Nnamdi, as the original post writer, and anyone above, I am curious if you mean your happiness and fulfillment exists in big law in the actual big law ecosystem, or in the money from big law? What makes you happy?

-- OliviaMartinez - 02 Feb 2021

I agree very much with the original fears expressed by Nnamdi. However, I don't feel that my happiness exists in the ecosystem of big law. I really feel that it exists beyond that.

I think I have tougher expectations for myself than my family members. My parents have worked both day and night shifts 5-6 days a week for almost all of my life. They often remind me that I have to have something to make me happy, and if that can be work, that's the kind of privilege they've worked for me to have. I still feel like money would do more for all of us than me being my most happy self in work. Like Elizabeth said, I feel the pressure of making the most of my parents' sacrifices, especially those they continue to make as I get older and the struggles I've had to see them go through in my absence at school. As really the only person in family right now to even have the prospect of making it, and at such a young age, my family does remind me how much they're relying on me as a means of encouragement, but they don't pressure me to immediately make money. Beyond all of this, my loans are ridiculous and need to be paid.

While the prospect of financial stability does make me very happy, what really makes me happy is making a difference for others. I'm a big believer of walking in your purpose, and I just don't feel like my purpose is firm work.

I don't think my happiness lies in big law, but I really do need the money.

-- OliviaMartinez - 02 Feb 2021

Also, one more thing: Something that bothers me is that I've been told firms don't care what work you've done before or what you want to do because they know you'll work for a certain amount of money. They know the price you'll sell yourself, and maybe your happiness, at. But public interest organizations have to care, because the resources are so limited. I don't like the idea of agreeing to a price as a symbol of happiness.

-- OliviaMartinez - 02 Feb 2021

Maryam, I wish I had an answer to your question. The only reason I feel I might be unhappy is a firm is because there's something I know I'd rather be doing more. Would also love to talk about finding a way to live comfortably.

-- OliviaMartinez - 02 Feb 2021