Natalie Bacon

Design Your Dream Life

How I Quit My Soul Sucking Job

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Natalie Bacon

I quit my six-figure job I worked my whole life to get.

And I’m so much happier.

Crazy!

Here’s a look at how and why I did it..

 

IN 2014, I SET A GOAL TO GET A HIGHER PAYING JOB.

In May 2011, I graduated law school.

In November 2011, I found out I passed the Ohio Bar Exam.

I started working at a law firm, at an entry-level attorney job. So, in 2014, I set a goal to get a high-paying job — another job as an attorney.

I achieved this goal in December 2014 and officially started my new job in January 2015. I was so excited. I mean I really was happy and thought this was it – I had made it.

I was an associate corporate attorney, making six figures a year. My plan was to pay off my student loans in five years or less.

I couldn’t wait to get started.

I started my job and instantly hated it.

I worked non-stop around the clock. Leaving by six was the best-case scenario. Worst case was midnight. And the events after work or during lunch left very little time for anything outside of work at all. Working weekends was the norm. I’m not kidding when I say this – the office had donuts on Saturdays. And if you had work to do in the evening but had to go to a work event, you had to do both. Meaning, after the event you had to go back to the office to finish your work. In April, I worked a month straight late into the night. When asked how many hours I was billing, partners were thrilled at my reply. The more you worked, the better. It’s actually hard to explain how hard I was working and how stressful it was because it’s sort of unbelievable.

I cried a lot. I was exhausted. It was awful. I know that some people work well in this type of setting – some people are cut out to be deal lawyers and work in private equity. A lot of my coworkers thrived in this setting. I did not. I literally would think about crashing my car so I could just wake up in a hospital and not have to work. It was a horrible time.

At the same time, I started a blog.

I TALKED TO A LOT OF ATTORNEYS AND MOST OF THEM WERE MISERABLE.

Before making a decision, I asked my attorney friends at other firms if they were happy. Out of every attorney I asked, only one attorney who worked at a private firm said he was happy (and he said he leaves work at 5:30pm every day, which is unheard of at many firms, and I think explains his happiness).

One group of attorneys who I asked actually was happy – government attorneys. The government attorneys all seemed to be relaxed and happy, despite making less money. From my very non-scientific research, I decided that this stress and workload was not short-term. In fact, it would most likely continue if I stayed in the private sector. It’s just what is expected of you as a lawyer at a private firm.

 

I REFLECTED ON MY LIFE AND WHAT I WANTED FOR IT.

I reflected and thought about my life. I thought about what I wanted. I decided that I didn’t want this life – it wasn’t worth the money. I needed a better life.

I needed to not have to cancel plans with friends on short notice. I needed time to exercise. I needed time for myself. I didn’t know this before taking the job. If you ask anyone who knows me, I bet you that they say I am one of the hardest workers they know. It wasn’t about working hard.

It was about life. I wasn’t living. I was barely surviving.

I didn’t know what it was like to work until 9pm-12am for a month straight (getting in at 7:30am). This experience reminds me of the Mike Tyson quote “everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” I thought I was going to work as a corporate attorney and pay off my student loans in five years or less. I thought this new job was it – I was so excited about it. And just when you think you have a good plan, you get punched in the mouth and your plan goes to shit.

 

I DECIDED I WAS SO UNHAPPY AND HAD TO LEAVE.

I decided being unhappy wasn’t worth a six-figure salary — even with six-figure student loan debt. Had I been just “blah” about the job, I don’t know that I would’ve quit.

I think I had to be pushed to my breaking point in order to quit because I want to pay off my student loan debt SO bad. I thought I wanted to pay it off more than anything else in the world. But through this experience, I learned that I care more about my emotional health and wellbeing than I do about my debt. I figured that if I’m considering crashing my car into a building, then I should just live with my debt instead of trying to put myself in the hospital.

To come to my decision, I intentionally did not ask for other people’s advice.

I had such strong feelings about this job and my career change that I didn’t want people to sway me into a decision that wasn’t right for me. I did, however, seek advice on how to move forward from people who I respect and look up to, including Shannon Ryan from The Heavy Purse, who does what I want to do as a financial planner. I also talked to people who I know have my best interest in mind and who are wise and have a good record of making really good career choices and life choices.

 

I CREATED A NEW CAREER PLAN — ONE WHERE I PURSUE MY PASSION.

From this decision point forward, I never looked back. I took action.

I knew I wanted to be a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) because that was the next logical step for me to take after writing about personal finance on my blog so much.

I have grown to have a deep passion for personal finance. Becoming a financial planner will only hone my skills as a blogger and enable me to help people with their money.

It was much easier leaving my career as an attorney knowing that something was pulling me in another direction. I don’t know what I would’ve done had I now know where I wanted to go next in my career.

 

I PUT MY PLAN INTO ACTION AND QUIT.

After a few interviews, I was hired at a financial firm as a financial plan.

I work from 8AM-5PMpm, Monday – Friday. It’s amazing. I feel free. Not only do I love the hours, but I actually love what I’m doing – I enjoy learning about financial planning.

I fit in with the culture, which is equally important as fitting in with the subject matter. The stress is less, I’m fully engaged, and I’m happy.

I have time outside of work for friends, family, reading, blogging, running, and anything else that I want to do. It’s amazing.

 

I’M HAPPIER BUT IT’S NOT ALL ROSES – I TOOK A FINANCIAL HIT.

The only downfall for me is the money.

I took more than a 50% pay cut. It actually doesn’t bother me when it comes to standard of living – I’m single, I don’t have kids, I rent an apartment, and I don’t have any consumer debt. The only problem – and it’s a big one – is my massive student loan debt.

Thankfully, all of my personal development studying has paid off. I turned this problem into the best thing that has ever happened to me. I focus on growing my blog and making money blogging. I make over $4k blogging per month, while working full time. I talk about how I did it in my eBook, How I Made $45k In 1 Year While Blogging Full Time.

I’m so thankful for my debt, my career, and my blog. My life is amazing now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

I HAVE NO REGRETS.

People weirdly ask me if I regret quitting law all the time. They don’t understand. I don’t understand them, either.

I can’t imagine staying in a career I hate or am indifferent to.

I value my contribution to the world and my own happiness. I practice making tough decisions and committing to pursuing my dreams.

There are ups and downs in any career, so it’s really important to pursue your dreams with passion and commitment, while knowing that each won’t be perfect.

I’m a work in progress, and I love the life I’ve created.

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Comments

    • Your not alone Natalie. It’s quiet a normal human reaction to quit a highly stessful job when you think about it. Our bodies and minds are not built for long term exposure to stress and will eventually send you signals that you are doing damage to yourself. Prolonged exposure to stress can literally kill you. I found out the hard way in my former life as an Project Engineer. After 15 years of constant stress, unrealistic deadlines, office politics, backstabbing and toxic work environments my mind and body couldn’t take anymore and I had a nervous breakdown. I was a physical and emotional wreck at age 45. I developed clinical depression and servere anxiety triggered by work related stress which kept me on the unemployment line for 2 years (something i never thought would happen to me and I had worked hard my whole life). I have since started down the road of a new career with less stress and less money but my health has improved 100%. My mantra use to be wealth, health and happiness but thats changed now to health, happiness and wealth……….in that order. Money is important but it’s no good if chasing it is damaging your health and making you unhappy.

      YOU DID THE RIGHT THING

  2. Oh Natalie. I am so glad you quit. During law school I had the same exact thought about crashing my car. I didn’t want to kill myself, but I needed a break. I figured being in the hospital would be enough for people to leave me alone. I wonder how many other people have these thoughts?

    It sounds like you are in a really good place now, with the exception of the money situation. But, let me remind you: your raises won’t be linear. You’ll get your CFP and your income will go up. Your hustles will increase. It will work out in the end. .. and by end, I mean the next few years. What if you can still get your loans paid off in 5 years?
    [email protected] recently posted…My Painful RealizationMy Profile

    • I used to think I was the only person who wished I could crash my truck because everything was just too much and I needed rest. After I graduated college and realized that I couldn’t make what I wanted as an entry level scientist, I decided that I should become an engineer. So after working a year and being unsatisfied with the level of work as a lab technician, I went back to school to work on a masters in engineering. It was a terrible idea and not a good fit for me. It was a decision based purely on money and not passion and after one year I ended up with a bad GPA, a neglected husband, poor health and so much depression that I couldn’t get out of bed in the mornings.
      So my new life motto is, if I am doing something important and I can eat and pay my bills, I’m content!

      • That is great, Loribeth! I’m so happy to hear that you’ve come so far and have a better grasp on what makes you happy. It’s empowering and I’m glad you’re doing it, too. Thanks for sharing your experience!

  3. Natalie Congrats on leaving a stressful job to pursue your passion! I’m sure it is only a matter of time before you start making more than you were before and will be so much happier in the process. Money definitely isn’t everything. I strongly believe one must take care of their emotional well being first and think of money second.
    Mrs. Budgets recently posted…July’s Monthly Expense ReportMy Profile

    • Right?! Craziness to me! Thanks for the support – I’m looking forward to progressing in the field to where the income goes up again, too.

    • And above and beyond the time it was the stress during that time. I can work late but not in a very stressful environment. Like you said, the money is not worth it.

  6. I’m so glad you reached out to me, Natalie. I’m always happy to talk to those interested in becoming a CFP. We need more people like you and I know you’ll make a fantastic CFP one day! It is scary making such a huge change, but you did your due diligence and followed your heart. I know the money isn’t there right now, but you’re also just getting started. Once you are established, you can build your practice however big or small you want! So proud of you!!!
    Shannon @ The Heavy Purse recently posted…Smart Back To School Shopping Tips that Save MoneyMy Profile

    • Thank you, Shannon! I can’t tell you how valuable your support and advice was for me. I forever grateful and appreciative.

  7. Natalie – congrats on having the guts to choose passion over income. I promise you that eventually you will not have to choose between the two but as someone who made this choice herself, I can tell you that I don’t regret it for a minute. Last year I made less than I’ve ever made in my life, but I couldn’t be happier. Good luck with your new job and career path!! I am definitely routing for you and if I can help you in any way, let me know!
    Shannon @ Financially Blonde recently posted…Music Mondays – VacationMy Profile

    • Yes, that’s right, Shannon! You were just there doing it, too – how could I forget. I’m so glad to hear it’s paid off. I know you’ve talked about the struggles but how they’ve all been worth it because you’re happier. I’m so glad it’s turning out that way for you, just as I’m hopeful it does for me, too!

  8. I am so happy and proud of you! Working so much just isn’t sustainable for most people. Your well-being definitely has to factor in at some point. I’m sure you’ll increase your side hustle money, all while getting to enjoy life more!
    Shannyn @ Frugal Beautiful recently posted…How to Decorate on a BudgetMy Profile

  9. I had a job offer years ago from Fortune 500 company and I turned it down. I have no regrets. I currently work as an Internal and Quality Controller for international finance company, and I love love love my job. I think it is SO important to love what you do. I balance my life with my online business, which is my other passion. I don’t know whether I would quit my corporate job, but maybe one day. I do think you did the best decision ever!
    Reelika @Financially Wise On Heels recently posted…How to Organize a Business with 7 Simple MethodsMy Profile

    • That is so great that you don’t regret your decision! I’m so happy for you that you made the right choice! That’s empowering to know you’re doing what you want to do with your life. Way to go, Reelika!

  10. In life, it’s so important to know yourself. What’s important to you? How do you work best? Sounds like you really took an introspective approach and figured out what you want… and then went after it!
    Tracy recently posted…Triumphant Return of The Horse BoxMy Profile

  12. *Hugs* You are my hero! You made a good decision, no one should have to work 24/7 on something they’re not into. I’m having a similar career dilemma and keep trying to see the brighter side of things instead of driving my car off a cliff. I’m also a hard worker but when an employer takes advantage and pushes more and more on you, it’s not right. All I can do is push back but then certain tasks don’t get done.
    I know you’ll do well as a financial planner and the money will come!
    Michelle recently posted…Sometimes you gotta get dirty to get frugal – An adventure in DIY brake repairMy Profile

    • Thank you, Michelle!! It’s so crazy that this is just how it is at a lot of private law firms. I get that some people can do it, but it just was not for me. I’m so glad I made the switch. Feel free to email me if you ever want to chat – it sounds like you’re going through something similar!

  13. I think work-life balance is underrated. Money is not worth it sometimes. It’s great that you found something that you’re passionate about. Check out this cartoon an attorney drew about what led her to quitting: http://www.departurememo.com/
    I am a government attorney so I can’t complain about my hours. However, I do have times that I wonder if I would enjoy doing something else. Actually, I’ve considered going the CFP route too. But I’ve heard that, depending on the company…it requires a lot of selling (and sometimes selling things you do not believe in). There are those who are paid hourly, but then you have to build up a client base (I’m more introverted and don’t see me being successful with that). I’m married with a child and I’m not sure I want to make that leap of faith (plus it’s hard to give up on the benefits that my job gives- health insurance/pension). I’d be interested to learn more about how your new career is going…hope you post more about that. I’m also amazed that you were still posting consistently on your blog while working insane hours!
    [email protected] recently posted…I’m Frugal…Now What?My Profile

    • I’m at a fee-only firm — this means there is no selling whatsoever. I can’t imagine selling! It would be completely contradictory to what I value and want in a financial planning career. Feel free to email me if you want to chat more! It sounds like we have some things in common. Best of luck!!

  15. Natalie, I can really identify with you here. About a year ago I also left a very high paying but incredibly stressful job to be a stay at home mom (and blogger of course!) I just knew that if I continued to be a miserable workaholic that it would translate into being a not very good mother. And I refused to be a bad mom, so the crappy job and crappy employer had to go. It has seriously been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and 13 months later I am happier than I’ve ever been. I do think that it takes a ton of courage- for me, the hardest part was figuring out how to deal with friends and family. It’s been difficult to get some people to understand that there are far more important things in life than money. Anyway, I have mad respect for your decision and I’m super happy for you!
    Dee @ color me frugal recently posted…5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Credit ScoreMy Profile

    • YES! Thanks for sharing, Dee. Like you, I couldn’t imagine being happy in that job in 5-10 years and beyond (especially considering a family life). I’m so glad that you took the jump. The family reaction has been interesting – most were supportive for me. But of course, leave it to physician brother to say “well, I guess we’ll see how this goes, right?” Oh brothers! But otherwise, I am fortunate to have a lot of support. I’m glad your decision has been worth it!

    • That’s a hard pill to swallow for a high-achiever (by nature) that I am. I learned the hard way that even I need a little balance in my life.

  17. I can’t wait to meet you in real life so I can hug you because this is such an amazing new chapter for you!!!! I’m so excited for you and you’ll have to tell me how the CFP test goes…I keep going back and forth with pursing the designation for myself but I haven’t found anyone that I know that’s taken the CFP. Oh I’m just so gosh darn excited for you Natalie!!!!! 🙂
    Jessi Fearon @ThEBudgetMama recently posted…2015 Goals Update #7My Profile

    • Can you stop being so perfect?! 🙂 Seriously you’re amazing! I didn’t know this about you and I cannot wait to chat more at FinCon. For me, I’ll take the capstone course in the fall and the test in March. I can’t use the marks and call myself a CFP until I have 2 years of experience under my belt, so that will come the following June. Anyways, I cannot wait to catch up next month!!

  18. Good for you! I think it is great you are pursuing what you are passionate about. I too am a lawyer, but not practicing after working for a firm in law school I decided I didn’t want to practice. I found a job that utilized my skills but allows me to be home based, freeing up tons of time. I have so many friends that are so unhappy as attorney’s, there are some people that are made for it, but I feel like a lot aren’t and they feel trapped by the debt law school puts you in. Unfortunately, it means I’m on IBR repayment until I get rid of my consumer debt (car), though I’ve been working hard to build up my side hustle game including an Etsy store (holler for Etsy) lol Good for you and enjoy your summer! 🙂
    Liz recently posted…“Eating Out” for FreeMy Profile

    • And I don’t know any women our age who actually like working at law firms – it’s crazy! I’m glad you’re doing what you want and creating a plan It sounds like you’re doing it right (I’m with you on the Etsy store, too – I love it). Nice work!!

  19. Natalie, it’s like you’re my sister from another mister LOL! I 100% understand where you’re coming from. I was working like a crazy, was going crazy, had health issues, and the stress was off the charts. I’ve had negative financial consequences because of working for myself but I have ONE LIFE-I can’t get my life hours back. I would have a credit hit (that I can clean up over time) than have a heart attack, increasing depression, and no friends around. You made the best choice for you and the money will come!
    Michelle recently posted…Girl Gone Frugal Podcast Episode 5: Tonya from Budget and the BeachMy Profile

    • Amen!! It’s so amazing to hear about your experience – I’m so glad you shared it. And I’m glad you’re doing better and made the best decision for you. It sounds like we have some things in common – love that! 🙂

  20. Very emotional post to write I’m sure. So awesome that you quit your job, and I’m really happy for you. As you explained your hours I was imagining being in a work situation where I had to work around the clock. I’m pretty sure I’d be deeply unhappy as well, even if it was six figures. Best of luck in your new career! Seems like you have a lot more time to work on your website, too, so I’m sure you will see it perform really well.
    DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted…The Best Cheap Cell Phone PlanMy Profile

  21. Amazing story Natalie. I feel the same way sometimes. I don’t work as much as you did in your corporate attorney days but tonight for example I worked until 1030 and now I’m home doing my hobby – blogging and reading blogs, when I should probably be in bed. Very inspirational and I can already tell you made the right choice. Keep kicking a$$ and taking names.
    Fervent Finance recently posted…The First $100k is the Hardest!My Profile

  24. You are an inspiration, Natalie. Balance is so important, and I admire that you did what was right for YOU. And I think everyone can agree that you will be a great financial planner! 🙂

    • I’m on a mission to have both time for friends and family and make money. We’ll see how this goes! 🙂 I know you had a big change going from teaching to stay at home dad. I’m sure that was a big decision and it sounds like you made the right choice, which is awesome.

  26. That must have been a hard realization to have and tough decision to make but I am so glad it worked out for you in the end. I think that through out our lives, we have an idea of what we want or who we want to be and once we have it, we realize it may not be such a great fit and we need to pursue something else and that’s totally okay. It may take you longer to get rid of your debt but sacrificing your quality of life and health is not worth it. You are more than debt.
    Athena recently posted…August GoalsMy Profile

    • Exactly. It was hard. But it was also easy because I knew it was the right thing to do. This is why I encourage college students to shadow people before choosing a career.

  27. So happy for you and I have no doubt that you will be at 6 figures again with your work ethic and the eventual CFP certification in a few years. 🙂

    • Cat I don’t know where I would be without you. I hope you know how incredible it is to have you in my corner. Thanks for all your help with blogging and writing and your friendship and support. Cannot wait for next month!

  28. Congratulations on having the courage to walk away from the six figure salary to be happy. I absolutely cannot imagine working in that environment. That sounds unbearable. I work at a job where I go to work at 7:00 and leave at 3:30 Monday – Friday every single day. That’s it. Quite a few years back I would work an occasional Saturday but I don’t have to any more. I’m pretty proficient and can do it in a fraction of the time it took me previously.
    Mrs. Crackin’ the whip recently posted…July 2015 Spending ReportMy Profile

  29. Pretty terrifying decision. But if there’s no end in sight and it’s ruining your health… At best, I would’ve advised to double down and work for a total of two years. Even that, speaking as someone with health problems, wouldn’t have been great advice.

    I just remember Sex and the City, when Miranda finds the courage to tell her boss she has to cut down on work. She finally says that she can only work 60 hours a week. Seventy tops.

    I think that pretty much gave me all the insight I needed into an attorney’s life. Ugh.
    Abigail @ipickuppennies recently posted…A weekend of savingsMy Profile

  30. I think it’s almost never a good idea to consult other people before you make a move like this. It’s too easy to get muddled, and if you’re a people-pleaser, your attempts to please bosses or mentors or even family members may cut against what’s actually best for you. When I made the hardest career decision I’ve ever made, I made it alone and bit the bullet on it before I told anyone else. It was REALLY HARD to make that call, but a year+ later, I’m absolutely sure it was the right one. I hope the best for you too!
    [email protected] recently posted…Zero Food Waste, Week 29: Keep Others From Wasting FoodMy Profile

    • Yes, that has to be the ultimate freedom, right? Sounds like you made the move even when your job wasn’t horrible. That’s great.

  34. HI Natalie, I just discovered your blog and I relate to many of the posts.
    Just wondering now that you have chosen a different career path, do you regret going to law school? I have friends that have changed their paths too however they didnt pay for their education so the decision seems easier for them. Just wondering on your perspective?
    I work in the dental industry and I find most professionals are unhappy with their career choice, which is very unfortunate and the loans might be forcing them to stick with it.
    I know you can’t go back in time, but maybe a post about deciding what you want in a future before jumping into student loans would be a topic the majority can relate too!

    -Hannah (also deep in student loan debt)

    • Absolutely! Thanks Hannah. I think choosing the right career for you has to be considered carefully, especially when you’re taking on student loans.

  35. You are so lucky to have something else you want to do that has a path laid out and that you can accomplish in reasonable hours. I am very unhappy at my job, but I was also eventually very unhappy making next to nothing before it at more artistic pursuits. I researched and dipped my toe in other areas before I chose my work, and I was a lot older than you, It sounds like you made the right decision, though, I would never have continued if I felt there was a better option, even at less money.

    So, did you find that ALL the attorneys making six figures worked those hours?

  37. Good for you. so many people stay in positions that make them miserable and hate their lives. I had an opportunity last year to take a job and there was so much i liked about it-especially the increase i pay but at the end of the day I knew I’d be miserable working 12 hour days…so i turned it down.

    Also i love your Etsy stuff, really cute!
    Catherine recently posted…How Anyone Can Save More than $20,000 Off the Costs of UniversityMy Profile

  38. Your story is a a great inspiration and motivator for me. I recently left a job with a similar stress and workload level. With more time I am hoping to work to create a side hustle and where I can know the time and efforts are for me and not for my firm’s billable hours. 🙂

  39. Wow this is actually a post that hit a nerve for me. For the last 5 months I have been unhappy at my job. I thought it was going to be my dream job that I would work at until we bought a house and I had kids, it had almost the perfect hours (8-4:30, I wanted 7-3:30 0r 4) and the pay was more then I had ever made a a job (not super high but more then the $12 an hour I was used to so I thought it was awesome at the time). But now almost a year after I started, I’m starting to realize it’s not my dream job. The environment has grown cold and tense, I’ve developed some anxiety to even ask my boss a question (somethings up with her and none of us know what but she’s changed a lot) and I’m stressed all day… I’ve gained about 20 lbs in the position, and am worried whenever we have meetings that my boss will keep me after and interrogate me on my “career path”. She happened to see a letter of interest of mine for a position I was 99% sure I wasn’t going to get but my mom suggested I try for it anyway (they wanted more years of experience in my field then I have) and since they we’ve had very passive aggressive private meetings discussing what I want out of my career here…
    It’s become a very overwhelming environment and I have a hard time getting out of bed to come here in the morning. I’ve recently started two side gigs pursuing a couple of passions of mine, Blogging and cake baking, and I’m really wanting (even my husband wants me too) to just quit and go for it! My income is just going straight into our house savings so we don’t require my income to live our lives, but it has been great for saving for items, that’s the biggest thing I’m afraid to loose. Reading this post is giving me more courage to come to a decision and soon! I love my blog and baking and I think doing those full time would make me so much happier and healthier, it’s just getting to the point of doing it.
    Sorry for the novel! 🙂
    Rebecca @ Livewellthirivemore recently posted…Project House Purge: The Shed and DeckMy Profile

  40. Natalie, I stumbled across your blog a little while ago, and I have been enjoying all of your posts – this one in particular. It’s inspiring that you had the courage to walk away from a job that you hated in spite of the financial pressures. I’m confident that you will find great success in your new career path!

  42. I found your blog through Michael Hyatt’s Facebook post and I’m so glad. What an incredible story! So thrilled that you chose to find joy. So many people just live in misery and don’t take action. Money isn’t everything. In fact, it’s hardly anything. Way to go. Great blog.
    EMily recently posted…Some Thoughts on Courage.My Profile

  43. I always thought I’d get a degree in business and then do my MBA so I could earn a six-figure salary, but now that I’m actually in B-school, I’ve realised that money doesn’t matter half as much as my passion. Writing is what I want to do, so I’ve decided that I’m going to play to my strengths instead of settling for a future that won’t ever make me happy. 🙂
    Geekie Chic
    Swati Hegde recently posted…My Fitness Journey, Then and Now.My Profile

  44. You say you weren’t courageous, but I disagree! I think a LOT of people end up in situations similar to yours – stressed out and hating their jobs. Where the mere thought of it causes blood pressure to rise. Many of those folks never take action and keep on keeping on and drive themselves into an early grave. I have been in some similar situations and it does take some courage to make a change. I’m glad you found a better path.

    As for your fight against your debt, you have the right attitude and drive, so you will win that battle! It may take a bit longer than you’d like, but it’ll happen sooner rather than later.
    Mr. Utopia @ Personal Finance Utopia recently posted…Market Timing Your Retirement Accounts? Don’t You Dare!My Profile

  45. Hi! I just came across your blog which I find very inspiring because I have been looking into financial planning as a career. Can you tell me more about what it takes to work in this profession and basically where to start with it all?

  46. WOW! I hadn’t been to your blog in a while (busy moving cross country) and am super surprised to see that you quit, but it makes my heart HAPPY. I am a fellow JD, with $213K in student loan debt- and although I’m not happy you and I share a disgusting debt load, I have to admit that finding another late-20s female blonde with $206K in law school debt, and a burning desire to get out of it, made me feel not so alone. I’m really happy that you found your passion and followed it. I’m currently working in a non-attorney position and it pays well, but I am so uninspired. Your bravery (and please don’t tell me it’s not bravery, because it is, I know it when I see it) has lit a spark in me to keep searching for that which will make me happy, even if it means not blowing through my debt as quickly as I’d have liked. Thank you for all the helpful information and guidance, and for the inspiration to keep pushing- happiness is worth it:)

    • Beth your words mean so much to me. I’m so glad to hear this information has been helpful. Please don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions or just want to talk!

  47. Hi! I just stumbled across this article today on Pinterest! I also have six-figures of law school debt and quit my government job to move closer to my family and stay home with my two children. I did work every weekend though not nearly as much as you. I hope I can find a career that I love, but right now, I absolutely love being with my children and my husband and I have a much better life! Thanks for writing this.

  48. I am a little late to the comment party 🙂 But I really admire your honesty! I had been working a job for 3 years that required me to be on the highway every day. I get really anxious in traffic so this was torture for the most part. Plus, I didn’t like the job at all & it was usually stressful. I took a leap and got a job 3 miles from my house that was a 50% pay cut. The drive was AMAZING but, again, the job stressed me out so bad I wondered if I had made a mistake. My husband and I kept talking about my options and I kind of felt like a failure. I ended up applying for a job about 5 miles from home and after a 2-month long interview process, I got the job! However, it was another 50% pay cut. But… I have never been happier with a job. I work with great people, I don’t have to get on the highway, and I really enjoy what I do. This whole thing has taught me contentment and a huge paycheck means nothing if you are miserable all the time 🙂 My student loans will take longer to pay off, but the trade off was worth it!

  49. Just read this post after not reading for quite a while and was shocked to read that you left your firm! I also left my job at a small defense firm in May 2014 where the billable requirement was insane (2100) for what I was being paid. I left and now work at a university, not doing legal work, but doing work that I generally like. I am still searching for what I want my long-term career to be. With $152,000 in student loans, it’s hard to figure that out while knowing I need to make hefty payments. But I’m hoping that I can stay in the public sector for at least 10 years to take advantage of public interest loan forgiveness (at least for my law school loans). Congrats on your switch- you’re definitely and inspiration!

  50. I can totally relate. I also quit my law firm job to be a public interest lawyer. I was burnt out and I didn’t feel like I was contributing to the betterment of society by representing faceless corporations.

    I moved to government with the full expectation of taking a huge pay cut. I was shocked to discover though that working for the government pays way more than law firms. The monthly take home pay is huge, the bonuses are in six figures. It was definitely a lovely surprise.
    https://TWENTYSOMETHINGLAWYER.WORDPRESS.CO

  51. I can totally relate. I also quit my law firm job to be a public interest lawyer. I was burnt out and I didn’t feel like I was contributing to the betterment of society by representing faceless corporations.

    I moved to government with the full expectation of taking a huge pay cut. I was shocked to discover though that working for the government pays way more than law firms. The monthly take home pay is huge, the bonuses are in six figures. It was definitely a lovely surprise.
    https://TWENTYSOMETHINGLAWYER.WORDPRESS.COM

  52. I’m in a similar boat. I got the 6-figure job (with slightly better hours than you had) but a 50+ mile commute each way. I feel trapped because my fiance and my debt/ I am the breadwinner. Kudos to you for choosing happiness! I am hoping to get out of debt this year and have been inspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad to start selecting assets and not liabilities!
    MB @ Millennial boss recently posted…Cheap Alternative to CableMy Profile

  53. Great post, Natalie. I can relate. I am on my way to being a recovering lawyer in short order.

    I’m leaving my firm in April. Unfortunately, I haven’t fully figured out my next steps, but I do have some ideas. For me, nothing they asked me to do at the firm relied on my strengths. I always had to do work that relied on my weaknesses to get things done and fit in. That meant that I was constantly drained and bored and my work never really gave anything back to me in the way that work that’s fulfilling and more within your wheelhouse helps you to feel.

    I have faith that it will work out even if right now I’m not quite sure how.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Kristin recently posted…Learning How Strong You Already AreMy Profile

  54. What an inspirational story! I think many young, ambitious professionals get lost with this idea of prestige and want to have a certain “image”. However, if they truly listened to themselves, a lot of them would realize that they aren’t happy with the life they created.

  55. Good for you!! At 28, I quit my job as a CPA too and decided to pursue blogging and marketing. I never would have guessed my life would head in this direction, but I’m SO happy. Your health and happiness is so much more important than the paycheck. Best of luck in your new path!!

  56. I totally understand where you are coming from. I have my own law firm and I have also felt like crashing my car so I wouldn’t have to come to work. Most days I really do enjoy what I am doing, and I think that comes in part because every hour I work is for me. If I work on the weekends, it is so I can bill more, so I can get the work done, so I can go on a trip, etc.
    -Meg
    http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

    • That’s a really great point, Meg. I think working for yourself as an attorney is one way to make the hours more enjoyable.

  57. I am so blessed to have stumbled across your blog – THANK YOU so much for sharing your story! This article has really touched my heart. I am not making 6 figures, lol, but I am right now in the same boat as you once were. I feel energized and motivated reading this. I can’t say THANK YOU enough!!! I should say I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum as you – I just learned to put up with a job I really can’t stand, and this has gone on way too long. I’m in my 40s. Never too late to make a change, that’s what I believe! Your article was just so timely for me, finding this now. Many blessings to you! 🙂

  58. Great post. I, too, left a six figure job that I hated to take a lower paying position at a financial planning firm that I ultimately will lead to me being a planner myself.

  59. Thank you for sharing your story, Natalie. I’m currently working on leaving a job that caused me to gain 20lbs and have nearly daily panic attacks. The stress just isn’t worth your health, and you made the right call to follow your heart. I wish you the best of luck!

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