About 8 months ago, I did something that I, never in my wildest dreams, would have imagined to be possible: I quit my job as a lawyer (of 9 years, I might add) to pursue my passion as a full-time blogger. I traded in my 6-figure salary, steady bi-weekly paycheque, medical and dental benefits, and office with a view on a bit of a whim. At the time, I had no clue whether it would pan out in the long run. But I can honestly say that it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I haven’t looked back since (and hopefully won’t ever have to)!
While blogging has been around for a while, making a stable income from influencer marketing is still new. I wrote this post all about influencer marketing a few months ago, which happened to be my most popular blog post to date. In that post, I said I’d eventually explain why I quit my job as a lawyer, so I’m finally opening up about it here.
Why I Quit My Job
Well, if I could sum up why I quit my job in one word, it would undoubtedly be: HAPPINESS. I put my personal happiness, mental and physical health first. Full stop.
I realize how ‘out there’ that may sound to some people. But, it’s really not crazy to think that you:
- DON’T have to keep doing something you dislike
- CAN make a living doing something that actually makes you happy and that you’re passionate about, AND
- DO have the power to take this into your own hands!
It is possible to turn your passion project into a career – and quite frankly, that’s the way it should be!
My Story
Well, that’s the short answer to why I quit my job. But, you’re obviously here for the full story. So, buckle up, and here goes…
Like most kids of immigrant parents (mine are from Trinidad), getting a good education and becoming a professional were drilled into my head at an early age. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer because it was a respectable profession. Plus, I was super academic, good at public speaking and debating, and so it all made sense. I went through life with that single goal in mind, without ever really stopping to think about the why. I fast tracked through university, got into law school, landed a summer job at a Bay St. firm, where I also got an articling position, and then was hired on as an associate.
Me and my parents on the day of my Call to the Bar in June, 2008. An entire decade ago!
6 years of post-secondary education, 1 bar exam, 10 months of articling, and 1 Bay St. job later, and I thought I was golden! But, like a lot of my peers, I eventually became disillusioned with the practice of law. Over 9 years, I switched practice areas, worked at 2 large downtown Toronto firms and a mid-sized firm where I had more work/life balance, and I still felt the same. There would’ve been no way for me to know this before, because what I learnt in my 9 years about the practice of law (and about myself, more importantly) is not the kind of stuff they teach you in law school!
There were things about being a lawyer I did enjoy, but there were more things about it I didn’t. I haaaatedddd the long hours, the demanding clients and partners, the docketing, the billable hour targets, all the extra non-billable time I had to put in, the business development – the list goes on and on.
I never really liked the ‘corporate world’ and always thought it wasn’t a fit. At cocktail parties, I didn’t want to discuss the law, politics or the stock market; I wanted to talk about food and travel. I looked at the senior partners at the firms I worked at and asked myself, “Is this what I want to be in 10 or 20 years?” The answer was always “No”.
All the while, I had this creative side. I was always good at writing and I enjoyed photography. Travel was a huge part of my life. I developed a serious love for food. In fact, if I didn’t get a job after articling, I was gonna go to culinary school. It wasn’t until I began blogging that everything seemed to click! Blogging is where all of my passions intersected, and it was finally an outlet for my creativity!
To be really good at something, you have to become obsessed with it. I instantly became obsessed with blogging (and still am), so I didn’t mind devoting all of my spare time on evenings and weekends to build my blog and Instagram account. I spent countless hours on Instagram, I met up with other bloggers, I went to events, I took photos, I wrote, I researched, I sent out emails, I hustled. I didn’t mind waking up at 5 a.m. to finish a blog post or plan my Instagram content before work. What I did mind, however, was going into an office that I dreaded right after.
Success didn’t come overnight. For a year and a half, I worked my ass off to juggle both things. Oh, and how could I forget that I was planning a wedding at the same time?! Inevitably, this caught up with me, and I burned myself out. It all came to a head when my then fiancé (now husband) and I went away to the Caribbean to celebrate our bachelor/bachelorette with our friends. We were in paradise and it should have been relaxing, but each morning I woke up with anxiety due to the mental and emotional stress of my situation.
The day I returned to the office, I stared at the calendar. It was May 23rd. My wedding was on July 8th. I knew I couldn’t handle everything on my plate and something had to give. I had talked (and dreamed) about leaving my job for long enough, and it was time for me to do something about it.
It was scary. It was risky. But, I absolutely made the right choice when I gave my notice. It was like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders! And while this may be a shock to you, I really didn’t have a plan. I’d made a stable income from blogging for the last 3 months, but wasn’t sure what the future would hold.
All that mattered was that I wanted to be in the right frame of mind on my wedding day. I wanted to be happy.
Some Common Misconceptions
If I had a dollar for every time someone looked at me funny, when I explain I quit my job as a lawyer to be a blogger, I’d actually be rich! So, now that I’ve told you the reasons I quit, I wanna take a minute to address some of the ignorant comments I’ve sadly gotten along the way.
1. I’ve wasted my education
It’s unfortunate (and rude) when people assume I’ve dumped my education down the drain (people have actually said this to my face), or when people think being a blogger is beneath being a lawyer.
First, my experience in life has taught me that every job, skill, career path, or trade should be respected. To do something well requires a lot of practice, hard work, knowledge, and skill.
Second, I’m extremely thankful for my education and wouldn’t have changed my journey. But, it’s NOT that I’ll always “have my education to fall back on”. I USE my education and skill set on a daily basis. Blogging is a lot of work and I run my own business – again, not something university or law school ever prepared me for!
2. I have a tonne of extra time
“So, how are you enjoying all your free time now?” Me: “What free time?”
The ironic thing is that I work longer and harder now than I ever did as a lawyer – but I love it! Lori Greiner said it best, when she said, “Entrepreneurs are the only people who will work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week”. I would much rather work 80 hours a week for myself than 40 hours a week for someone else.
3. My husband supports me
Ahhhh, my personal fave! “Oooohhhh, you left law to be a blogger?” …Next question: “What does your husband do for a living?”
This is a photo my husband and I took as part of a creative project and partnership last year. I imagine this is what some people think my life is like, but it really isn’t!
Guess what. I’ve never gotten a hand-out from anyone – from my husband, to my parents, to the government, or anyone else. Before my husband, I paid for my legal education, repaid all my school debt, bought my condo, and paid my own mortgage and bills. And now that I’m married, we share equal responsibility for our expenses. I’m fortunate to be able to do something I love and make a stable income from it.
What Is the Meaning of Success?
What does success mean to you? It took me over 25 years to figure out that the key to success is being happy. Apart from happiness, for me, success means:
- Feeling fulfilled in my job
- Feeling excited about what I do and my eyes lighting up when I talk about it
- Having healthy relationships
- Having love in my life
- Having children and being able to actually spend time with them
- Being able to travel when I want
- Being in control of my destiny
Success also means being in control of my schedule and dictating the type of work I want to do! Do you know how liberating it is to be able to go out into a field to take photos twirling around in a skirt, rather than being stuck in an office?! It’s still work, but it’s fun work!
What is My Purpose (And the Purpose of This Post)?
While I’ve had a successful journey so far, there have definitely been struggles and bad days. As with any industry, there are ups and downs, and there’ve been times I’ve questioned my purpose as a blogger.
When I started, people thought it was amazing that I practiced law and blogged at the same time. Now that I’ve quit, people wanna know how I did it. In fact, the number one question I get asked online and offline is: “how did you make the transition?”
It took me a while to realize that my purpose isn’t just to post pretty pictures, but to inspire people and try to make an impact.
Start with a dream. Turn your dream into a goal. Work towards your goal. Do what makes you happy. Try hard. Take a risk. But whatever you do, lead with passion.
I truly hope this post has answered all your questions about my journey and has inspired you to create your own path as well!
Photography by: Laura Clarke Photography
Really enjoyed reading this and learning more about your journey! I think it’s really awesome and brave for you to share this 🙂
Thank you so much, Michelle. I really appreciate that! Took me a while to finally reduce all of my thoughts on the matter to writing, but I’m glad I did. Thanks for reading and for the kind words!
Girl you make me so so so so proud!! I hate the idea that people have that you’ve “wasted your education” if you end up not having a career using the degree you got. I actually have a business degree and here I am acting and blogging lol. So many people ask why I bothered getting that degree, but the real answer is that at the time it was the right thing (just like you pursuing law) and sometimes it takes awhile for us to realize that that’s not what we want to keep doing with our time! I love that you made the transition, I love your content, and I love how you show us all that you can make a living out of doing what you love. Always cheering you on from the sidelines girl!
xox Kirsten // http://www.kirstenwendlandt.com
Thanks, Kirsten! Such lovely words! Yes, I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and my education and work experience have led me to precisely where I need and want to be now! Your business degree is most definitely invaluable to you as a blogger and I”m sure you use your business experience in how you approach your own brand! Thanks for sharing that with me. Creative pursuits are just as tough/important and require just as much skill as ‘professional’ ones. Wishing you much success on your journey too! xoxo
You nailed it when you defined what success means to you. Many don’t do that, chase other people’s dreams and wonder why they are not happy in the end. I can’t believe how far you’ve come in such a short time — so many more beaut things coming your way!! The misconceptions are bang on — everyone thinks I have lots of time to spare and that my education and work experience were wasted. Couldn’t be further from the truth. Those skills are why we are where we are!
Thank you! I know you can relate, and you’ve definitely been an inspiration to me during my journey. I remember your pep talk when we attended the Visit Philly event and it helped me realize leaving law to blog full-time is possible and things would be okay! xoxoxo
I hateee reading blog posts usually but your story is actually really interesting and inspiring. You go girl 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Awww, thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and for the encouragement. Hope you have a wonderful day!
I am so proud of you! I told myself my whole life I was going to be a doctor, applied to medschool got in and then was so depressed because i didnt really want it. I wanted to go into a career in developing people professionally and personally. So I didn’t go to medschool. My dad cried, my family was so disappointed and I was HAPPY! Dont ever give up because the “problems” that arise from doing what you love are 10 times better than the ones from doing something you have outgrown.
Wow! Thank you for sharing that! And it just means you were wise beyond your years to realize it wasn’t for you at an early stage, and for you to find something that makes you happy! At the end of the day, you have to live with yourself and the decisions you make – not anyone else. Cheers to happiness!
So inspiring! I was in a conundrum as well when I decided to leave my job in finance to become a full time mom. Have never looked back as I’m the happiest now.
Have been following your journey for a while now and think your content and style is great! Keep doing what you’re doing.
P.s. where is your mustard top from? 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Maria! I applaud that. Being a mom is the toughest and most important job of all! And I agree with your choice to put yourself and your family first. Appreciate you following and your encouragement. I got my top from shopbop.com. It’s a Jack by BB Dakota. Will be doing a style post featuring it likely next week and will link it for you!
I really enjoyed reading this post, especially finding out your TRINI (hehe I am Guyanese).
Lots of respect and admiration for you!
Keep it coming!!
Hi Karen!!! Thanks for reading and for your lovely comment! I thought you might have been West Indian, but I didn’t want to ask! Hope you’re doing well. xoxoxoxo
Inspiring! Love this post, you are an angel!
Big hug
Urska
Thank you so much, Urska. So sweet! xoxoxo
You’re right…. I can totally relate. It may not be the same scenario (leaving the corporate world) but the focus on happiness, work/life balance and priority are things I can truly relate to. This part when you said “While I’ve had a successful journey so far, there have definitely been struggles and bad days.” It’s something I always say to people.
Really love your quick recap and the list of what success mean to you.
Another amazing read! I wish you all the best. Whatever you put your heart to, you will always achieve it.
Thank you, girlfriend! You are the best and I truly appreciate all of your support. I support you as well. Wish you were in Toronto, so we could hang out more often. But you’re in a warmer and nicer place, haha! Wishing you all the very best too! xoxoxo
I love the honest way you always talk about things. Being a blogger is not always see as a real job but it is. No one is teaching us what we are doing and our previous experiences (I was a sales rep for example) are for sure very helpful in what we are doing now and the persons we are. I’m not a full-time blogger, don’t know if I would be one day but the full time job I have today I have it because of my blog and it makes me really happy. Yes we don’t count hours on our blogs. The only matter is to be happy, feeling you are doing the right thing and you have the life you want.
Thank you for this post I love it.
Thank you so much, Astrid! Yes, there is so much that goes into being a blogger and people don’t realize. Having been in the position before of juggling two jobs, I know how difficult and time consuming it must be for you. But keep at it. Your passion shines through. Hope to see you one day soon! xoxo
Great article. Your authenticity is uplifting and inspiring Wishing you continued happiness!
Thank you so much, Ann! All the best to you as well!
Another classic. Very insightful. I had to stop listening to my favourite podcast to pay full attention to this post.
Awww, you’re the best! Thank you so much for tuning in! Wishing you much continued success with your photography and your own blogging!!! Hope to see you one day soon!
I loved reading your story! I’m about to make a similar leap tomorrow!! I’m an architect and I’m being offered a position in the commercial furniture world. I’m super excited for the first time in forever. I suffered severe burnout this past year and had to take a leave of absence because my mental and physical health was suffering. I realized that I need more balance in my life and I want to do work that feeds my passion and makes me happy.
I’m meeting with the company tomorrow to discuss my future and potentially accept their offer of employment. I am sure I will get the sideways looks and similar questions from some people about my career shift but I’m placing my health, happiness, family and passion first. Wish me luck!
P.S. I picked up a black sweater today from Banana Republic that looks just like the grey one you are twirling in to wear for the meeting! Ironic or what!
Lisa
Hi Lisa! So sorry for the delayed response to this! Congratulations to you on making your leap. How good does it feel?! Scary, but good! Sounds like we had a similar experience with burnout. It definitely is a real thing and it’s so important to pay attention to what your mind and body need. Good for you for doing what’s best for you! I applaud you and wish you the best! xoxo
Hi! I love you ♥️ Since Grade 3 in Mrs. Thimpson’s class you told me you would be a lawyer. Fast forward after law school, you told me you were interested in Culinary School and that you couldn’t picture yourself a lawyer for the rest of your life and were interested in blogging. You always knew what you wanted and with a level head, made sure you followed through with full force. So admirable Krys ♥️.
Always a fan,
Teesh
Don’t know how I didn’t respond to this until now!!! It’s crazy how we had that convo so long ago. Thank you for always being so supportive, Tisha!!! I truly appreciate it. I hope you and your beautiful family are doing well! xoxoxo
Congratulations on all your success! I don’t *think* we’ve actually ever met but you traveled with my good friend Solmaz recently 🙂 We may have run into each other at an event at some point but not sure we ever chatted 🙂 Good for you for being able to have found something you love!! It can be a challenge for many people which is why I think people don’t understand where you’re coming from. I know for myself I agree with all your points on success…it can be difficult to find that one thing that helps you on that path and it looks like you’ve found it! I’m a fairly new mom and while it’s “cliche” to say that it’s brought me purpose in life (I never thought I would be one of those people – ha!) it has really filled many voids I didn’t even know I had! Hopefully I will find more time to get back into blogging regularly and we can meet one day!
Hi Elaine! Apologies for the late reply to your comment. Thanks so much for your kind words. Solmaz is awesome – good to know you’re friends! I do hope you and I will meet in person one day soon. Congrats to you on becoming a new mom. I always say motherhood is the toughest job and it is also the most rewarding! Enjoy every moment of it! xoxo
The “DONT”, “CAN”, and “DO” at the beginning of the post speaks SO loudly to me. Love that you shared all this!
Awww, thank you! Life is too short to do something you hate, right?! Have an amazing week!
Just what I needed! Thank you for taking the time to write this!
Honestly, I think this is what everyone should look forward to when they wake up every morning. The purpose of living is to be able to do what you love to do. If you love what you do, money will eventually come. I agree, there’s no point of making a large sum of money if you would never feel happy and fulfilled at the end of the day.
I’m so happy for you for taking the leap! xx
Thank you, Stephanie. I couldn’t agree more! Happiness is the most important thing and far too many people are living their lives feeling miserable and unfulfilled in their daily jobs! I appreciate the kind words!
I am really happy to say it’s an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Keep it up
Your story is very inspirational. I am also a blogger and one day I do plan to work for myself and be a full time blogger. I am happy to hear that it’s going well and thank you for sharing your story.