I used to be a corporate lawyer. I went to school, I got top marks. I went to university, I got top marks. After exploring my passion of snowboarding for a time, I realised that I needed to stop getting concussions and start a real job. The most obvious job to get as a graduate from a law degree is a job as a lawyer. I got a job as a lawyer at the Firm, one of the best law firms in Australia.
I used to be a good corporate lawyer. I was good at my job. I was good at networking and being a part of the boys club. I was good at getting the right answer.
Despite throwing myself into life at the Firm, organising nearly every extra-curricular event you can imagine, taking on a large pro bono practice and generally excelling, I was losing myself.
I am an enthusiastic high achiever. I like to succeed. I like to push myself and the boundaries. My job in the 2 and a bit years I was there began to destroy my determination, it made me negative and afraid that I didn't have the skills necessary to succeed.
Last month, I quit.
I am starting again and this, my first week of unemployment, has been about clearing out my hard drive. I am embracing the fact that I am terrified about the future. I am embracing opportunities to try new things. I am reconnecting with old friends. I am trying to forget the limits that my life as a corporate lawyer put on my hopes, dreams and ability to succeed. I am trying to forget that people think I am crazy and that I will never have a job again.
I started this blog as a way to share my story of pushing the boundaries, starting afresh and (trying) not to live beholden to community expectations. I think as a young professional it is easy to get caught up in the rat race. This blog is going to be an opportunity for me to explore what it is like to step outside the defined pathway, and hopefully also an opportunity to hear from others who also look to life outside the mainstream.
Before I start blogging properly, I want to say that I have many close friends who are partners at law firms and at the Firm. I understand that there are some amazingly positive things about working at a law firm, or another corporate. I really respect why they have chosen that path, but that doesn't mean it is for me!
I hope you will join me on the journey to wherever this life goes.
I used to be a good corporate lawyer. I was good at my job. I was good at networking and being a part of the boys club. I was good at getting the right answer.
Despite throwing myself into life at the Firm, organising nearly every extra-curricular event you can imagine, taking on a large pro bono practice and generally excelling, I was losing myself.
I am an enthusiastic high achiever. I like to succeed. I like to push myself and the boundaries. My job in the 2 and a bit years I was there began to destroy my determination, it made me negative and afraid that I didn't have the skills necessary to succeed.
Last month, I quit.
I am starting again and this, my first week of unemployment, has been about clearing out my hard drive. I am embracing the fact that I am terrified about the future. I am embracing opportunities to try new things. I am reconnecting with old friends. I am trying to forget the limits that my life as a corporate lawyer put on my hopes, dreams and ability to succeed. I am trying to forget that people think I am crazy and that I will never have a job again.
I started this blog as a way to share my story of pushing the boundaries, starting afresh and (trying) not to live beholden to community expectations. I think as a young professional it is easy to get caught up in the rat race. This blog is going to be an opportunity for me to explore what it is like to step outside the defined pathway, and hopefully also an opportunity to hear from others who also look to life outside the mainstream.
Before I start blogging properly, I want to say that I have many close friends who are partners at law firms and at the Firm. I understand that there are some amazingly positive things about working at a law firm, or another corporate. I really respect why they have chosen that path, but that doesn't mean it is for me!
I hope you will join me on the journey to wherever this life goes.
