My last day as a practicing attorney was Friday, March 13th. I've retired at 41. Here's a piece on why I decided to move on from the law and what I'm doing next.
It's easier to stay with the wrong, unhappy, but familiar, safe situation. People don't realise the courage it takes to stand up, say no, and leave. I've left a lot of big things and never regretted it, in spite of the drama, because the choice always was driven by my authenticity. If my heart has left, I have to leave too. So, well done, I think you'll look back and be so glad you did. The rest is just stuff and will work itself out. You trusted yourself - there can be no better basis for any decision.
Well, even though you don't know me, I'm rooting for you and backing you every tentative new step of your journey. Sending you luck - but I think you'll make your own ❤️
Linds, I’m so glad you’re forging your own path and following this dream. It’s brave to put one foot in front of the other even if you’re not 100 % sure where it will lead. Fortune favors the bold and bold is what you’ve always been. I’m excited to read, cheer, and support you through this new chapter.
P.S: Please consider me for any book to film adaptations. ❤️❤️❤️
My love! Thanks, friend. You’ve been such a huge support through this strange and unexpected time. And yes of course, consider yourself considered 😉😘😘😘
Go for it, Lindsey! Teaching was my dream job as an 8-year-old. Teaching fulfilled me daily...well, actually after I survived the first year. I remember telling my 4th grade students (YOU) that THEY made my DAY! I meant it and I lived it! Touching the future daily is so awesome. You may recognize "touching the future daily" as someone else's quote about teaching. On to my awesome husband and his long time career. Suddenly he lost his teaching job after 14 years. He was the sole breadwinner in our family since I took a hiatus from teaching when we had 4 children in 5 years. ("No, I don't have a daycare. These are ALL my kids!") I knew he (we) could start our own custom home building business. We did! It was very tight and a struggle for a few years. My husband loved building dream homes for people. He said, " I build every house, like it is mine." If the first job had not ended, he probably would have been content in his first career. BUT what a wonderful journey to work with people and see the delight of homeowners with their own new beautiful homes.
I don’t know you but I am proud of you. I left my dream job because I prioritized my family and never regretted it. Right now I’m cheering on a friend who decided to retire mid career, when his kids were 6,8, and 10, to be a truly full time dad. Kids are 10-14 now, after the youngest graduates he plans to return to full time work.
As a chartered tax accountant, I can relate. Except for the pay part. Accounting firms get paid well, accounting staff don't. I was charged out at $180 an hour but the most I ever got paid was $45. So I didn't save much sadly. I did all law electives. I should have chosen law.
I’m so very proud of you Lindsey! Life is much too short to stay in a soul sucking job if you don’t have to in order to live. I know very few women my age who stayed in Law; lived it but the behavior of colleagues, the hours, etc. and not one of them regretted it!
Hell yeah!! It really is a special kind of freedom getting to post on your own terms. Looking forward to seeing what this next chapter churns out for you on Substack and beyond!
I didn't make this leap until I was 57, but opening a CrossFit gym was the most rewarding work I've ever done. It was incredibly hard work, but the memories and experiences were worth every bit of devotion. I recall thinking to myself, "This is what you were meant to do. It's too bad you didn't know this decades ago." I'm going to be rooting for you and hoping your experience is similar.
CONGRATS. I took 18 months off to reset in 2023 (not by choice but I leaned into it). Since, I don’t enjoy my work I’ve really been loving the boundaries I set for myself. Can’t wait to get my finances (and kids) to a point where I can do the same. Proud of you; enjoy the break, however long it lasts!
I have a novelist client in Texas who just let her license lapse last month so that she wouldn't be tempted to go back and dive into the current immigration drama.
I’m so excited for you and your next adventures! You have always been one to set your sights on something, go for it and achieve it. It was a pleasure to work alongside you for a decade and your presence is missed significantly! 🩷T
Yay me!!! I got mentioned 😁 I miss you every single day in the office, but I know you’re always phone call or text away. I’ve known you since your baby attorney days and it’s always been a pleasure 🫶🏼
It's easier to stay with the wrong, unhappy, but familiar, safe situation. People don't realise the courage it takes to stand up, say no, and leave. I've left a lot of big things and never regretted it, in spite of the drama, because the choice always was driven by my authenticity. If my heart has left, I have to leave too. So, well done, I think you'll look back and be so glad you did. The rest is just stuff and will work itself out. You trusted yourself - there can be no better basis for any decision.
Thank you, Aniela! It does feel brave and it was scary. But like you said, I think I’ll look back without regrets at this one. 😊
Well, even though you don't know me, I'm rooting for you and backing you every tentative new step of your journey. Sending you luck - but I think you'll make your own ❤️
I need all the good vibes I can get, so thank you!
Linds, I’m so glad you’re forging your own path and following this dream. It’s brave to put one foot in front of the other even if you’re not 100 % sure where it will lead. Fortune favors the bold and bold is what you’ve always been. I’m excited to read, cheer, and support you through this new chapter.
P.S: Please consider me for any book to film adaptations. ❤️❤️❤️
My love! Thanks, friend. You’ve been such a huge support through this strange and unexpected time. And yes of course, consider yourself considered 😉😘😘😘
Go for it, Lindsey! Teaching was my dream job as an 8-year-old. Teaching fulfilled me daily...well, actually after I survived the first year. I remember telling my 4th grade students (YOU) that THEY made my DAY! I meant it and I lived it! Touching the future daily is so awesome. You may recognize "touching the future daily" as someone else's quote about teaching. On to my awesome husband and his long time career. Suddenly he lost his teaching job after 14 years. He was the sole breadwinner in our family since I took a hiatus from teaching when we had 4 children in 5 years. ("No, I don't have a daycare. These are ALL my kids!") I knew he (we) could start our own custom home building business. We did! It was very tight and a struggle for a few years. My husband loved building dream homes for people. He said, " I build every house, like it is mine." If the first job had not ended, he probably would have been content in his first career. BUT what a wonderful journey to work with people and see the delight of homeowners with their own new beautiful homes.
I love this, Julie! You were an excellent teacher. We could all feel how much you enjoyed it.
It’s funny how life sometimes gets you on a different path you never expected. I’m excited to see where my new path takes me!
I’m so unbelievably proud of you and happy for you!!!
Thank you, Kym!!
I don’t know you but I am proud of you. I left my dream job because I prioritized my family and never regretted it. Right now I’m cheering on a friend who decided to retire mid career, when his kids were 6,8, and 10, to be a truly full time dad. Kids are 10-14 now, after the youngest graduates he plans to return to full time work.
Thanks, Beau! It’s hard to put yourself first sometimes, but you put your family first and that’s so important. Well done!
As a chartered tax accountant, I can relate. Except for the pay part. Accounting firms get paid well, accounting staff don't. I was charged out at $180 an hour but the most I ever got paid was $45. So I didn't save much sadly. I did all law electives. I should have chosen law.
Accounting would be a tough profession. But the law is never recommended 🫣🙃
Decades of pain either way 😄
I'm glad you're out!!
I’m so very proud of you Lindsey! Life is much too short to stay in a soul sucking job if you don’t have to in order to live. I know very few women my age who stayed in Law; lived it but the behavior of colleagues, the hours, etc. and not one of them regretted it!
Thank you! I’m really proud of myself. It’s scary at times but I know something great is on the horizon 💜
this is WONDERFUL, Lindsey! Congratulations, and excited to see your next (literal and metaphorical) chapters!
Thanks, Kathleen! It’s very exciting and relieving. 😊
Hell yeah!! It really is a special kind of freedom getting to post on your own terms. Looking forward to seeing what this next chapter churns out for you on Substack and beyond!
- your “neighbor” in Chelan 😎
Thanks, Kiersten! It’s very freeing. Thanks for the subscribe! Always good to meet a “neighbor” 😎
I didn't make this leap until I was 57, but opening a CrossFit gym was the most rewarding work I've ever done. It was incredibly hard work, but the memories and experiences were worth every bit of devotion. I recall thinking to myself, "This is what you were meant to do. It's too bad you didn't know this decades ago." I'm going to be rooting for you and hoping your experience is similar.
Thanks, Trey! I’m so excited for the next chapter and this experience. Fingers crossed my journey is similar to yours.
CONGRATS. I took 18 months off to reset in 2023 (not by choice but I leaned into it). Since, I don’t enjoy my work I’ve really been loving the boundaries I set for myself. Can’t wait to get my finances (and kids) to a point where I can do the same. Proud of you; enjoy the break, however long it lasts!
Thanks, Jay! I need a break so bad. But I’m so proud of myself.
Congratulations!! That's so amazing!! I can't wait to hear what's next 🙂 From one 40s retiree to another 😉
Thanks, Mike! 😎
Congratzi! 🎉
I have a novelist client in Texas who just let her license lapse last month so that she wouldn't be tempted to go back and dive into the current immigration drama.
Thanks!
And smart. I’m going to keep mine active but I totally get why some let it lapse.
I’m so excited for you and your next adventures! You have always been one to set your sights on something, go for it and achieve it. It was a pleasure to work alongside you for a decade and your presence is missed significantly! 🩷T
😭😭 it’s so weird not talking to you everyday! You always put me in a good mood! Miss you, friend! But we’re staying in touch. 💙
Ditto and absolutely!!
Yay me!!! I got mentioned 😁 I miss you every single day in the office, but I know you’re always phone call or text away. I’ve known you since your baby attorney days and it’s always been a pleasure 🫶🏼
I miss you!!! It’s lonely at home so keep in touch 🥰
Miss you!!! But also so very proud of you for doing what YOU want to do and making things happen!!!!
Miss you!! And thank you 😊