for sharing! Rooting for you! 👍

[tohyhihi]

Somehow this video showed up on my feeds, I saw your title and was really curious bc I am also a law graduate. I actually had a burn out after working in the field for only 3 months. I started to seriously consider what I want to do in life. It was so hard since Ive spent my entire youth studying for my law degree. My friends were getting promoted, started buying their first house, getting married etc. And there I was still figuring out what I wanna do in life. Then I made the decision to become a teacher. It was so hard to let go of everything at first, and even harder to go back to college in my end 20's. Spend another 4 years studying, but this time it was all worth it. Every day I go to work with a huge smile on my face. Thanks for sharing your video and experiences with us. Wishing you well!

[Mariann]

This is the first time I visit your channel! I went through something similar a few months after I graduated as a lawyer in 2015. I hated law firm life, even being a small law firm. I went in-house and now I am happier with my job and the fact that I can work with different teams instead of always competing against other lawyers as I did when I was working at the law firm. This was, quite frankly, frustrating, disappointing and discouraging. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and good luck with what's coming!

[byeteaching]

Great video! As a former teacher myself, I can totally relate to these mistakes. It's so important for educators transitioning into new careers to be aware of these pitfalls. Thanks for sharing!

[alfiedj]

An interesting approach to quit a job by staying a little longer, in order to obtain assurance behind the decision and explore other interest. Thank you for sharing!

[jonkhoo]

Thanks for this candid and honest sharing session.

I left my Pupillage in corporate law after I found that I really disliked my experience in the legal industry, I then decided to join a regulator and work towards a career in regulatory compliance.

[kelvinleong]

That’s so honest to yourself and hope you achieve your goal!

[jenc]

Good for you for sticking with your gut and doing what is best for you. I’m glad you chose your happiness and values of a career, that takes a lot of courage to walk away from. You give me hope and inspiration to do the same.

[shannontongg]

This is such an insightful video. Congratulations on making this decision, it's clearly a very well thought out one

[benho]

Everything that happened is part of the life experience we need to live through. You did make a brave choice. Being a lawyer is indeed an unpleasant one yet many have to bear till able to stand on their own feet. Your years of experience are what help you grew up and become invincible. A fruitful and happier life is waiting for you.

[toanhien]

You have been very thoughtful in your decisions. I wish much happiness.

[elleell]

great to know what is best for oneself.
wish you all the best