Why I Gave Up Being a Lawyer To Serve Coffee

[@jasonemanuellee6884]

"There's dignity in earning your own living." Powerful words spoken by an incredibly talented and kind-hearted lady. That line there reminds us that not all high-paying, glamorous-perceived jobs are for everyone. Likewise, it reminds us that not all service jobs that involves getting your hands dirty or sticking it in the nitty and gritty are low-paying, braindead and lacking in dignity.

[@usersdksdfg]

i want to work in construction because I feel I will get more satisfaction with working with my hands, but I also don't want to be sweating in the Sun during summers. I'm applying for financial analyst positions after graduating with an Econ degree, but I don't even want to do it, just want the money

[@sambaker3233]

​@applecider1 I work in construction (I'm an electrician). I was a waiter when I left school. A work colleague of mine was a Tenor in the South African Opera. Lunch Breaks in the staff room were great.

[@chi-tn]

Most humans on this planet don't need to realize that because we are living it

[@hakasonma8588]

Sure, I mean I’m pretty sure she could decide to take some low end position after making good money as a lawyer... I mean it’s like rich kids going to McDonald’s PT and acting like they’re earning their own money; sure when your pockets are made why would you worry about taking “less pay home” when you’re made? I mean most of those with high ends jobs usually retire early, and many go on to open small businesses to keep active. You think low end jobs folks can do that? You don’t think they’d like to just “work” without having to worry about pay? How bout early retirement? Many would even kil to get the chance of having her education instead of heavy or hard labour, so it’s funny and quite pathetic reading all the comments like yours. How bout we wipe her accounts to a poor persons level, then have her try this such “noble” idea of hers - oh wait - she wouldn’t do it anymore because she would begin to worry about money in less than a year 😂 Tired of well off people being praised for donation or acting poor when they have the money and the means to do so, you think a poor person can even afford to be poor? They should be praised for the real caring humans they are, she probably got a news flash of her arrogance and set out to prove her “righteousness” and point out the “downgrade” she made... she shouldn’t even bring up the fact and just embrace her “new work”

[@dxcSOUL]

No such thing in the modern world. Those who earn their living are consistently crushed by the ultra wealthy. They have very little control over their lives.

[@mrartdeco]

Wow her father actually helps instead saying she is a failure. She is so lucky

[@hh-qy8zt]

I think he recognizes her greater purpose in life, and that success is not about just procuring your own wealth but making sure we help others achieve their version of success too. Very noble.

[@gtt2728]

I don't think it even matters what toxic parents say. What matters is how she feels. No Negativity or energy from them is needed. Those parent are very miserable with themselves to not be fully supportive of their children.

[@robertenglish3921]

that coffee is too expensive

[@starr2870]

@@hh-qy8zt love this

[@starr2870]

@@robertenglish3921 coffee is expensive anyways even big chainn places, shes doing a good cause.

[@tinylions]

She’s the most creative lawyer! She puts boots on the ground to foster a change for the society-that is meaningful! She also shares much vulnerability with the community. Much respect to this young entrepreneur and leader of our age.

[@docomo279]

She really understands dignity in earning your own money and WHY she is growing through all of this hassle for it. Good for you that you are pursuing this. I know what you mean, business it not meant for everyone and its better off for people to just find a 9-5 job because not everyone is mentally and physically able to have the high bandwidth to do business (instability, worrying here and there, etc). And once you get to the other side of being successful, it doesn't stop. Starting a business is hard, maintaining a business is harder. Wishing you the best my dear!

[@tigerbelly2152]

I am very far behind from my peers in terms of salaries. and I really needed to hear that "there is dignity in earning your own living". Thank you for giving me some strength to carry on.

[@MubashirullahD]

Self investment can go along way in career. We can start slow. Rooting for you!

[@DirkusTurkess]

Delusion doesn't help.

[@jonathan99097]

This is exactly why I'm rethinking pursuing a law career. Many go in with the position that they want to be a lawyer "to help people" until they realize the extent to which they've lied to themselves. Law is about administering justice, but it's mostly $$$,$$$ like it or not. Much like Madeline, I get fulfillment serving others. Going into nursing or some form of medical aid might just be my next move

[@mariago118]

I graduated from law school, goal was to be a human rights lawyer. But realized it wasn't for me either. Changed paths to become a Theology professor instead. There are many ways to serve people.

[@IrrelevantReviewsAndComments]

Healthcare is just as bad. At the end of the day, it's a business just like everything else. Sad but true.

[@ilovemytribe]

Don't mean to be negative, but really research before you get into a "helping profession". I've done almost every aspect of Human Services, Youth, Adult, Mental Health, Substance abuse etc etc. Once these companies figured out they can bill Medicaid and insurance for reimbursements, it all became about billing. They put pressure on the employees to bill, bill, bill and bring in more money, even when it's not ethical. I got out in 2018. The only thing is if it's a grant funded program. So if they get 2 million from the government or a foundation for a 3 year program, they have the money up front and you really can just focus on helping people.

[@Reluctant.Idealist]

I’m rethinking for the exact same reasons. Best of luck to you 🤍

[@IAmThe_RA]

Or try learning electrics and find out your home is full of fire hazards because your "electrician" did a sub standard job, and you'll be anxious to use shower heater in hotels or apartments before checking the distribution board whether a proper circuit breaker is used to ensure tenant's safety.

[@Jx0592]

Interesting how her law background subtly seeps into the way she explains things 'dont have the legal rights' and her motivations are somewhat based on what being a person entails you to really

[@Liliquan]

Yes because the term ‘legal rights’ is so rare in common speech 🙄

[@sophiaisabelle027]

This is an inspiring narrative. We hope to see more like this.

[@xavierlai7293]

i see you everywhere and you are nothing but a ball of positivity

[@OGS.Official]

@@xavierlai7293 YASSS WE STAN! ♥

[@Vickie317]

@@xavierlai7293 cos she's among us

[@KLim13378]

utmost respect and admiration for her kindness and determination. being a coffee roaster myself i know the struggles that she is going through.

[@ftj8279]

I stumbled this coffee shop by chance. I thought it was just a gimmick and just another coffee stall in a hawker center. Bought their latte and it's actually pretty good. Took me by surprise especially given the location and price. If it's closer to my office I'd definitely come here more often.

[@thetsoehtike]

she is helping 11 refugees so far. inspiring. i wish her the best.

[@OurLordandSaviorSigmar]

The algorithm randomly recommended this video. I'm impressed and thankful for this lady's heart of gold. It's very difficult to give up your stable job, for the chance to do help others.

[@lolagim]

This is awesome. If she ever reads this, there's a cafe in Berkeley, CA called 1951 that works to train and help refugees gain experience and earn their own life and living. Maybe speaking with them about opportunities to help and grow the business would help!

[@p6h14]

Awesome!

[@jameshuggett]

She's putting the soul into Singapore. Not just her own, the partnership of artists. But, also the consumers. ❤

[@misshaebaragi]

We've been in a hustle culture everyday where it's become a normal thing and all we do everyday is just work and make money for paying bills. Meanwhile seeing someone who did the same thing but in addition also giving back to the community is so inspiring! Will definitely visit Mad Roaster in SG soon!

[@sarahpearl4395]

Her story brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for helping where you can, we need more people like you in the world 🌷

[@LeedonLee]

Her kind dad ❤🎉

[@klcc8692]

You deserve our admiration for your selfless desire to help the less unfortunate. Kudos.

[@glennsriyousefbaun-cueto9287]

From barrister to barista, but in a meaningful way. And this inspirational young woman has all the right to do what makes her happy. Even the more so when its giving back☕🍵🖤💜💙💚💛🧡❤

[@oudayramdoolar5624]

“Barrister to barista” would’ve been so much better as a title lmao

[@eundongpark1672]

@@oudayramdoolar5624 that was my initial thought too, but barrister is a much higher level of lawyer qualification. If she wasn't actually a barrister, she may have asked them not to misrepresent her just for the sake of a catchy title. She seems to be a very authentic person

[@MargaritaVioleta]

Beautiful and accurate comment

[@Michelle-bex]

visited this place after I read about them in 2021; absolutely love their honey butter latte and brioche! wished more people would give this place a go :")

[@jameshuggett]

Shall have to try that

[@fahmidamiah]

This is such a heartfelt and beautiful video. Thank you for sharing. I especially loved how Madeline related her stress and mental uncertainty of the future to how refugees much feel, but worse. What a wonderful human being, and Such beautiful content, always, OGS ❤

[@narutofreak95]

Incredibly inspirational and she seems so down to earth as well. Thank you for doing what you do and for sharing your story!

[@mellowxiumin]

this is so touching! even she's stressed out with the business, she's still working hard for the refugees, I will definitely pass by and get myself coffee and bread from Mad Roaster!

[@stephaniehyland5931]

This is such an interesting concept. I really love how honest she is about the pros and cons of going in this unconventional route. I hope that she is able to find more of a balance at some point as I can only imagine how stressful it is based on what she's shared. She is an inspiration.

[@calisongbird]

Yeah, she’s on a path to burnout

[@pytw04]

amazing lady. it takes a lot of bravery to walk away from a stable career to one that isnt, but her heart is in the right place!

[@shawnhow4163]

Bless your kind heart, Madeline, the good will be rewarded.

[@ann28]

Bless her heart. Thank you so much for all you do for the refugees.

[@100-q8v]

My total respect for this young lady. Let us support her business!

[@Tabbylover55]

This lady is an angel, a badass and so inspiring! She is the true embodiment of "be the change you want to see in the world" - may her kindness be rewarded to her and her family tenfold.

[@nsnv]

Respect to her.

[@CrankyNebelung]

as a barista myself, I find her so inspiring. like fr. thank you for your story, and the cup artwork is so rad!

[@scorpio573]

Bless this sweet and kind hearted lady. Keep up the good work!

[@glennteyjc]

What an absolute legend, we need to support this cause!

[@endor8witch]

i agree. i believe in empowering the needy instead of making them collect goodwill. sometimes i feel as though we exploit the needy especially on tv shows and what not by making them tell the stories of their traumas, see them cry and then donate..like let them have dignity. they are going through a hard life already. there are other ways to provide them with the help that also grants them the dignity we all deserves. im glad she's doing this

[@dotsdot5608]

she a hero

[@starwalk3r]

Wonderful display of humanity at its finest. I hope to be able to buy a cup and a brioche in the near future!

[@GGgoldspear]

From Singapore 🇸🇬: you are really a spark for many people who may think they want to do something helpful but feel that they do not have enough...zest..strength..etc..Best Wishes to a good human being!!...Good Karma will reveal itself in many wonderful ways!!..be brave ..be proud...most of all be just be Happy!!

[@farzanadarsot3516]

Wow! What a selfless woman with a beautiful soul... Prayer: May your business flourish endlessly!!! 🙏💕🙏💞🙏💓🙏

[@biolausc]

You are a great and compassionate girl! Much respect from USA!

[@Razzle_Dazzle-]

Same story with Jean Voronkova, another Singaporean lawyer who chose to become a surfing coach in Bali. Sometimes the work that is considered be "low" brings more happiness

[@reallife3015]

This lady touches me with her humility and kindness. She will be blessed by goodness . GOD bless 🙏

[@feistyburrito1]

What an admirable lady. We’re lucky to have people like this. I hope more people like her are put in the limelight. Thank you Madeline! I aim to help people like you do in the future. 🙏

[@fitrya6322]

This is so heartwarming.. Thank you for helping the refugee and keep their dignity by giving them the chance to earn the bag of rice by themselves

[@jima8946]

What a sweet person. Heart of gold

[@wanglee21]

I love it. This is best way of running a permanent fundraiser without really asking for donations. I hope they continue to have great success!

[@kerryjade_]

Your career journey and heart for refugees is so inspiring to me. Currently I am a 9-5 employee and I'm searching for that dignity in my work (in life not my current job) and I desire to be generous in some way to help people in need... not sure of my calling yet but definitely the fear of being financially tight is there... what you're doing gives me hope, and I'm so thankful! May God bless your work and the people you are serving!

[@jen5138]

Sick of seeing some stupid comments made by keyboard warriors who do nothing. She doesn't need ill advice from some of you who think y'all are so smart. She's been to law school and passed the bar exam, she doesn't need to be criticised by stupid people who clearly can't even admit to law sch. She's doing good out of her own heart and you see some comments below telling her what to do and how she's doing it wrong. No doubt certain comments seem to have come from a place of good intent while some are just idiots ranting as if they do or know any better.

[@sp123]

yeah, she can always go back to law as theres so few people capable of passing bar exams and law school

[@xoxolorae]

right some of these comments like you know they couldn’t even get into law school, pretty obvious they’re low IQ to say negative things about this very intelligent girl

[@TT-fn1xb]

I could only see supportive, positive comments but I've not read every comment. I imagine this woman has dealt with critics before. Good luck to her, I say. She's living a purposeful life.

[@dayvie9517]

okay, but you are obviously a keyboard-knight/warrior yourself. So do you hate yourself? Also: a law degree doesn't make you unfailable, so there is not really that much truth to your argument in the first place. I don't criticize her, but you ~ since you do seem to have a para social relationship to her and felt a need to do this? She should be fine with that as a former lawyer and shop owner herself since she decided to make the video and be able to face public scrutiny.

[@tessrederburg7946]

It's lovely to hear that she has such a deeply-touching, culturally impactful reason to put in her best work every day!!

[@ScottFernando-ry2ho]

Wow I smile when I saw your comment. my dear. How many man are in your hand begging for your attention, because your beauty is so charming, and I believe no man can see you without telling you how beautiful you are, I believe your husband must be really lucky to have you in he's life, Dear. no man can resist your beauty. so tell me if you are the second woman GOD created after eve, how are you

[@IAmPeterCook]

As a former lawyer, I found this a very moving story. I can also relate to the uncertainty of being your own boss instead of an employee. Thanks for sharing!

[@tilelate9718]

"If I have to feel like this everyday, this mental stress, I can't imagine 11 people have to feel like that without our programme" very utilitarian of her, considering net utils. Peter Singer will be proud.

[@loveinthematrix]

Yes!!!!!! Sometimes people don’t understand how this could be considered true success unless they see someone who once had so much $ etc and chose a different way of life for their own mental health and happiness. This is very important and I love it

[@Curry.N]

That's really noble for what she did, I certainly hope I can muster my own confidence to do the same thing for others, just like her.

[@megatrons5187]

she has such a beautiful heart. i was very touched.

[@fitorio]

A person with a beautiful soul. Definitely will go here if I visited Singapore again. Thank you for sharing the story.

[@lycheedreams]

What a beautiful heart & a great leader. Wishing this lady all the best and to keep it up 💜

[@sealion16]

What a beautiful soul. We definitely need more people like this in the world

[@PattyTH]

I like your concept where 1 cup of coffee can help people who struggle to live. Thanks for sharing the inspiration, pls keep going.

[@dominique.854]

I RANDOMLY CAME ACROSS THIS VIDEO AND NOW I'M LITERALLY MORE INSPIRED TO HAVE MY OWN COFFEE BUSINESS SOMEDAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND HEART, MORE POWER!

[@ppw8716]

So inspirational. I truly admire people like her. I support small businesses whenever I can. If I lived there, I’d be great customer. 👍 wish her success.

[@m.sselvam8372]

A woman, with Conviction! A Visionary, Trail Blazer, single minded in her Quest. An amazingly inspiring story.

[@leepengkoh2679]

Very noble work ❤ Will forward this to more friends to support your CAUSE

[@deborahrigby5428]

So she went from being a barrister to a barista 🎉❤Love the story🧐❤️🥰❣️what a 💎 gem of an example of unselfish giving💖

[@kriselleamlagphotography9628]

You're doing a purposeful, noble thing and it matters a lot. Thank you for being compassionate 🤎 May your business flourish and may your heart continue to be filled with joy as you give to others.

[@nickyfaddel8672]

Beautiful women!! Thank you for sharing I wish u all the abundance too do this for the needy

[@oji-chan]

it's incredibly inspiring to help someone less fortunate than yourself. You had a well paying and probably succesful career and you gave that up to be part of something bigger than yourself.

[@mtktkt3773]

Mad respect to Ms Madeline, such a great person and thank you for raising awareness about this issue. Will definitely drop by this shop❤

[@BlessingsonBlessings400]

This is so cool! I love that pivot that she made to her career ❤️. It’s always cool to see stories like this!

[@Journey2NNERPEACE]

You have a heart of gold!

[@watermage25]

Need more people like this.

[@georgia5026]

This is an amazing story and so inspiring. This lady is doing good work and I am so proud for her. Next time I go to Singapore I will visit this shop!

[@TheWorldisaLIE2]

this woman is a Queen a pure gem. she doesn’t need mansions on earth for she will be rewarded far greater in the afterlife.

[@demonazgrael]

Beautiful person. Thank you for what you do. ❤

[@mikaelcotia5210]

This is so heart warming. There needs to be more people like you, Madeline! God speed.

[@DanGee0991]

Girl you are shining bright for future generation showing them that paper might means one thing but true action will show the world what human heart are really made of

[@jezzdiva87]

Madeline, you are Mad! Mad proud of you! May u reap the fruit of your labor!

[@Sangamitra2012]

It’s lovely to hear your sincerity and compassion at work. I’ll forward this video as widely as I can. I hope my friends will stop by for a coffee at your stall. Keep it up, my dear. You are changing lives of the refugees who need you - and opening the hearts of those who come to you to support your project. You made my day!

[@kokwahtan8577]

Give up lawyer for coffee. Respect for her passion in life. Such a nice young lady Wish her a happy healthy life.

[@tanchorsensei]

Really amazing to see that people are daring enough to do the right things. Well done Madeline, may your business strive and expand in the near future. Shall come grab a Mad Rooster coffee when i come Singapore :P

[@StarrySunnie]

Kudos to Madeline. Able to understand her journey as enterpreneur as well as providing help and hope to Refugees. May her success be reality soonest possible 🙏🏽🙇🏻‍♀️❤❤❤

[@feriyadi]

So much respect for her decision and perseverance. I’m quite well understand working in such small retailer shop category is so vulnerable and very high uncertainty. Even to cover the operational cost is hard for such shop

[@markbenjaminsicat5270]

People like you make this world a better place..thank you!!

[@Thejourney100]

I like ur tone .lots of strength in there

[@ivainyamutsamba8540]

It be like that hey sometimes these dreams we chase after just lead us in the belly of the abyss of shadow boxing where, you ought to realise that hey I feel content and at peace with doing a humble career. Seeing the next person smile, or be able to benefit of the skills I have is a liberating feeling. Moments are priceless

[@jemenri795]

Whoever made this video, please pass on the message to her: Your work is meaningful. Living close to the margin is a risk you took to be the change you want to see. To extend a helping hand to the people that you found needed the most help to you. For that, I thank you. For your courage, and believing so strongly in what you stand for. It takes commitment to be the change. Thank you.

[@WilliamRandomUploads]

Honestly awesome, to see someone able to change their career path and take ownership of it with pride warms my heart.

[@andrewrivas8891]

She’s such a strong person ❤️

[@ersonvelasco2531]

The passion in every cup of coffee with full commitment to help others. I will visit your coffeeshop the soonest i pass by the place. ❤

[@dawn3954]

Amazing and kind person, hope you are happy everyday doing the things you love to do.

[@thepreciousstones4789]

amazing lady and amazing work she's doing! I'll go buy coffee from her!

[@sheenaqueen1847]

Her journey reminds us all to PURSUE WHAT YOU LOVE. Being an entrepreneur is tough, like she said too much uncertainty. If you like security, be an employee they say(tho' there's still no 100% security). I admire her brave heart. She's an inspiration.

[@eugeneaniar7232]

Salute to you Ma'am! Awesome cause.

[@cleacleaclea8462]

Madeline and her father seem like a great pair. Putting in good work with positive & open energy. Cheers

[@darrellwillie7123]

You are amazing and inspiring. I loved your comments about dignity also. I really appreciate you. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@U-COPY]

I am very inspired to see your beautiful story and I love how she choose to help refugees and this has much meaning and purpose in life rather than helping to defend or fight against big corporations. I have also thought of helping homeless people here in Canada.

[@KennyLiang]

Wow - not only is the stress for her own profit margin but to ensure the refugees she wants to help too. Absolute dedication and passion

[@angkukuey007]

I commend and respect her sense of mission and her steadfastness. Hope her charity-driven business is a success because she shows that life is not all about dollars and cents.

[@ElMattador89]

From Barrister to Barrista! Love this story!

[@mehmoodkhankhattak]

wooow you are a beautiful person. I pray you succeed in your life ahead.

[@baniacano4412]

Such a beautiful story. I really admire her dedication to helping other people and her decision to abandon a possibly successful career path. She seems very strong-willed.

[@evanah8250]

I patronized at least 2 to 3 times weekly😊 will continue to do so. U left your lawyer career and tried to make this happen for a good cause❤ very inspiration 😊😊

[@lilycool2601]

I really admire you for what you are doing. May you be bless with good health,peace n joy.