Why I Quit Law

[@haraldodunkirk1432]

I didn’t even mind paper-pushing… you can just zen-out. What sucks is passive-aggression, being denigrated by nasty people higher up, and the unpredictability of long long hours.

[@heygarethevans]

This is also true. A good job is one where you have control over your time and mind 🙌

[@yintotheyang6433]

Yup got yelled at for the first 3-4 years every single day until I “earned my respect”. Stayed for another 4.5 years severely underpaid and overworked for empty promises of partnership. Still in the business on my own but it’s no greener. About to go on a sabbatical

[@BETONHIMLIVE]

@@yintotheyang6433you remind me someone who is always complaining 😂this is call to go on the sabbatical

[@juanfranciscoarboledareyes2546]

Thank you so much for sharing. Im about to finish law school and also fell in love with the theory, but after a 1 year work experience in litigation i totally hated the concept of being a lawyer. Your experience makes me feel a lot better about myself and encourages me to choose a different path more meaningful. Thanks a lot

[@uluomu]

What are you doing now?

[@OK-wb1dy]

I can relate to you. I loved it. Especially the subject of Trusts. In practice, first year you end up being a glorified paper copier. If I had my life over again, I’d go into academia, even if it meant less money.

[@dyland.2851]

Wow this is kinda how I feel. I’m mid way through my law degree (2nd year). And have literally no idea what I’m gonna do with it. It was my choice to do my degree but I feel it was mostly motivated by family encouragement. Like I might go back to college after who knows.

[@heygarethevans]

It's a difficult thing to admit that you might not be going down the right path, but it's great that you're thinking about this already. At the end of the day, we should be working on stuff that excites us and if law isn't doing that for you, then there's no problem going back to college or starting your own business or just going traveling. This is your life! :)

[@uluomu]

Exactly. How old are you?

[@Bruss813]

How's the law treating you? Probably not as bad as you thought huh?

[@miravankan1116]

Thank you for opening up Gareth. I am a career changer, have been studying and working in the private sector for 3 years. The more I work, the more I realise that I hate it. I am seriously thinking of changing into the gemology that I originally wanted to study and change my career to it. I started my process and see how it leads me.

[@heygarethevans]

Thanks for watching! Finding the right career path is always tough, but if you're not happy doing what you're doing then it's almost always worth changing things up (however hard that is or uncomfortable that makes you feel). In the long term it will make you happier and more fulfilled.

[@thatflightsimguy]

This is brilliant. I know its an old video but the advice applies perfectly to me as a 34yr old male in the UK 10 years in private practice. Its given me the boost I need to take the plunge into something (possibly) outside of law. Thank you.

[@heygarethevans]

Thank you for watching and the kind words! I'm also happy that it's helped you to figure out what you want from your own life - it's always a tough decision to make, but the grass IS often greener on the other side

[@tanaypatel0198]

This is a great video. My main issues are the workload, underappreciated until you make it to senior level, boring and constantly working even after you finish working. Hearings every other week so you can never really chill on the weekend. I couldn't see myself doing this for years I'd get depressed and have a mid life crisis when I'm 30/40 on top of that the money isn't that good if you're not in a London law firm etc. Billiable hours is also a killer.

[@heygarethevans]

Very true! The problem is that it feels like you’re delaying your happiness until 30-40 years in the future when we should be optimising our life to be happy/fulfilled today

[@mmymmy315]

Thank you for this video Gareth. I'm starting university next month and heading into a law degree, but I don't really want to admit to myself that I picked it for the reasons you stated in this video. Family pressure is huge coming from parents who didn't grow up wealthy, and societal pressure too of wanting to be respected for your occupation is immense. Although I keep telling myself to give it a go and pursue law, I know deep down it's not something I can envision myself doing for the rest of my life. And I think the longer you're in the world of law the harder it is to leave. Thanks again, really appreciate your thoughtful words

[@heygarethevans]

Thanks for watching!! :) it can be really tough to figure out what you truly want and not just do something because a friend or family member or society expects you to do a certain thing. Let me know if you need any advice or have any questions❤️

[@aminataossanatuconteh5089]

​@@heygarethevansI'm Aminata from West Africa, Sierra Leone.. please I urgently need your advice with regards this ..can I please have your email address.. thanks in anticipating your response 👏

[@soph9141]

This totally resonates with me. Im second year and have to choose my modules for third year soon but I’m not sure what to pick considering I’m not sure I want go down the solicitor path anymore. However, it feels kinda disheartening having everyone else you know on your course already planning out what they want to do.

[@selenem3384]

you can still change your degree!!!

[@soph9141]

@@selenem3384 unfortunately I am about a month away from graduating. However I’ve found my niche that I enjoy being human rights law which I’ll be doing a Llm in in September.

[@Hexotin]

It's so hard to understand what truly makes you happy, and fight with the preconceived societal standards that have changed my and probably many others perception of ''happy''.

[@heygarethevans]

It’s very hard but I definitely think it’s something we should all be thinking about and not just get swept along by what society/family/friends are doing!

[@TheCrawdad7]

I hate being a lawyer after doing it for ten years. I have no idea how to find a career that wouldn’t make me not miserable

[@heygarethevans]

It's tough to find something that would be 100% fulfilling because, after all, work is work however you look at it. But, sometimes recognising something isn't right is the first step in finding what is right. And if you've decided law isn't for you, then I'd be making plans to do something else even if the other thing you decide to do isn't right either. It's a process

[@christoperbazen5912]

This is an awesome video. Great revelation of how we work jobs or pursue careers that provides little if any feeling of self achievement but at least recognizing this reality is the first step of making a change. I was thinking about this. Great video.😊

[@heygarethevans]

Thank you! Happiness and self-satisfaction really are the most important things :)

[@cb-vp5gp]

Thanks for sharing. You seem genuine in your statement. Indeed being a lawyer takes to be a particular breed. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

[@heygarethevans]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate that!! 😁

[@ClaraCarmona]

Proud of you 👏🏼

[@heygarethevans]

Thank you! 😊

[@Self-Duality]

Thank you for sharing man! I very much appreciate your honesty, bravery, self-awareness, and adaptability! Keep shining! 😎💭☘️☀️💖

[@jamesdavies5712]

Hi Gareth. Great to hear you open up about what you want in life. I'm 54 and in my first year law at university. I love it but know it won't bring lasting happiness. I don't believe that will be the outcome of any career path. However, much short-term happiness we derive from it, all the wonderful new things we achieve will become the norm, and happiness subsides and disappears. Just ask the person who's achieved the so-called, perfect lifestyle. It's not all it's cracked up to be. During the early stages of my degree, I was forced to start looking for new ways to deal with stress. I found meditation, and in particular, prayer meditation, had an amazing effect on my stress levels. It changed my whole experience from nightmare to a place where I really love what I'm doing. It's also opened me up in so many ways to other people and life in general. What I most love about it is that the more I practice, the happier I become, regardless of my current situation. If you're looking for something that will bring you long-term happiness, it's worked for me.

[@heygarethevans]

Hey, thank you so much for your comment and sharing your thoughts with me. I really appreciate your insights and stoked to hear that you've found ways to manage your stress/happiness levels. I've been building a meditation practice into my daily routine for some time now and it definitely helps me to stabilise my emotions and adopt a more positive outlook on life. Good luck with the rest of your degree and let me know if you need any advice :)

[@jamesdavies5712]

@Gareth Evans Wow! Thanks, Gareth. I wasn't expecting a reply to my comment and certainly not such a kind one. I find the more I meditate, the more great things happen. It's great to hear you've incorporated meditation into your life. If you want to share any more tips, I'd be more than happy. 😊

[@angeliquemuhavani1221]

Oh wow I can't tell you how much I relate. I'm a second year law student and I have completely lost motivation to go to class every day cos I just can't see what meaningfulness I can get from it in the long run. I mean, I just want to help people and I'm going through the motions in this quarter life crisis and daily hard to get through readings wondering if this was the right thing for me to begin with and if there's anything I can do to twist it in my favour :(

[@heygarethevans]

Thanks for watching my video! :) I know how hard these thoughts and feelings can be - you feel like you've worked so hard to get to where you are and, despite all that effort, you kinda feel like you're heading in the completely wrong direction! But, try to find the positives in the situation: you've realised pretty early on that you're not 100% happy and that gives you more time to find what works best for you. Most people don't get to this point well into their 30s and 40s. This is a time to explore your options, find what makes you tick, and live your best life - there's no rush I promise!!

[@Trendreviewmum]

I doing access to law as a 36 year old mum but I unsure if I want to go down criminal barrister route or solicitor route yet I love criminal law but glad found your KZbin cos it helped so much. I also a huge lover of content creation.

[@heygarethevans]

Thanks for the message and sorry for the slow rpely! My best advice would be to try out as many different routes as possible before you commit. If you can, intern in different roles, speak to as many people as possible, and keep open minded to a completely different route too

[@evandh1989]

I thought I would love being a lawyer. But civil litigation (even in the public sector) absolutely kills me. I can’t for the life of me care enough about the stupid disagreements that lead parties into litigation in the first place, let alone the time and expense it takes (of the parties, and the courts) to resolve their disputes. Throw in lazy opposing counsel, whose sloppy work causes everyone involved extra work to respond to, and you have me dreading going to bed at night because it makes waking up and having to go back to work come faster. There no doubt are good lawyers out there, and noble causes that might make it all feel worth it. But I have become so jaded I just look at the law and see a massive time and money pit. I cannot wait until I qualify for loan forgiveness so I can get out of the law and do literally anything else.

[@heygarethevans]

Thanks for sharing your experience - the important thing is you’ve had the realisation that law isn’t for you, and there’s literally nothing wrong with that. I wish you the best with everything 🙌

[@King_Kassie]

Get out of my head! - you summed up my experience perfectly.

[@AG-cl8pw]

Actually, alot of people end up doing jobs having no link with their degree. Secondly, it's quite common in various fields to start down the ladder and slowly learn the tricks of the trade, for instance, Toyota business school hirees wear the blue overall and spend time on the production line in Japan. But that is also true for accountants, auditors and other professions. That being said if you feel it's not for you, then you are right. I think, it's a generation thing, many young people quit their jobs and value their happiness and independence rather than the feeling of being tied to a job. As an entrepreneur and recruiter, I often feel people do not realise that a job can also be a vehicle to connect you to your objectives and aspirations in life. A meaningful life or adding meaning to your life is a bit like happiness, it's only there if you feel it. Yet some people actually make a difference but do not realise it. By the way, I have my GDL semester 1 exams in about a week and I have been following, and learning through your videos. May you find your way.

[@SankariKumari-y1w]

I am in my third year in law school i am literally getting exhausted each getting broken from inside and mentally tired i put my best to perform but I can't i don't know what i am gonna do this with this degree i wanna dropout of this course

[@kimkennethpascua1114]

I could really relate to you. Thank you for sharing this video. It really helps.

[@clumsycarl6943]

I am already working as a corporate lawyer (5th year) and absolutely hate it. Any recommendation is welcomed.

[@uluomu]

Why don‘t you quit? (I‘m a law student)

[@chrisd3637]

Hi Gareth- thanks so much for the video, I'm in the final few weeks of my law degree and was deliberating if I want to go into law (I think I already knew, I just needed someone to confirm that it wouldn't be for me). I'm exactly like you- very interested in the legal theory at university but can't imagine myself as a corporate lawyer. My parents are pushing for me to become a lawyer, and I'm dreading having the conversation but like you said, life's too short and it'd be such a waste of time and energy to go down a route I know doesn't resonate with what I'm naturally interested in.

[@heygarethevans]

Sorry for the slow reply, but thank you so much for your comment! I get that it's a tough decision, especially when there may be some pressure from your parents, but you have to do what's right for you 😄 I recently read a book called The Pathless Path that you may be interested in reading too

[@chrisd3637]

@@heygarethevans No worries, I appreciate any reply! Thank you for the book recommendation, I'll be sure to check it out :).

[@vokiradunnmombi9912]

Watching my favourite law/ youtuber quit law. As a law student myself ,it hits me hard 😣

[@heygarethevans]

I'm really sorry!! 😕 But, I'm always happy to give advice when it comes to law and the Digestible Notes website will still be live/accessible (if you use it) 😁 All the best!

[@carolmsepulvedasoto3607]

This video has given me so much peace!!! I certainly went into law school not knowing anything of the legal profession. Loved my time in law school, but as a practicing attorney now, i find that I don’t know if i like it, in fact i think i hate it. i don’t like dealing with conflict or other peoples problems. I don’t want to go down a path where i am miserable all the time and lose every sense of happiness and authenticity. I truly feel lost and don’t know what to do career wise. As i continue to push to see if it is anxiety driven or maybe is not just for me, it gives me so much peace seeing people have gone in different routes and found happiness and real success (which isn’t defined by money in my opinion).

[@heygarethevans]

Hey, thanks for the message and for sharing this! Honestly, your happiness and life satisfaction is the number one priority, and if your current path isn't giving you that then something really needs to change. And there's always light at the end of the tunnel, you've just got to make a decision and back yourself. One thing I'd recommend is just journaling about stuff. Write down how you feel each day and try to explain to yourself where those feelings are coming from. This will help you to determine, a little more clearly, whether those thoughts are anxiety driven or whether there is a deeper issue to do with your job etc.

[@carolmsepulvedasoto3607]

@@heygarethevans thank you for the reply and tips. I started a remote job recently that combines both my professions, accounting and law. I am finding that I like it more, and reflects more of who I am. Feel that either this is it or at least brings me closer to what I should do. Hoping it will turns out well. Thank you again!

[@prayerforbes]

Hi. This video really touched me. Im studying law at University but i always felt like I dont belong in law. During my 1st semester my gut was right and i did poorly. I have decided to change my degree and study my passion- Entrepreneurship

[@heygarethevans]

I'm sorry to hear law didn't work out for you, but super glad you've found something else you're passionate about! Sometimes deciding not to do something is just as important as the stuff we do decide to do!

[@maalikfazal1406]

Hi. Will Digestible notes still be active? Will you upload on there or will previous content remain? Thanks Gareth. Take care. Stay blessed 🙏🏽

[@heygarethevans]

Hey, yes! All the Digestible Notes stuff will remain and I’ll even try to create new content too - I love helping people with this stuff so want to continue as much as I can 😁

[@maalikfazal1406]

@@heygarethevans if you don’t mind, can you post content regarding Cyber Law please? I’d really appreciate it. Have a delightful evening. Pray that all your future endeavours fulfil you and lead you to happiness 🙏🏽

[@uluomu]

Thank you for the video! In my country I‘m already in the 12th semester of law school and have about 2-3 to go. I‘m wondering if I should continue and get that degree or drop out? I don‘t really know what I‘d do otherwise, but I know for sure I don‘t want to be an attorney in law hellscape grinding 80hours a week…

[@snehabhat4876]

You can explore becoming a lecturer in a law college if you dont want to work in the Industry.

[@uluomu]

@@snehabhat4876 but you need good grades and be quick for that too

[@CarolA-ww5rk]

Good for you buddy 💜💜

[@didikazie6249]

Since you're not interested in being a lawyer, what other profession are you interested in, that is, the profession you'd enjoy doing for a very long time?

[@selenem3384]

if I reincarnate I will not go into any profession. Each professional role like lawyer, doctor etc has its toxic work culture

[@heygarethevans]

Honestly, I want to make my life an adventure, do more creative work, and help others to become the best version of themselves through teaching online

[@Jhippo2679]

Thank you

[@mightyobserver12]

legal education or law career as a lawyer?

[@OK-wb1dy]

Me too “… I really didn’t care for corporate clients …” In the summer clerkships they offer you, in the uni holidays, they give you “sexy” jobs. But once you graduate you become a glorified photocopier for the first year.

[@heygarethevans]

Yeah exactly, internships and these temp jobs are never a true reflection of the work you'll actually be doing unfortunately

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

most law students are drawn to corporate life as you have been. i wonder if your experience would be different had you pivoted to other areas of law to help the community instead? you wouldnt be dealing with corporate clients but individuals where you can probably directly feel that you make a difference. you might make a great professor too if you like delving into the grey areas of law.

[@heygarethevans]

Yeah that's a good point, and did explore other legal routes. I definitely think that would've been better suited to my interests, but still not perfect. I genuinely just want to help people who felt like me at uni and want more from their life/career i.e. help people find something that they're going to enjoy for the rest of their life, rather than chasing a dream that's largely guided by parents/friends/society/etc

[@forsdykemontague1017]

Corporate Law is only one aspect of Law though, perhaps Family Law may have suited you better or Criminal perhaps??

[@heygarethevans]

This is a good point, but there's still a certain level of ticking boxes, shuffling papers, and jumping through hoops that I really didn't want to put up with haha. Plus, corporate clients and non-corporate clients are just as tiring as each other a lot of the time 😂

[@forsdykemontague1017]

@@heygarethevans Tell me about it, 25 years in the City :-(

[@selenem3384]

when you are burnt out, you will be so done with law that you won't be interested in any part of it. So much for all the years of education.

[@HaleyyWhaleyy18]

I’m in my first year as a family attorney and I hate it. Constant pressure constant litigation and clients are never happy. It’s really mentally draining I feel like happiness has completely left my life

[@OK-wb1dy]

Law should be taken in controlled doses . I loved the subject trusts, but haven’t worked in it. If I had my time over again I’d go into academia specialising in trusts.

[@heygarethevans]

I love this: "Law should be taken in controlled doses" haha. Trusts is a great subject!

[@julietcrowson3503]

Legal research? Investigation work? Some Acts are written by the prosecutors,, so highly biased, and need normal non- narcs to draft the Acts, not just narcs...

[@selenem3384]

woke people don't do well in law...unless you a self-aware narcissist or sociopath😢😢😢

[@scotangus94]

Why didn't you pursue a career in human rights law?

[@user-rq4rt3ti8l]

Let me guess… wealthy parents?

[@Jornanfuentes]

WHAT!?

[@heygarethevans]

I know, I hope you aren’t too shocked 😂

[@Jornanfuentes]

@@heygarethevans Dude I mean I watcb the video but, after hear you calm voice I calm down.

[@selenem3384]

​@@Jornanfuentes LOL yeah you need a calm and indifferent voice of reason when you consider giving all the BS of law up

[@FrancisChenSF]

sounds like you love the theory and study of law (politics, economics, society), but not the direct application of law and dealing with clients lol

[@Abcdxyz11534]

Why don't you do a degree in your preferred field?!

[@araesmelisa2819]

This made me laugh 😅💀😂💀