i quit my $350k job as a lawyer to be a writer & influencer... was it worth it?? *ONE YEAR LATER*

[@helennnr]

The thing that struck me the MOST in the video is how much fresher and radiant you look in comparison to a year prior. Wow - you’re glowing!

[@CeceXie]

i do think my skin looks better, for some reason!!

[@rikindermahal32]

Not going to lie... I noticed that immediately also.

[@evangel008]

Went back to the video 1 year ago, I agree with Helen and Rikinder 👍😃

[@Heyitsmebritb]

I agree!! You look really radiant

[@Janedoe89479]

Yes! Haha I did the same thing and it’s crazy what stress can do to one’s skin. I am assuming in some way she was stressed from her past job as a lawyer. Her face does look fresher!

[@zachfinemusic]

We've loved your journey. Ironically, I left my other job to study for the LSAT and go to law school. Taking it soon 🙏

[@CeceXie]

good luck!!!

[@Ramnik72]

Dont

[@yintotheyang6433]

Yikes.

[@mdumairmdumair5183]

7:49 white and case , kirkland , allen and overy and all big law are the worst firm ever don't ever work their

[@michelleshin7537]

Appreciate the honesty and vulnerability in your videos. We are all rooting for you!!!

[@SelmiEmi24]

Hello! As someone who has yet to make it to law, but has always had it as a destination: I was genuinely so inspired when you were committing to taking a new direction. It kills me that random strangers thought differently. Especially as a first-gen anything, we don’t get a lot of room to explore freely. Which is a basic human trait. I want so much for myself, and it was truly so refreshing to see a KZbinr I followed for law stuff, switch it up a bit! Life ebbs and flows. Wishing you all the best.

[@saraha-g2964]

Hey Cece - I've been a long-time lurker but have never commented until now. I just want to say a big thank you for sharing your story! Your journey was part of the reason I had the guts to leave my corporate job in the capital after almost 4 years and move to another part of the country to pursue working on community projects. So sorry to hear that there were people (no matter how few) openly wishing for you to fail. It takes so much courage and self-assurance to do what you've done.

[@joyfullencounters]

Cece i am not a lawyer but you really inspired me to take a serious shot at my “creative” dreams! I don’t have the money cushion to quit and focus but I am doing the best I can :) thank you for inspiring many young girls including myself

[@TheCakeIsALie422]

I really resonate with the “i had no idea if things were going well or poorly” thing!! Never been able to articulate it before

[@laurenxu3188]

hi cece I have been following you on this journey this whole time. I can tell your skin went from exhausted to glowing. Your voice went from exhausted to upbeat. I can tell you are healing and finding yourself again even if it was really unpredictable.

[@primzahler8377]

I'm pretty new to the channel, but I just wanted to say I'm quite impressed by this jump into the unkown you describe, I think lots of people would like to and day dream of such endavours but few seize them. Especially the fact that it took 6 months to really get into it is so grounded and understandable. I imagine that with college and law school and the intensity of big law this period must have felt driftless as you described, but frankly I think this goal driven and clear focus you bring to things really added a lot to them. I think this strength really adds well to the introspection as well :D

[@bradenmusic]

Cece! I really appreciate you taking time out to document your personal and professional journey as a lawyer. The courage, rawness, and honesty are appreciated. Without creators like you, I think our younger generation would be void of any meaningful perspective around what lawyers actually do on a day to day basis. I'm currently applying to law schools within Canada and your videos have been instrumental in helping me judge whether or not a career in big law is right for me. If you could make a video trying to explain the stigma around why people in this profession are largely unhappy (or if that is a myth) that would be massively helpful. I realize that may or may not be an easy ask. Regardless, wishing you the best in all your future endeavours.

[@marieprenton7171]

I always comment on your videos when I feel like I have got something to say. But today I am making a special effort after hearing that there are people in the world who are wishing to fail. That’s is so sad for those people. I will be here cheering for you regardless of what you decide to do in the future. To quit a £350k job for the unknown takes immense courage. You are an inspiration.

[@CeceXie]

i really appreciate these words, marie--thank you!!

[@CocoKaynn]

Your videos are pulling me out of a huge professional rut. You're a Rockstar, thank you for your insightful life experiences

[@Sakurambo]

this came at a perfect timing for me :) got laid off, have enough savings to sustain myself, considering jumping back into full time employment or to take the year to be intentional about growing my channel and podcast. I especially relate to the uncertainty part - even though I know thankfully I’m going to be okay financially, just the uncertainty and the anxiety of only spending money rather than making it, is a really tough pill to swallow everyday. Thanks for sharing your honest challenges and thoughts 🤍 rooting for you!

[@alexandrasvdavis]

Appreciate your candor and ambition. You're the best. Took plenty of notes and just downloaded the latest podcast. As someone who does a lot of contracting work, finances can be tricky. Don't forget to give yourself grace.

[@Richardwestwood-dp5wr]

Alexandra ❤

[@mdumairmdumair5183]

7:49 white and case , kirkland , allen and overy and all big law are the worst firm ever don't ever work their

[@citizenbybobbybaransaka]

Cece, I love you. In the best way possible. Please keep going, your content is a breath of fresh air, and as a 22-year old trying to navigate the brief yet amazing experiences I’ve had while balancing my aspiration, this video does not fall on deaf ears.

[@yessica3420]

I’m halfway through the video but I really like how you go into detail about how you methodically planned to pursue your dreams. It makes it seem a lot more possible and less scary.

[@shimmershinesparkle3849]

So nice to see you on YT and hear an update on your journey! Thanks for sharing! Exciting things to come!

[@acacophony]

I am a corporate lawyer, at the same age, with the same thoughts and considering this for myself - thanking the universe to sending me to you. Congrats on battling the wild uncertainty (not just in your career but sense of self). Law warps our sense of value and "productivity" and it takes time to heal that.

[@juliamurphy5943]

I love that you enjoy vlogging the process because I love watching it!

[@CeceXie]

i'm so glad--more to come!!

[@JuliaShalomJordan]

I love your bravery, vulnerability and your expressive personality. Whatever u put your mind to, I can see being successful.❤

[@LovepreetSingh-hz7yx]

I appreciate you making this video. Being extremely real and raw. This is incredible. I love this kind of content. You should be so proud of yourself. I wish you the best with writing. You’ll do great! ❤

[@savage9536]

Awesome path you're on here. I found your channel right after you quit and have been following since. I would love to see a video about your book where you scratch the surface on some of the things you'll talk about regarding biglaw culture. That book proposal description @8:50 caught my attention haha

[@CeceXie]

great suggestion! i definitely want to share some of my experiences with biglaw culture this year

[@adavuong283]

@@CeceXie Can'T wait for your book to come out

[@mailjovita]

Hi, Cece! Just paused this video to tell you that you are waaay too hard on yourself. Even if you see mistakes or missteps, trust me, others don't. I really enjoyed your podcasts, I think your personality shines through in longer form content. Greetings from a fellow attorney!

[@OMGz1122]

WHAT THE HECK?!?!? It's 1 year already??? what the hell have I been doing all this time?

[@CeceXie]

i know, right?? feels both like so much and so little time has passed!

[@Spatatafff]

Your video appeared on my feed a few days back, I got distracted, didn't watch it and today here I am, so glad I found you again! This is the first of your videos I watch and I have to tell you: *thank you!* Lots of other content creators just focus on which solutions they can sell you out of their personal journeys, and this to me was one of the few pieces of content that was honest about the reality of following your dreams. I can relate to only bits of it, I have never lived in the States and I am not planning to start a family, but on a different scale our journeys are not that different. I am a planner myself, currently working in project management ;) Keep on showing the real struggle! Myself and many others will for sure appreciate it :)

[@jacyntao]

I adore watching you go through this journey! Not because I have any aspiration to do any of the same, but as a fellow type A personality (who chose the medical pathway) it inspires introspection and dreaming. I'm glad you're still creating. I look forward to your future content!

[@lana1470]

Thank you for these videos throughout the year. I am also in a pretty uncertain place in my career as a lawyer and your videos are full of insights for me. 💕

[@Reddypath]

hi cece, i remember stumbling upon your video last year and somehow stumbled upon this video this year! i am so happy to see that all is going well! i am totally with you!! i am a big time planner/type a personality and it has taken a lot of work in my 30s to dismantle that way of thinking a bit. good luck - excited to see your book published!

[@YuriZiXi23]

omg gurl.. that's so true, you can't evaluate the move in just 3 - 6 months. I so can relate to you, I am currently on the 3Q of my Sabbatical, and yes, even when you have saved enough, the steady income flow that I am so used to gets me every time. But, so far, I do feel better, coz I get to work on what I love to do, and thanks be to God, he provided me with an extension for my runway. Thank you so much for this helpful content. All the best.

[@chloeshih]

Loved this video, cece! Thank you for this thoughtful retro on your year!! Excited for the new podcast format!

[@munaomar2305]

Thank you so much for this video. It means more then you can imagine. I hope all of our dreams come true! 🎉🎉

[@irinen5217]

Good luck , you can do it. I really appreciate the breakdown , it helps all of us 9-5 folks consider both sides of the coin . You’ve got to follow what feels right for you. I think your gut always knows . :)

[@marylynnb9968]

Thank you for sharing this. I can’t imagine how hard it was but honestly this is EXACTLY what so many type A ladies probably need to hear. I’m going through the same internal dilemma right now

[@LifeWithYen]

I’m on my break too. I can totally relate. The journey is pretty interesting; had I kept working at my former job (public health nurse); I would have never got to experience everything I did. The experience itself is worth it! Even though I’m far from making a ton of money 😅 .

[@user-hr9zv1mz5g]

I’ve loved your short videos, and am continually inspired by your journey towards your evolving and growing aspirations. As a current(finance not law) hardo, I’m so excited to see your journey.

[@SpaceCityTuan]

I am really happy for you doing really cool things to get out of the matrix. You are an inspiration as a content creator.

[@HardKnockHustler]

Btw I love this video, it expresses a lot of who you are I dig it, I can totally respect you as a person outside of your field of expertise. I appreciate your insight, and your view on “don’t just read apply” is refreshing. And nothing wrong with a Type A just find balance. Balance is key in everything.

[@m_soohyun]

I really enjoyed hearing about your journey so far. Your transition from a stable career to a more creative field is truly inspirational. I'm currently struggling to make the same jump (M&A financial due diligence to drawing / animation) since I have all the same concerns that you've addressed. It's been really helpful to see your perspective 😊

[@beatpirate8]

I want to quit sometimes… but I haven’t … good for you for trying new things!

[@Lifeunpotted]

So inspiring! Rooting for you as you continue this journey 🎉

[@Liz_Tangerine]

Definitely recommending my lawyer friend to reach out for the interview!! Keep going cece you are an inspiration!

[@SZ-vk4te]

I’m on the edge, need an escape plan from my office job … thanks for sharing your journey, it’s inspiring

[@cjbeee9537]

I think being a lawyer has got to be a miserable existence. Just look at the stats of how many folks have a law degree vs. how many actually practice the law.

[@i-hungchen9318]

Thank you for sharing your process, Cece! I am 28 years old and a litigation lawyer in Taiwan (not big law though, too hardcore for me lol) and am also seriously considering changing career paths as I am getting married this year and feel like it is way too hard to have a healthy work-life balance practicing law traditionally.

[@oliverlikescheetos]

You’re so methodical and enjoy hearing your thought process through your journey! You remind me of Barack Obama! As a lawyer he took a sabbatical in Bali for several months by himself to finish his book (he missed his original deadline). Even great people like him have some setbacks!!

[@jessjlsy]

Same, stability is important to me too... Happy to know that you took the first step and is much happier now! 😊

[@jennamarcus4283]

Whatever your future holds, I know it will be so bright 🌟❤ Congrats, Cece!

[@zikiJade]

Honestly, I thought you were brilliant for doing this. Have been supporting the journey from the start. Keep it going !

[@LilBishOnYoutube]

I am going through the same financial anxiety with my upcoming MBA program!! I've saved and have a plan, but the thought and action of spending that money is so stressful. Thanks for sharing!

[@ominous450]

I really like the type A approach you had for your 1 year sabbatical. You broke the months down into and decided what you were going to do

[@teaanjay]

Omg, this is just me. I am still pondering taking THE step since I have a rather low risk tolerance, haha. Appreciate your insight! Good luck with your journey!

So glad I found your channel! New dedicated follower! Finally found a type A risk taker to look up to on KZbin!

[@kingkenn1]

You’re such an inspiration!!! Thank you for creating this amazing content ❤️

[@nikkid8834]

Heyy 👋🏾 Absolutely loved the video! You speak so clearly, articulate your points really well and your 2 cents (podcast pun? ;) is such a breath of fresh air! Yes to coaching! I delved into the world of coaching in 2022 and it rocked my world! I got certified last summer and may look to doing a similar pivot like u did from a 9-5 typical high end job to more solopreneur as a coach Anyways thanks for sharing and best of luck as we journey onwards into this year! 💓

[@goldsunsilvermoon]

omg congrats on your book deal! i’m a 2L but also a book influencer with Portfolio, will definitely read and review it when ARCs are ready!

[@jessicarodriguez8946]

You are so underrated. You deliver substantial info with your personal real challenges that are relatable. Love your channel!

[@hopeunfinished8462]

I love that you mentioned a time frame to commit to when trying something out! I own a music school and we have had three lawyers either quit law to go back to their passion (they all had Music degrees as well) or be an attorney part time/Music part time. For one who tried part time at her law firm, it wasn’t the money but the “part time” kept turning into more and more hours with the law firm she worked for. It eventually became unsustainable…not able to follow through on her commitment to her teaching schedule with us. The others I believe missed the certainty that takes awhile to build. 6 months is a good time instead of panicking after a month. I went feet first owning a business. I decided if I can practice up to 10 hrs/day on top of regular classes and rehearsals in very competitive music school, I could work hard to make it work. Over 20 years later it is still working!

[@sanjaynaidu4961]

Wow, as an aspiring lawyer your story is very insightful! If you don’t mind sharing, did you ever consider a more traditional exit from biglaw and working in-house/at a smaller firm?

[@CeceXie]

yes, i thought i would work in-house at a tech company when i first graduated from law school

[@georgiaho]

I like how you mentioned about the different way you had to think about money - a runway vs a stable income. I'm about 2 years into my "break" and trying new things (including KZbin!), but I really felt the financial anxiety and I went back to a job for a while last year. Can you share which podcasts and interviews you listened to and watched with these writers / creatives?

[@angelicaluquin8973]

I love your channel and you inspire me! Keep going.

[@1962diamond]

type "A" personality type is underestating your personality!!!!! "AAA" , lol...... I know you will achieve what ever you do. I sincerely hope you will be happy in life. you are an amazing person, extremely intelegent and achievment driven. wish you all the best in your personal life, marriage and maybe children. ps; just please do not drive yourself crazy

[@CeceXie]

LOL i'm gonna steal that--i'm type AAA. thank you for watching and for the good wishes--wishing you the best for you and your loved ones, too!!

[@ItsCwaysWorldEsq]

Very inspiring. I will for sure sign up to talk to you about my experience in big law as well.

[@terrencelao6373]

I admired that you are doing and in an expensive city like NY. I've listened to other youtubers who got out of the rat race but when to lower cost of living areas like Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam. There's one in San Jose (beat the bush) but his way is being cheap. There's a former lawyer who quit the rat race living in Thailand. I'm in my 50's so one foot in rat race and other foot out. The money part is always in the back of your mind.

[@CeceXie]

totally! i LOVE nyc so want to stay here forever, but that does mean HCOL is something that i'll have to reckon with no matter what i do as a job

[@terrencelao6373]

Since you are writing a book, I thought of a good idea. Why not do children's books? Can't be harder than writing an adult book? It's just lots of pictures and small sentences? In fact, here's my idea for you to pitch. Cece or Cici the Legal Beagle (dog), who teach kids about the legal system. With adventures in real life like public safety while crossing the streets, getting lost and asking for help, or wearing seat belts while in the car. Also, can add in topics for adults to teach their kids, like remember emergency contact number or have an apple air tag.

[@lbda9426]

I am at the end of my one year sabbatical/life reroute as well. I can now see the path forward, I am so much better off now. A year is a good length of time but it also goes very fast

[@drbennyboombatz9195]

I watched your video, I love your style, I think you're great! You dropped a few clues as to whats going on internally, I think you should look into "meditation", a person who has gone through what you have gone through would benefit greatly in my opinion... Good luck with the writing :)

[@CeceXie]

i've been trying meditation for years, to mixed success, ha. still trying, though :) thank you for watching!

[@drbennyboombatz9195]

@@CeceXie Ohh really?! Well on the other side of your leap of faith is bliss, the scarier/harder to get through it seems the sweeter the reward, I really hope you don’t go back. I probably sound way too woo woo but this is true ime as an old man hehe

[@yasu-ekarunaratne569]

you're such an inspiration

[@BrielleJuliet]

loved this!!! also love the shorter hair, so cute (:

[@nomadreason]

This reminds me so much of Cal newports book, “so good they cant ignore you”

[@Sushi-Katana]

I'm at $210K annually right now (silicon valley tech job) but would love to quit & just do my KZbin channel full-time. I feel like I need to save up more.

[@LogicallyMinded94]

Regarding using your fiancé’s health insurance, were you added to his plan as a domestic partner? If so, what tax method was used (e.g., imputed income or after-tax employee contribution)?

[@RS-uy9pq]

I am currently 29 and finishing up a degree at my local community college. I am wanting to go to law school and become a corporate lawyer at a big law firm like Watchtell, Lipton, Cravath, etc. However would be around 35 years old when I graduate, is my goal still feasible from your perspective?

[@CeceXie]

what’s your concern? if it’s age, don’t worry about that-i had classmates in their 40s!

[@RS-uy9pq]

@@CeceXie Awesome! I was worried that big law may discriminate due to my age. Also, would you recommend transferring to a top undergraduate program such as Vanderbilt or transfer to a lower ranking public university such as Middle TN State and focus on getting into a tier 14? My thinking here is that maybe getting my undergraduate degree from a top 50 university would help with getting into a tier 14 law school. What are your thoughts?

[@CeceXie]

undergrad doesn’t matter for law school admissions, so go where you think you’ll have the best experience and best GPA

[@RS-uy9pq]

@@CeceXie Thanks, you helped me out a bunch. If you where to ever become a career coach I would definitely like to work with you. Thanks again.

[@avivamaryles1081]

You look much more relaxed!

[@thetrademarkattorney_]

Oh can you recommend your career coach? I’m a lawyer who’s transitioning too. I’m currently trying out blog writing for other companies but I’d love to explore other careers!

[@CeceXie]

email me and i can tell you more! [e-mail]

[@mchlle94]

How did you immediately get an agent? I thought that was a whole process on its own.

[@HardKnockHustler]

Hello Beautiful, my name is Alexander Milhets. I’m just a regular guy with the right interest in study. I’m 21 and I have a whole life ahead of me, I’m not an aspiring lawyer just a guy who wishes to make use of the library at Yale. How can I go about doing that with out attending the university?

[@Florida95x]

Love your necklace!! What brand model is it?

[@CeceXie]

the gorjana venice! link: go.magik.ly/ml/1res2/ (affiliate)

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

I wish you all the best ❤

[@FrootNinja]

Mayuko I feel went through that with big tech +YT and is back in ios engineering I think.

[@tseringnamgyal6662]

This was inspirational :)

[@ericcarson342]

I can't decide. What hurts more, taking the band aid off slowly or ripping it off? Experiencing mid-life crisis.

[@walkerking3875]

slowly is worse. it actually feels good to rip a band aid off real quick

[@randomstuffman01]

Interesting. Good luck. from toronto canada.

[@bonquiqui874]

If I remember correctly, you did apply and didn’t end up getting into a PhD program. How do you think that would have impacted your post law life and do you think you’d pursue that type of path again?

[@CeceXie]

i think it would have set me on another more traditional path and distracted me for a while with a new ladder to climb. i'm not really sure that academia is for me, as it's even more conservative/traditional/prestige-obsessed/narrow-minded than biglaw, but i do love the idea of being able to read, write, and teach all day

[@juliamurphy5943]

Is it just me or did your hair get thicker compared to that clip of you when you were still working perhaps a sign of being more healthy and less stressed

[@CeceXie]

my hair was half-up/half-down in the video from a year ago, so i think that may be a red herring ha. my undereye circles have gotten a little better, though, i think!

[@ddchomeschool]

So excited to hear about your book deal! Very interesting that all the interesting (to me) people on socials are all getting book deals! Most recently you and youngmi from IG! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Creolady925]

How did you get on his insurance? Legally you're not currently related to him. I really would like to know

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Freedom is everything. Your type of job in a big law firm is too painful. Money cannot give you happiness in your job as a lawyer. Moreover, I can imagine it is very depressing to deal with law suits.

[@beatpirate8]

I want to buy a condo in Baja ! And need Tom pay this new home… but I want to travel For a year!

[@yodatoy8792]

So I have a question: may be you said in the video but were you able to do what you decided to do because you have a supportive husband who can help you financially due to his 9-5 job?

[@CeceXie]

partially but mostly no--i get health insurance through his job but he doesn't support me financially. i still pay for half of rent, expenses, etc. as before. he works in public interest so my not pitching in isn’t really an option at the moment

[@makaela3041]

May I know which type of lawyer are you?

[@CeceXie]

i was a tech and privacy lawyer

[@TheCakeIsALie422]

Omg!! Co host Hannah Stella!!

[@jessj2391]

a bit of a random comment but I would love to hear about your favorite books / book recommendations! :)

[@raecoleman11]

Great video! Love your content! Can you share the name of your career coach you are working with?

[@Swagg3r3d]

congrats on selling that book proposal!

[@prairiehorse6168]

Do you think you have more work-life balance now?

[@CeceXie]

i work fewer hours but am more stressed/anxious when i am not working, if that makes sense!

[@prairiehorse6168]

@@CeceXie I hear you. Hope you can ger to a place where you can enjoy a more balanced lifestyle without feeling anxious.

[@rickys9388]

what is not optimal but familiar hmmm

[@yourcondition3079]

this is strange

[@arafrahman1116]

your vocab/speaking is really good..... def a Harvard student lol😅🤣

[@9770G]

Was that 350k a year in a major city working 60 plus hours a week?

[@CeceXie]

yes, nyc, and the weeks really fluctuated... sometimes i billed only 25 hours but other times i would bill 55 (which doesn't include non-billed hours worked)

[@9770G]

Gotcha. And what does your husband do and what does he make a year if u don’t mind me asking?

[@CeceXie]

he worked at a nonprofit/now in city government. he makes decent money but obviously not biglaw money

[@9770G]

@@CeceXie cool. Ya more money isn’t necessarily a bad thing of course but it’s not always a good thing either. It doesn’t matter if u make more if you just keep increasing your expenses and liabilities. Also not everyone needs the same level of “lifestyle” to be happy. Some people want a brand new car every few years or they are miserable, others may drive the same car for 10-20 years and be more than happy to do that. And that idea applies to everything in life that costs $.

[@ericnyamu9981]

people taking about your skin its like it a adding money in the bank . lol. well you know your finances. if you are making anything close to +$350k then you did the right thing.

[@stevenbray9056]

Very cool