I QUIT MY CORPORATE LAW JOB WITHOUT A PLAN (Why, what helped, what didn't)

We are socially conditioned to find a good job and stick to it. But that might not work for you - it certainly didn't for me as a corporate lawyer in London. Why do we find career change so difficult? What helps us make a change? What hinders it? Here's the beginning of my career change story. 2020 EDIT: WATCH THE ONE YEAR UPDATE VIDEO HERE - • How to DESIGN YOUR LIF...
Escape the City (career change accelerator): www.escapethec...
Find us on:
instagram: @wefilmthings
twitter: @wefilmthings
website: www.wefilmthing...
Eliska
instagram: @eliskahsk
twitter: @eliskahsk
blog: www.curatedtheo...
Jack
instagram: @jackcols
twitter: @jackcols
Our camera gear:
- Sony A7R2 - amzn.to/2HlXfaL
- w/ 35mm lens
- w/ 50mm lens
- w/ Canon 10-22mm lens
- via metabones adapter
- Sony RX100 Mk IV - amzn.to/2HjFtVP
- DJI Mavic Pro Drone - amzn.to/2HjFf0V
*****
We're Eliska and Jack - two twenty-somethings living in Manchester, UK, and escaping as often and to as many places as possible. Our channel is about finding adventure every day.

[@roelienbooysen894]

I'm 26. And I lost so many loved ones in 2020 even my dad. And I realised how I was merely existing and not living my life. I almost chicken out. Hit that send button today and I feel free!!!

[@WeFilmThings]

So so sorry about your loss! I hope you’re ok and having a better start to this year than last. Sending lots of love your way 💛

[@roelienbooysen894]

Thank you 💕💕💕

[@roelienbooysen894]

Yes I did

[@STUPIDYOUTUBE_HIDINGMSGS]

"And I realised how I was merely existing and not living my life." - This is very much like me, so I need to change my life to re-focus and assess what is still my mission in life other than working a full 8-5 job.

[@ArianeSartor]

I quit my law job in the middle of the corona crisis and TWO MONTHS later I make a living of my own business! 😃 It is crazy how we stay in situations out of fear when something so much better is waiting for us on the other side!

[@WeFilmThings]

Congratulations! Completely agree, it's so easy to be scared off by uncertainty x

[@livelikecactus3732]

Same !!! eventhough i only made $200 for the first month of doing my business, i still believe I can make it bigger (but i still haven't quit my job because $200 a month is not a good money to me) but i'm still in the process of considering quitting 😁

[@thelifeofnicx]

Congrats! What is your business if you don't mind me asking

[@romaaggarwal4011]

wow..this is very motivating, I was all set to quit but coz of the pandemic I have little hope of a business doing well..what is it that you started pls do share!

[@NYCMarkus]

Left my Corporate Finance job at age 30 last November and started a coaching business. Nothing I've seen since then has resonated more than your video, thanks for sharing your story!

[@WeFilmThings]

Thanks so much for watching and I'm very glad it resonated! This is why I love hearing other people's stories :)

[@karan6595]

I just quit my corporate job yesterday. I always hated the corporate environment but just worked for money. Eventually, it was too much for me to take. I don't have a concrete plan yet, but I'm pretty sure i will figure something out.

[@WeFilmThings]

Congratulations on moving on! I’m sure you’ll work something out too 😊

[@ellefonzarelli]

I’ve been binging these vids. I’ve been a paralegal in corporate law for 8 years and I’m to the point that I don’t care about getting work done and that is NOT me. I feel like my soul is taking a stand and I literally cannot focus or put energy into this job any more. I’m terrified but I’m doing a disservice by staying. Wish me luck.

[@nafulamasika8279]

Wishing you all the best. This rings so close to home for me too.

[@ellefonzarelli]

nafula masika Thank you 🙏🏼. I put in my resignation last week after posting this comment. I wish you the best in your journey as well!

[@WanjiruPierce]

I resonate with this so much! I am equally a lawyer. 1 year 2 months into practice but I'm just not into it. I consider myself quite a creative person. And waking up to wear a suit everyday feels like such a task. I feel trapped. I enjoy law and all. The courts! The drafting! I do. But no...this is not it! You're so bold. One day I'll make this move and it might be the best decision I've ever made!

[@aditis5174]

evah wanjiru we’re on the same boat boat. I feel like home decor is my thing. It flows naturally to me. I paint as well, since childhood.

[@WeFilmThings]

Maybe there's a happy medium there somewhere where you get to be involved with the parts of the law you enjoy and leave behind the parts that you don't like. This is why I considered going into legal tech first (as it's more focused on creative problem solving but still involved with the law), but ended up deciding to go for the full creative option because I'd regret if I never tried. It's still a backup alternative for me though! Best of luck :)

[@Self-Duality]

Update?

[@AttorneyonaJourney]

I quit the law, too! I am so much happier now as a blogger and travel writer in Post-COVID Taiwan. Kudos to you for following your heart!

[@RotterStudios]

that's great! I'm working on getting my blogs larger as the main income source.

[@RubenWhitter]

36 hour work DAY as an employee sounds like the next level of obsurdity I never knew existed

[@WeFilmThings]

It's the kind of insanity that seemed "normal" to me at the time, eek

[@TheNExperience]

@@WeFilmThings More common than one would think in the legal world

[@jeanp.5929]

I had a job where I commuted 40 miles to work and 40 miles back home. I thought that was normal. I left that job as soon as I found something better. The something better was a job that was 20 miles away. lol

[@shivam2814]

Being a lawyer myself I can relate to it.. Been 6 months since I had a good night's sleep

[@Creativescholarr]

I literally expressed to my boss that I feel that my creative side is going to waste. Im 27 with a masters in business law, working in local government and I cry every week because I’m miserable and want to just step out on faith. I don’t feel fulfilled at all. Oh, and I’m a people pleaser as well. I feel that I’d make my boss really upset for leaving. This video is helping me! 💜

[@Self-Duality]

Follow your heart!!! 😌💭💖☘️🌸☀️

[@marishu4193]

Ohh my god it's like watching myself... thank youuu for saying all of that 💙. I am legal advisor for a multinational company, and all i think about now is leaving the job .. it's taking all my energy and i don't like the vibes it gives me .. who else feeling stuck and have no idea why he/she chosed to stydy law... i started writing and a youtube channel , but as u perfectly explained there isn't much time left to do things we enjoy

[@WeFilmThings]

It's a super tough career if your heart isn't 100% in it! But once you make the decision that it's time to leave, then you just need to make a plan and take the brave first step - whether that means going into a different legal job while you figure things out, or stepping away completely. I wish you the best of luck!

[@mozafarino]

Mariem, I understand you, I was there and I changed my path, now I help lawyers to gain more success without losing themself. I wrote the book "More than a Lawyer" and created a system that helps lawyers. If you resonate, here you can find more informations elawvation.com/

[@annacxx4499]

Life is too short. Do what you love - whatever that may be. It may take some time to figure it out.. but you’ll never regret it

[@bodybagged6906]

I just quit my job without a back up, in the middle of the pandemic. Glad I'm not alone. Qualified engineer on good money, but my soul just isn't into it. Who knows where I go from here haha.

[@minhkhuong6132]

Good luck, same as me. It's gonna be hard but keep going bro.

[@bodybagged6906]

@@minhkhuong6132 I sat and considered what I enjoy doing in my spare time, and physics is something I've been researching for years. I even did my own 'double slit experiment' in my house not long ago. So, I've just sent an application off for university at the ripe age of 27 to study physics/astrophysics! Can't wait, good luck to you brother 👊

[@minhkhuong6132]

It takes courage to go to university at 27.

[@bodybagged6906]

@@minhkhuong6132 I'd rather take the shot and miss than not take it at all. 27 is still young, almost 😜

[@minhkhuong6132]

Yes.. Keep it up.. You never know what a life could bring. There's no right or false decision. Just choose and do the best as u can.

[@bryanwong4619]

I am a lawyer with 3.5 years exp and lately my life has been miserable. Thanks for the video, i resonate with everything that you’ve said. This will give me a lot to think about 😊

[@lavishventure4880]

sorry to hear that! 2 part ques Can u expound on why it's miserable being a lawyer?? Is it the hours, paperwork, treatment?

[@Luxedee]

so you done a job suffering you for 3.5 years oof

[@navneetmann_]

I went through something similar! I practiced law for a couple of years before I completely burned out and faced serious health issues. It was a really tough place to be in - it lead me to becoming a life coach for lawyers! I now help lawyers and high-achievers beat burnout in their legal careers and actually find fulfillment in their lives (in or out of law)

[@bryanwong4619]

Lavish Venture id say the culture and the hours. I don’t hate the law per say, but I think it’s definitely a career that you need to put your interest over the expectation that people impose on you.

[@bryanwong4619]

Navneet Mann good stuff ! I think there are a lot of people in the same boat as me !

[@michaelsix9684]

we love it, so great you have made this change , it is not easy, but you will survive

[@navneetmann_]

Thanks for sharing your story! I wish more lawyers and former lawyers were comfortable being so open about their situations - this is such a tough career and I'm so glad to see more people like you that were brave enough to follow the path filled with passion and fulfillment! Very inspiring :)

[@WeFilmThings]

Thanks so much for watching! It's tough because we're trained in confidentiality to the point where lawyers find it hard to share anything personal (this video was very hard to film for me!). But I think it's so important to share, especially as I only felt like I could make the move by speaking to other people about their own experiences.

[@titolarios]

I agree with your good reasoning. I will probably quit my full time job at the end of the year. But I'm that kind of person who need a plan. I still have 5 months before that. So plenty of time to get ready! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@WeFilmThings]

Thank you for watching and you're very welcome. I've just uploaded a one year update on this video where I talk about some of the things I would have done differently, and some of the structures I put in place to help me. Just in case you find any of those helpful!

[@STUPIDYOUTUBE_HIDINGMSGS]

lucky you, you have a partner who can support you financially. I'm having mental breakdown due to lack of sleep because of stress and worrying about the worst case scenario - not finding a job and being broke with no one to support me since i'm the one giving the support to family financially.i don't know how to embrace this self-doubt and fears and anxiety about leaving my job.

[@DevinTrent88]

Love it! I quit my job as a mechanic 5 years ago to pursue photography and it was one of the top 5 best decisions of my life! Also, keep the personal videos coming, we love it. Getting to know someone on a more personal level helps us to feel a deeper connection when watching your other video because now we have a more detailed back story. It's like the character setup for a movie. Before the character goes on an adventure the director is sure to tell some backstory first because the audience will feel an emotional connection to see how the adventure plays out. Hope this makes sense lol.

[@WeFilmThings]

Devin Trent thanks so much! It’s very encouraging to hear that you pursuing your dreams was still a great decision in hindsight 😊 and yes, that totally makes sense and I love watching videos where I get to know people as well - but they are a lot harder to make! It’s putting a lot of yourself out there, so I’m very glad that you enjoyed it!

[@NYCMarkus]

Also would like to add I have colleagues in the Corporate world that want to do something entrepreneurial or creative but haven't found the 'right' thing yet. For some, the problem is this process goes on for months or even years. Ultimately taking action pursuing something you'll enjoy (even if it doesn't feel completely perfect) is a good step and you can always pivot / continue to modify the course you're on as you go.

[@WeFilmThings]

Completely agree - I've just done a video on exactly this and the process I undertook to make a decision. Unfortunately lots of people in corporate just don't have the time to dedicate to solving their problem, and it does take time and energy!

[@noviandani4968]

Oh wow i just can't imagine that i quit my dream job on last may in the middle of pandemic. I used to do tax accounting. Now i'm doing small business but i feel so much happier.

[@johng3281]

I leave my corporate finance job without plan. I was burnout with my boss and culture. Dunno what is ahead of me.

[@WeFilmThings]

John G good for you friend, and best of luck with what’s ahead!

[@rebeccacouch1675]

Good on you!!! I have 5 weeks left of my law degree and although I'm going to finish it, I have no intention of using it. I am going into real estate and plan to start up a KZbin channel too!!

[@WeFilmThings]

How exciting, best of luck with your plans!!!

[@rebeccacouch1675]

We Film Things thank you!! 🥰

[@chantejodykaylansebastian5420]

Im a law student and i knew from the get go that this degree is not what i permanently want. Im a creative nut myself and before i could embrace a dance career my parents advised that should anything go wrong i wouldn't have a plan B. A year ago i broke my leg in a MVA; glad i took their advice.😬 By nature im indecisive, worry about everything as an overthinker and Im sadly a people pleaser, so I took a lot of what you said to heart. You're brave! You're right (the world won't end)! You're true to yourself! You're my new role model😏 xoxo please make more vids like this🙏

[@WeFilmThings]

Thanks so much for watching and your kind words! I'm glad it resonated with you and yeah, it's definitely good to have a plan B and to make "brave" decisions in an informed and balanced way... It's definitely not a decision I made lightly! Good luck in finding what you love, I'm sure there's a balance there somewhere between your degree skills and your creative ones. I will be doing a one year update soon if you're interested, stay tuned :)

[@chantejodykaylansebastian5420]

@@WeFilmThings thanks a million💛 and i will most definitely stay tuned😇

[@mushy111]

I practiced criminal law for 3 years before burning out. It's funny once you stop something you realise the value in hindsight. I wouldn't go back but I've gained so much insight from it.

[@kendramarie2422]

Wow this resonates with me so closely. This video is very inspiring and comforting. Thank you.

[@WeFilmThings]

You're very welcome, very glad to hear it resonated with you! Best of luck on your own journey x

[@aswler]

So helpful! I am currently procrastinating the decision whether I should leave a well paid job that I do not like much and step into uncertainty.

[@annacxx4499]

Good on you. I’m just about to start a doctorate in educational psychology to become an educational psychologist. There is an ex-solicitor on the course - after hearing his experiences I feel sorry for anyone in the field. Life is too short - do what fills your soul. Sometimes you have to experience these awful roles that don’t fit you to know what you DO want! Good luck 😄

[@Roberto-REME]

I left a high-paying Corporate America position because of similar reasons. I commend you for the great message in your video and admire the brave outlook you demonstrated in the self-reflection concerning your career decision. I wish you much success in any undertaking in your future career path. You will have a great path to follow, I'm certain. BTW, you are absolutely beautiful. Love your accent.

[@aalegalfocus]

What did you wind up doing instead? Do you still practice law?

[@richardwestwood8212]

@@aalegalfocus maybe he's practicing fishing, and why not? Do what makes you happy, remember that you have only one life, not seven.

[@richardwestwood8212]

@@aalegalfocus Take the plunge and see if you can swim; if not, then fly 🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@bassboosted9708]

I quit my KZbin Channel to become a Corporate Lawyer.

[@Nubianette]

I loved this! Escape The City sounds like a great program! I don’t have a great paying job, but it has a lot of security since it’s a government job. I’ll be able to retire in less than 10 years, and I definitely want my next phase to be in a career I love! I’m looking forward to seeing more travel videos!

[@WeFilmThings]

The security is definitely the hardest thing to leave behind! Thank you for your kind words and I'm sure you will find something you love in your next phase :)

[@TheLesserEvil]

Hey Eliska! This is Kammie - not sure if you remember but we went to Magdalene together, I was mainly hanging out with Xw :) I stumbled across this video on my youtube, and I just want to say it's such a big milestone or change! So glad you made the change and hope things go well in the future. ❤️

[@WeFilmThings]

Hi Kammie! Of course I remember, I hope you're well? Thanks so much for your kind words, love that this channel popped up for you 😂 Would love to know what you're up to, will connect on IG xx

[@vangstr]

Do what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Yes you need something to fuel everyday finances but I'm sure you have something already. Bottom line is pursue your passion, life is too short for "what if's".

[@WeFilmThings]

Teng Vang very true and living by that now! Thank you 🙏

[@johnsantos3392]

I've just changed jobs. It's a mental testing process. After 20 years in same job

[@WeFilmThings]

Wow congrats! It’s weird how change is like a muscle you occasionally need to flex. Best of luck in your new job!

[@andrewharris6347]

I’m interested in more videos like this one ... great job!

[@Luxedee]

im just a kid i dont know what she talking about but im watching it

[@WeFilmThings]

Thanks for watching! Good luck with your future choices :)

[@leifx]

Good for you!! 💪 Currently heading to work but am watching this this eve! 🙌🎊

[@WeFilmThings]

Leif Moore thank you Leif 😊🙏

[@camiladancedance1003]

Did you leave law practice yet?

[@irinasweet2006]

i feel a lot like you... dream about having an endevour that will bring me happiness, fullfilment and abundance!

[@WeFilmThings]

Best of luck with finding that path!

[@katiekrueger7360]

Such an inspiring and informative video! I didn’t know much about your background, but learning more makes me every more impressed by the amazing videos you two put out considering how much you both have/had going on professionally alongside the creative/travel sides of your lives. I’m in a similar place of working full time yet also wanting to enrich the creative side of my brain - it’s not easy to find a balance! Your video gave some great questions to ponder. Anyhoo, big cheers to your new journey! 🎉🎉

[@WeFilmThings]

Thank you Katie! It's definitely a difficult balance, even now when I've given myself more freedom to explore I find that I have to keep reminding myself the reason I quit when making decisions on my next moves. I'm also very impressed at all the travel content you put out seeing as you work full time! You make it look like a breeze :)

[@mozafarino]

I resonate with what you were writing here and I think you might find some support here www.elawvation.com looking for your feedback, Good luck!

[@samuelhwood]

I’m a corporate lawyer and share you feelings exactly. It’s a very bizarre feeling but not uncommon as law attracts a specific type of person alongside the specific type of person that always aims to please others. I was the latter. The only person keeping me in the job is me. That is the scariest and saddest part of it all.

[@WeFilmThings]

I know how you feel, but it's both scary and also liberating - realising that you have complete control over your reality and that you can take steps to change it if it's not what you ultimately want. Wishing you the best of luck and strength with it all xx

[@uzmasheikh1533]

I am going through a similar situation, I graduated from law school in 2018 and secured a job in one of the tier one law firms. I quit working der after a year... It's been four months I gave few exams but I am still struggling to find out my real passion... I have become lazy and very disoriented and I am taking a lot of stress about it but yet not doing anything substantial to solve this situation.

[@WeFilmThings]

Ok first of all, don't let it stress you out, you will figure it out! I find it helps to make yourself a plan and set deadlines by which you need to have applied for jobs / tried something out / read about something / reached out to people who might be able to tell you about certain career paths. If you find it hard to stick to your deadlines, get someone to be your accountability buddy. I have a weekly call with one of my friends and I know I need to get that week's tasks done by then, otherwise I feel crap going on that call. Best of luck with it! xxx

[@noviandani4968]

How is it going now?

[@leifx]

Couldn’t wait so I watch it walking to work (dangerous, wouldn’t recommend doing that!) really great video Eliskha! And very brave putting something personal up. I’m amazed at how easily talking on camera comes to you. Keep em coming 🙌🙌🙌

[@WeFilmThings]

Leif Moore ah thank you, it definitely didn’t feel like it came naturally - not sure why it’s more stressful talking at a camera in a room by yourself than to an actual human! 😂 thanks so much for your kind feedback 😊

[@buttaz3000]

Hey :) ignore all the negative and ignorant comments and trust your gut, good on you

[@buttaz3000]

I also quit law and I'm training to become a pt

[@FranciscoRamirez-hh9lh]

Good for you! Best wishes in your future endeavors. You are so brave!👍🏾

[@WeFilmThings]

Francisco Ramirez thanks so much 🙏

[@constanzafreire4918]

6 minutes over your video and I love it, its like a deja vu!!!!! Thank you for sharing this

[@WeFilmThings]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@LovepreetSingh-hz7yx]

Hi! Great video. Could you make more content about overcoming the fear and transitioning into a career you enjoy?

[@WeFilmThings]

Hello, thanks so much for watching, and thank you for the video idea! I'm definitely planning on making some new videos in this series and I'd love to make ones that will actually be useful to you! Are you thinking about changing careers at the moment? Is it mainly the fear of the unknown that's stopping you? xx

[@LovepreetSingh-hz7yx]

@@WeFilmThings I would like content about having a general sense of openness especially when it comes to careers. Not feeling like because you did x education you have work in that field. You can change at anytime.

[@monicam7980]

Such an elegant, simple and consice video!! Love it thanks for the awesome situational and fundamental advice - helped alot

[@WeFilmThings]

Thank you for watching and your lovely comment 💛

[@RajeshGupta-hs1nx]

Great video. Helped me a lot. Thanks for making it.

[@WeFilmThings]

Very glad to be of help, thank you for watching!

[@TheNExperience]

Fantastic video - I'm going through the same struggles as you (also a lawyer)...but I know which direction I'm leaning - thank you for being brave enough to take the plunge and share your experience :)

[@WeFilmThings]

Thank you for watching, so glad you enjoyed it! Ah I feel for you, though knowing your next direction is half the struggle! Wishing you the best of luck with it :)

[@TheNExperience]

@@WeFilmThings Thanks for the warm wishes, the plunge is fast approaching!

[@victortarroni]

I Graduated in Law, Worked as a Tax lawyer for 1 year and half. Left Law to become marketer! quite similar !

[@WeFilmThings]

Are you enjoying your new career more than your legal one? Thanks so much for watching!

[@marishu4193]

Hey victor , hope you are good ,i wonder if you was able to get the diffrent job with law degree, is it possible when u adapt your resume ! Thank u in advance and hope u enjoy your new job

[@victortarroni]

@@WeFilmThings enjoying? I am loving it ! I've always been creative! Thank you for sharing your story, I am sure you inspired many people!

[@WeFilmThings]

@@victortarroni Very glad to hear it :) :) :)

[@fedebehrens]

Great video! Really liked the situational/fundamental distinction you made

[@WeFilmThings]

Thank you Fede! A lot of thinking had to go into the move, as you know from our chats before :)

[@djkhush284]

LITERALLY THE STORY OF MY LIFE

[@helenamoniqueclarke8135]

Before you decide to invest years and massive amounts of time into anything in life, remember that the most important thing to know is yourself. Saves a lot of waste. But hey...ya got there in the end.💗💯

[@selenem3384]

but society does not work like that

[@louisa.w]

Hey Eliska 👋 thanks for making this video, stumbled upon it and found it to resonate with myself a lot! New subscriber gained ☺️. I’d be super keen to see a follow-up on this, perhaps even looking back at your experience with Escape and if it helped you figure out what you wanted to do next in the end/sharing what you’ve decided to try and why 🙂. I’m London based and had a read of the same Escape programme just the other day funnily enough. Currently work in tech as a PM and finding it too stressful, so am thinking about how to navigate it all right now. Best of luck in your journey 🤞💕

[@WeFilmThings]

Hi Louisa, thank you for watching! I'll definitely do an update seeing as it's almost been a year since I left my life in law! I know that feeling well, you'll definitely work it out though. In the meantime if you fancy chatting about career change or Escape then feel free to DM me on instagram, I found it really helpful talking through everything with lots of different people and I'm more than happy to pass that on 😊 Best of luck to you as well!

[@louisa.w]

We Film Things will definitely reach out via DM in the near future for a chat on the topic, it’s a tricky one isn’t it 🧐 (& thanks for offering, very kind of you!). Look forward to the follow up video ☺️

[@girlredeemed7136]

Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been having similar dissatisfaction working in the legal field. A part of me thinks it’s too late to turn back.. I already graduated, landed a good position, and am studying to take the bar. But the other part doesn’t want to be having these same thoughts at 50 years old.

[@aalegalfocus]

How are things going? The good thing is at least you have a real attorney job. After a year or two, hopefully more doors will open and you can find another job that suits you better. If you save and invest well, you could very well retire early by age 50. I am a solo attorney who had a lot of doubts about sticking with the profession too.

[@Jejdjejbfjf]

Why does everyone seem so unhappy in corporate law... that's scary to hear as a law student, although I'm more interested in other areas like torts etc.

[@WeFilmThings]

Not everyone is unhappy in corporate law! Even though I decided to leave, I'm grateful for my experience in corporate. But it's a very intensive, all-consuming practice so it's worth knowing what you're getting into if your path ever takes you that way.

[@pmwyy]

Also a corporate lawyer, but unlike you, I’ve never felt an adrenaline rush when closing a deal. It’s always anticlimactic and underwhelming.

[@WeFilmThings]

It may have been an adrenaline rush at the prospect of sleep being on the horizon 🤤

[@selenem3384]

it only feels good the first time😂😂😂😂

[@HighOnGravity]

This was so good to watch! Thank you! Currently in corporate law and thinking of leaving too... this was so helpful :)

[@ArianeSartor]

I quit my law job three months ago and I am already making a living of my own business! 😃 So much is possible! It is crazy how we stay in situations out of fear when something so much better is waiting for us on the other side :) I wish you the best!

[@Self-Duality]

@@ArianeSartor Bless you both! We need more of this kind of self-awareness and boldness

[@KhadeejaShahid6]

Im 5 mins in and so far we sound very very similar and that's worrying me because all I have wanted up until now is a corporate legal job. I have a creative side and during my GDL i began questioning if i really wanted to do law because I genuinely love the field OR because it is glamorised. But then I quickly forced myself to come over that thought and convinced myself this is what i want.... until I watched this video.

[@WeFilmThings]

Ah, well give it some time, I think things become quite clear once you're in the job for a while. Also there are lots of paths within law outside of private practice that are much more creative as well (I still find legal tech really interesting for example, also some in house roles could be great). Trust me when I say your qualifications + experience won't be wasted even if you do eventually choose to leave the law!

[@nafulamasika8279]

Every word speaks to me on a deeply personal level. Like every single word. I am also in law and governance and while I love my job, I keep thinking that there has got to be more to life than this.

[@WeFilmThings]

So glad that you resonate with the video. I definitely encourage you to explore those feelings / thoughts - it might be that the changes you need to help you feel fulfilled are not even that major! Best of luck with it xx

[@nmccray4494]

Thank you so much for inspiring me to quit my corporate job. Now I can pursue a career in sewer cleaning. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it.

[@G44984]

Wow! Well done you! There is so much wisdom in this video. You are brave and courageous for making this decision and you should be proud of yourself it’s not easy to seek fulfilment when there are so many societal pressures on us as individuals keep it up👌👍😁

[@tiggerish]

V interesting thanks! Would be interesting to hear an update in future on how your experimentation is going.

[@WeFilmThings]

Thank you for watching :) I did a one year update video here which has loads of detail about my process and where I ended up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoa5h5mjg9x0g9k And I did a goal setting video (bit less structured, you can skip to the goal setting bit at 7:12) here which sets out what I'm hoping to do this year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2ipoKJqntx7Z8k Hope those are helpful but let me know if you have any more questions!

[@tiggerish]

@@WeFilmThings Ooh great, thanks so much!!!!

[@Ronaldosuiiiiiiiiiiiiiii21]

Great video! 😀I have also made a decision to leave law (family law) for many of the same reasons you set out in your video - I have 5 weeks left at my firm before I leave and your video inspired me and sealed my confidence in the decision I have already made. Look forward to the next video x

[@WeFilmThings]

Congratulations on making the big decision! What an exciting time for you, and I'm so glad to hear this video helped a little bit :) Best of luck!

[@alter3go411]

You get an adrenaline rush from closing a deal? Not gonna lie, would be nice to have that kind of engagement with your job.

[@SDLaMadrid]

i just noticed that english accents are so diverse.

[@Raachel244]

she's Australian

[@prashantwadhwa92]

Watching this video after 1 year and I totally resonate with it. I'm also planning to quite my corporate job and have so many ideas that I want to implement. Hopefully this will happen soon. Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@selenem3384]

All lawyers looking for escape schools on youTube like👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

[@WeFilmThings]

😂 honestly, I’ve been there

[@michaelkern2675]

Went through something similar with working corporate finance for a global conglomerate.

[@takingflight7656]

Thank you!

[@drbrahm-viewers2919]

Tell your reason ,why you chose Law as subject. Why you have not gone science engg. Or medical. When you realised that you are going to fail in your mission. Your story is good but not leading to concrete direction to others

[@Cthames123]

I don’t get it. If I behaved like this I wouldn’t be just quitting my job I would be quitting on my family. I’ve worked at a job for 20+ yrs and have seen people just quit with no plan because they were “fed up”. I think about them occasionally. Most had husbands or wives who were working and no children but I still don’t get it. I have a wife who is chronically ill and 2 children. Few give thought to how they’d pay for these expenses if they themselves or a spouse got sick. Things like cancer, tumors, surgeries, and debilitating chronic illness are real life events but many never fathom it happening to them when “fed up”. This can really disrupt the lives of a young person, who has insurance. What about people with no insurance? I’d like to hear you talk about this aspect of real life. I have to work for the income and benefits my job provides...forget how I feeeeel about it.

[@frankiapples]

In the UK we have the NHS. So thankful for the safety net in case illness and need for treatment does come up while taking a career sabbatical or deciding what to do next.

[@April_Avenue]

I quit my job yesterday!

[@buttaz3000]

Awesome

[@WeFilmThings]

Congrats and best of luck on your next steps!!

[@karrisajoss4271]

Great you are being creative and assertive. Most lawyers I’ve worked around are argumentative, like having all the control and don’t really care about the client.

[@WeFilmThings]

There's definitely a big ego problem in the legal industry! And I think the client / customer centric conversation is super interesting - especially as the tech world has brought ideas of human-centred design into the norm, the older industries like law, insurance and traditional banks are really flailing behind. Thanks very much for watching and your kind comment!

[@martinjef]

Thank you. Your video is helping me. I am sailing on the same boaT- Whether to take a gap year or inaction.

[@kbcindustries368]

I had decide that i want to do law since i was 14 and it was the only profession i had been fixed on and this year i have my exams for getting into a law school but it feels like maybe i want to be something else but i m so not confirm about it and i m so scared that this might ultimately lead to a downfall as a whole ... i took a competition at school where basically they hand you a case and you have to argue for that basically a moot court but at school level ... i loved the getting to know new things about law and i loved cracking the case but at the end of the week i was so tired that i really wished fot a vacation... i can still shift my career choice but i m scared i will regret it ... i feel like what if this feeling is not confirmed and i might regret not pursuing law ... it is really confusing and i m really scarred that i might end up chosing the wrong thing

[@WeFilmThings]

Hey, I feel your pain! It's so hard to know what you want to do / what you will be passionate about until you try things out. If you want to get a better idea of what law is like, I would recommend getting as many internships as you can with law firms / courts / legal departments of companies as you can. And I'd recommend doing that with any other areas that you're interested in too - that way you can compare what each job is like. If you can't get internships, then at least talk to people in those professions - you'd be surprised at how willing people are to share their experiences! But most of all, don't let it stress you out. It sounds like you still have a lot of your career ahead of you and there is no reason that you can't change after a few years in one career - more and more people are doing it! Best of luck with it all x

[@alanbstard4]

at least you have a profession you can get back in to.

[@WeFilmThings]

Alan B'Stard M P true! And I learnt a lot during my time in corporate as well, so no regrets 😊

[@seamyq1]

I left my masters programme in Legal Science half way through. It was boring as fuck and I think watching paint dry would be more interesting.

[@aalegalfocus]

Good move. Those masters degree programs are just a way for law schools to make more money.

[@ashimasaxena5]

Wow, it's like you read my mind. Not kidding.... Each word...

[@JoeDoe1]

Thank you.

[@abbykay4761]

Preach preach preach! This is so on point for me :). Dont hate my job but my soul may be slowly dying LOL

[@sadaf7013]

Hi, your story is really helpful for recent graduates like myself. Would it be possible to speak to you about this. I had few questions. I would really appreciate it.

[@WeFilmThings]

Hey, so sorry I didn't reply earlier, but feel free to DM me on instagram @eliskahsk xx

[@hudson701]

So you have a supportive partner who at the very least will make sure you have a roof over your head should you fail? I'd be interested in hearing from entrepreneurs who have done it alone, with debt, with a mortgage and with no spousal support. Your list of worries about 'pride' and being a 'people pleaser' are quite trivial in comparison to real concerns like food, money, not being evicted etc. That said, I enjoyed the video and will check out the website you mentioned.

[@WeFilmThings]

I have a supportive partner who agreed that we would cut our household income by a significant amount for a certain period of time and yes, he wouldn't let me die of starvation (nor would my mom I don't think) - and I am extremely lucky to have that support system! However I am very risk averse so I took some precautions, namely (1) I'd paid off my student debt before leaving my job (we didn't have a mortgage, so that wasn't an issue, just needed to make sure we could make our rent. We moved to a cheaper city to do this) (2) I had put money aside to fund myself for the "experimental" period (3) we set a deadline by which point I needed to be earning money again so that we could still afford food / rent / a lifestyle that we were happy with. The support system gives you a little safety net - if you don't have a similar support system then I think you need to build that safety net by other means. This means being tighter on the financial planning, saving up a little more and starting your business as a side hustle until you have some evidence that it will be successful. If it's not possible to quit straight off and you don't have time to do it as a side hustle then look to reduce your hours first or look for a stop-gap part-time job to allow you to fund yourself whilst still having time to work on your business. I know I'm giving advice from a very privileged position, don't get me wrong, but I hope some of this helps. I'm doing a one year update video in the next few days xxx

[@hudson701]

Thanks for the detailed reply- you've earned my subscription 👍🏻 I have decided to quit next Summer to pursue my dream of being a stock trader, whilst exploring interests like KZbin and other entrepreneurial ventures. I already have a part time freelance job (private tuition) that will pay some bills (hopefully). I will quit with a £1000 mortgage in London and 10k of debt to pay off. However, I will have 15k in my trading account and 4-5k liquid cash to keep me going until my part time work takes off. In reality I just need the time off to fully submerge myself in the financial markets and study them on a full time basis. My full time job is robbing me of the time I need at the moment. It's a big risk but I can't continue living like this- the regret is poisoning my soul. It's time to take that leap of faith. Hopefully things have worked out for you too. I once tutored a lawyer desperate to get out of the city and start again in medicine. She referred to herself as a 'document donkey' whilst working in law. Maybe you can relate to that.

[@WeFilmThings]

@@hudson701 You're very welcome and thank you for the subscription! Congratulations on making the decision, and the plan! I found that once I decided to do it, it was a case of planning for the risk, which made it seem a lot less scary. It sounds like you have a few months of runway before you need to be at full earnings, which is definitely the way to go. Thank you, things are working out so far, though I of course still have a lot of work to do as I'm still a relative newby in my industry. But I love working on it, I get to do something that genuinely excites me every day and I also get to sleep for a normal number of hours each night!!! Crazy :D

[@Abcdxyz11534]

What did you tell your clients?

[@aalegalfocus]

In big firms, the associates are interchangeable. The cases most likely got passed to another cog in the wheel and the clients were just told that so-and-so is now handling your case.

[@miriamowusu6778]

Thank you so much. I’m trying to get into corporate law and was wondering whether I can ask some tips on getting in please? Do you have a Linkedin? Thankss

[@unionash1]

We’re not friends you don’t even know me

[@ManagementInfo-nf1iq]

I don't remember if you mentioned it in the video.. but did you go to law school? I know things are different in the UK than here in the US.

[@WeFilmThings]

Yep I studied law at university - it's a bachelors degree here rather than a JD postgrad like in the US.

[@SuperEROQ]

How did you quit your student loans?

[@WeFilmThings]

I timed quitting my job so that the last month of my loan repayment was the same as the last month of my notice period. So that at the point of not having a regular income, I was entirely debt free. I don't know where you're based, but I would add that here in the UK, you don't have to make student loan repayments unless you earn over a certain threshold of income. This means that for any time you are unemployed, you don't need to make repayments. I paid my student loan off prior to quitting my job as a precaution and because I didn't like the idea of being in debt without a secure income, but I know I was lucky to be able to do that!

[@mylawchannelmuhammadhanifadvoc]

Good

[@kwesibruno]

You seem nice. Love your accent(s) ;) I'm gonna hang around here, if you don't mind.

[@gabionez]

Girl... how did u get a training contract? I’m a law student and need to send the applications soon, I don’t know where to start 😔

[@Cthames123]

Around 8:30 you ask “what’s the worst that could happen?” You’d have no money. That’s pretty bad isn’t it? Also, in another place you said worst case you’d move back with your mom. I guess if you at 25 this isn’t so bad but it you’re 45 have a spouse and a few kids you don’t want to be living in your mama’s house! Your mama should be moving in with you. News flash, your mama doesn’t want to be taking care of you for the rest of your life! I’m guessing most if honest would advise you to try and keep your job until you have a better one. I am trying to understand but just don’t get it.

[@WeFilmThings]

The point of the exercise I'm talking about is to risk assess the worst case scenario of what you're afraid of. My analysis is obviously specific to me, at my age and given my responsibilities (i.e. young, healthy, debt-free). Everyone's risk analysis will be different and the point is that you need to map out the risks in order to be able to prepare for them. And yes, I advise people to keep their jobs and experiment on the side if they can. That was sadly not possible for me given the hours that my job required, so this is the approach I decided to take. Equally, we all have a different appetite for risk and you have to make decisions in line with your own capacity for it.

[@Cthames123]

@@WeFilmThings thanks for replying and speaking to this. Yes there are practical things in life that prevents most from going this route. I will submit it is admirable that you are taking ownership of your life and dictating your own path. I think you are really brave. Genuine Kudos. You explained the downsides of your job that made it difficult to live with, (the stress and hours), and acknowledge the risk. I am rooting for you and want you to succeed, (wildly), at this exchange. Do great things, and come back and report. I will follow. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@classiccoke6360]

BS. No set subject requirements to study law at UK universities.

[@WeFilmThings]

No, but there are subjects preferred by universities, which it would be foolish not to do, and subjects that it's not worth doing as they will not be taken into consideration on application. You're more than welcome to check individual college requirements for Cambridge.

[@moimoi7074]

Wow, people from developed world are so lazy, staring at her i think she just should get married and serve the guy and never work anywhere.If u are lazy -sit at home unemployed we will gladly take your job

[@jcbanbury]

And where are you from?!

[@Joey-un3hy]

That’s a bit judgemental and who are you to judge?

[@vovanminh999]

Stupid comment, you are not in her situation .

[@smokeyspy]

That was a fairly stupid decision

[@jcbanbury]

@Noor551 12 👍👍👍

[@jcbanbury]

Her life, her choice

[@LadyK007]

This is a fairly stupid comment!

[@aalegalfocus]

@@jcbanbury I totally agree!

[@ngwazilindokuhle_ngwazman6427]

Fairly stupid comment indeed🤣🤣🤣