I Quit My Job as a Corporate Litigation Lawyer 

My daughter is a UK dual qualified solicitor. She graduated her degree and completed her DLP in 2013. She went through her traineeship in a medium size firm and eventually ended up in a top tier global law firm. She had doubted all along if she really wanted to be in the legal professional, she hated the long hours and the stress. One day last year she called and told me she had resigned, she had enough and just did it without a back up plan. As her father I supported her move and told her she could change her career path to whatever she liked, there was nothing to prove to anyone. After a 2 month rest, she was headhunted for a in-house role in a MNC, she is now very very happy to be working without a time sheet and is able to have weekends. Being a lawyer is not glamorous any more, sure you still get the respect and social status as a professional. The work life in private practice is horrible, though the money is good but hours are extremely long, one would find it very challenging to find work life balance, especially for young female lawyers. My point is, there is a price to pay for success. So next time when you see a lawyer with a big house and flashy car, don’t get jealous, he/she works very hard from very young for it.

I saw your comment on my video and wanted to come here to say I'm really proud of you! I know that it must've been scary and it's amazing that you've made the jump! Speaking from experience, I've never once regretted my decision--it was actually the best decision of my life. I hope that you will feel the same and I'm rooting for you :)

The amount of legal personnel who quit and became a RU-vidr is insane! You guys are so strong for going through the system

I agree that at 17 you have no idea what you want to do for the rest of your life. I started an Architecture degree at university and after 2 years lost all passion for it. Sunk cost was definitely something that I thought about, the money and time that was invested... I changed courses into graphic design and never looked back. I think we have to encourage people to follow their passions because work shouldn't feel like work.

im gonna be a lawyer because the label of Lawyer will allow me to interject the world of business and international finance that I see myself a part. my career will be as a business person,, having a law gedree will allow me to be competitive, indispensable, and manage the tasks I enjoy about business. etc., contracts, negotiations, SPEAKING, representing. For the millions of people applying to law school, even though I'm currently doing it myself, I would recommend that you find what you like first, and THEN see how a law degree will benefit you in that profession. Just being a lawyer is not a career in and of itself. It is an add-on. In my perspective. In addition, law and any career you take is not everything about you. in fact, it is not even a quarter of the story. Finding your story can be the hardest thing. Realizing the things your ancestors did to get you to where you are now helped me understand that the next step in my life Is not just about me. It will be about the legacy of actions i carry and the people i will help in the process. Enjoy the process. The process is everything.

Thanks for the video! I am also coming to the age of 29, and had been keep thinking but struggling in these months to quit my industry that I had been working on since graduate. It is an uneasy decision, by given up the developed & good paid career to restart in something highly uncertain. Appreciate that you have made your decision, which have also given courage to people with similar thought. All the bless to another page of your life!

As someone who always feels the competing tension of having a “career” and financial security vs enjoying things that truly make me happy, this video was one of my favorites to date. Thank you for reminding us all that we can all empower ourselves to make such decisions (and take a while to make them)!

Huge decision. Good on you! Your mental and happiness is what truly matters. Money comes and goes.

Hi Em, thanks for being so open and honest about your transition! I'm a law graduate and currently exploring an alternative career. I did not go straight into the commercial law pathway for the same reasons you've shared - life is too short to regret. We law kids need more stories like this! Look forward to more videos from you reflecting on your legal career as well as sharing your future plans :)

Hi Em. Thank you so much for your sharing. I am also struggling with my career as a lawyer and doubtful about my choice. You've encouraged me to step out from the safety zone to rethink and reshape my life. Thank you so much and wish you all the best in your new journey ahead.

Somehow this video showed up on my feeds, I saw your title and was really curious bc I am also a law graduate. I actually had a burn out after working in the field for only 3 months. I started to seriously consider what I want to do in life. It was so hard since Ive spent my entire youth studying for my law degree. My friends were getting promoted, started buying their first house, getting married etc. And there I was still figuring out what I wanna do in life. Then I made the decision to become a teacher. It was so hard to let go of everything at first, and even harder to go back to college in my end 20's. Spend another 4 years studying, but this time it was all worth it. Every day I go to work with a huge smile on my face. Thanks for sharing your video and experiences with us. Wishing you well!

Commenting after watching both this video and the life mistakes video. I am an HKer about your age. Our generation is brought up to be career-focused. If I were 10 years younger I would envy your success. If I were 10 years younger I would be very shocked at your decision to quit a career with such prestige and salary. Seeing you make this decision to quit biglaw has made me realise that there are many in our generation who are breaking free of the various constraints imposed upon us by our upbringing. I think it is a good thing that more people are putting their life satisfactory ahead of a financially rewarding career. Still, I have lingering doubts about how I would support myself financially if I prioritise leading a fulfilling life, so I will wait for your future videos to see how your life story develops.

An interesting approach to quit a job by staying a little longer, in order to obtain assurance behind the decision and explore other interest. Thank you for sharing!

Nice video. HK is a pressure cooker and well done on backing yourself to get out of the business and try something new.

So what’s ur next step in career? Would love to know!

Your story is really inspiring to me as im trying to find myself. I used to work as a crypto/equity trader as well as a few other roles in finance. I was getting paid great. However inside, i never really enjoyed the work culture and wanted to do something more fulfilling as I feel i am a really generous and caring person by nature. A year and a half ago around covid, my parents were both diagnosed with lung and breast cancer within relatively short timeframes. I was knocked into a different life. I was depressed, i quit my job, became suicidal and went out with the wrong crowd. At the end I had two criminal records to my name.. Im studying to be a personal trainer as I've always trained most of my life and i see it as a way of helping others. Still trying to improve everyday and listen to others' stories to keep my inspired. Thank you!

Hey your voice is so perfect to be a lawyer Very few women have that kind of a voice Asian parents and societal pressure to b engineer doctor lawyer is so high We give into that

Thank you for speaking so honestly. It's crazy how the universe tested you with a job offer that was paying double a week before you left. So wholesome to see the clips of you embracing your creative side and I wish you the best in your future endeavors! I'm a uni student at CU in the process of applying to JD programs in HK to hopefully start my career pathway in law. It's exciting but as I was watching this video, it does make me worry about whether down the line I may have regrets... Wondering whether you guys could do a video about law school to PCLL to trainee 2 yrs in HK- What to expect, what they don't tell you?

Hello Em :) Not sure if you have slight memory of my name, I was in the same LLB class with you but I didn’t do PCLL. I understand every single word you said in the video and I really appreciate you making this decision despite all the achievements you made already in all these years. Coming to this age with some precious people around leaving this world earlier than expected, living your life the way you want can at least save some regrets the day when we have to leave. All the best!

Hey there! Fellow trial lawyer based in Poland here ;) I'm moving into the same direction. We might be even same age!

Welcome to the scary yet amazingly fun stage of starting a brand new career! After I left my previous career as a scientist, I had people giving me the sunk cost fallacy, saying it was a waste of my time investment and potential. Don’t let the naysayers discourage you!

First video of yours that I have watched😊 title struck me and gave it a go. Thank you for this very timely video! All the best to all of us who changed and who is thinking of changing careers😊 it is never too late to do so☺️ Im a new subscriber Em❤️ gonna bingewatch all your other vlogs😊

You’re so articulate! How did u and Lloyd meet? What’s you’re next step? Do u think of the job was less demanding hours wise you woulda stayed?

Thanks for this candid and honest sharing session. I left my Pupillage in corporate law after I found that I really disliked my experience in the legal industry, I then decided to join a regulator and work towards a career in regulatory compliance.

That golden handcuff is golden for a reason.

This is the first time I visit your channel! I went through something similar a few months after I graduated as a lawyer in 2015. I hated law firm life, even being a small law firm. I went in-house and now I am happier with my job and the fact that I can work with different teams instead of always competing against other lawyers as I did when I was working at the law firm. This was, quite frankly, frustrating, disappointing and discouraging. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and good luck with what's coming!

This is such an insightful video. Congratulations on making this decision, it's clearly a very well thought out one

Your honesty in this video (also Lloyd's) is just refreshing. How many people dare or are willing to walk away from a 6-figure salary? You are absolutely right, why stay in a job that you don't like, and make you slog 24/7? A lawyer's life is just plain brutal, especially in cities such as HK and SG. i advise my children to stay away from the profession, although the choice is still theirs to make ultimately. By the way, I don't hear the sing-song lilt of HK English in your presentation ... do lawyers in HK speak like you and Lloyd in a typical American-influenced accent? Or do they speak with the stiff upper lip?

Having left commercial law the day my training contract ended, I totally resonate with this. I always knew I wanted to be a human rights lawyer instead so I'm pursuing that now. Thanks Em for your thoughts! Would be interesting to hear Lloyd's thoughts on comm law as I feel fairly disillusioned by the industry. Love from Germany, Tilly (hi Lloyd!!)

Hey em, I was also a corporate and transactions lawyer and quit law sometime back, for the same reasons. After i quit i got a chance to explore my creative side and look at other alternative career options. The same thing happens in India where you start law school at 17 or 18 and i felt the same way when I joined law school, only to realise that was not the career path for me. Thanks for the inspirational video, i really resonated with it 😊

Beautiful share my friend! Nice talks! Happy holidays! Merry Christmas to you! 🥰🌹❤️🌲

but what did you end up doing?? I'm a lawyer. 14 years. have no idea what I like doing. all I know is I hate the practice of law.

The timing of discovering your videos couldn't be better. The entire "sunken cost fallacy" hovers over me all the time. Also being asian and having conservative parents who basically just say "suck it up and that's what adult life is" does not help. I love the way you and Lloyd go about approaching such challenges in a practical, logical manner. It is truly inspiring and living your best and authentic life is a goal I aspire to.

Wow! You’re so brave. HK has a high cost of living unless you plan to relocate to a cheaper country somewhere in South East Asia except Singapore. Teaching law is also less stressful. When you finally found your passion and at the same time able to make a living out of it, then you can totally quit.

To an elderly person in her Sixties who did not complete high school it seems a waste. Having said that younger people have their own minds.

Good for you for sticking with your gut and doing what is best for you. I’m glad you chose your happiness and values of a career, that takes a lot of courage to walk away from. You give me hope and inspiration to do the same.

Being a lawyer, especially a good lawyer, you cannot help it but sometimes your clients' problems will always be on your mind and in your private life. It is not like most jobs where you can switch off and then when getting back to the office switch on and say "Where were we at" and continue the momentum where you have left. Problem solving, especially a legalistic one, is not something you can do in installments. The scenarios and whatifs are so complex and time/resource consuming that it will permeate into your private life until you become overwhelmed with carrrying other people's baggage. That, is the killer, along with the pressure of time.

which industry are you headed to next? I'm also creative but want financial freedom when I'm older, im only 16 but I thought about law until I was told about the hours and stories of people who do it because they don't know what else to do and realised that was me too. This video was really helpful but what job are you aiming for next?

There is no job where people don't quit just to become a RU-vidr ... Afterwards they all say the same thing. .. They are more happy now...

I am absolutely proud of you. You are smart and honest. You will find a way to a career through the path of your happiness I believe. Your story resonates with me so much, I also left my career in Computer Science to find myself in a more creative and empathetic profession. People say, these professions are uncertain and don't bring money. Well, money shouldn't bind our soul in such a way that we stick to something we don't find a meaning in.

I've had the exact same doubt and decision as you. I worked in the legal field as legal clerk and legal executive for 8 years and decided to leave the industry altogether. Now I'm working as a part-time barista and I am way more happier than I was in the legal field. I've recently worked up the courage to start uploading videos on RU-vid and hopefully I've made the right choice about this 'new life'. It is so important, especially for some, to find a job that suits your personality. Hope you enjoy your new lifestyle as much as I do (: Your quote of the common regret 'I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself and not the life that others expected of me' was the kind of regret I didn't want to have when considering whether I should leave the industry for good. I always try to satisfy/please others and doing that while staying in the law industry just doesn't work for me (because most likely people just take advantage of you and have you work more than the others)

Congrats Em. I can feel the positive energy that you project in this video.

Great video! As a former teacher myself, I can totally relate to these mistakes. It's so important for educators transitioning into new careers to be aware of these pitfalls. Thanks for sharing!

I didn't know you were from Hong Kong without the RU-vid algorithm.😅 This video was born because you had the courage to take a step. Sorry😔, I am using Google Translate, so my English grammar is not right.🤧🤧 I will continue to support you in making videos.🙂🙂

There are many gurus who tell you that you shouldn't hate what you do. But does hating your job actually hurt your other planes in the physical, emotional and spiritual realm? As I told my own subscribers---yes it does. If you despise going to work that is eight hours of your day you are unhappy. Plus the getting up in the morning for it and getting back home is another two hours. Which would mean most of your day, most days of the week, most of your life--you hate doing what you do. This will affect the emotional plane and lead to the midlife crisis earlier than expected. It will drain your energy and then guess what? You stop taking care of your physical plane as well. Then your spiritual plane will fail as you see yourself as just another insignificant cog in the universe. So if that life in the high suburbs is destroying your planes my suggestion is to either laterally change careers or downsize so you can at least be content in what you do---most of your time. Hope this helps someone out there---Charles

I thought the "sunk cost fallacy" is something you have already invested in, but should not affect your next decision? But then, I could be wrong. Nevertheless, a pat on your back for having the courage and financial means to step away and start it all over, especially living in HK, a materialist society that was deeply ingrained. Bravo!

Pretty much the same case for legal practice in Singapore. Happy for you that you found something else you're passionate about.

Congratulations! Big things ahead. Great lessons in this video. The algorithm has made it to Australia, keep it up.

swap out lawyer with an Analyst and this the EXACT timeline im on. I'm at the "deciding im leaving but leaving no stone unturned" and approaching my two years, will probably stay another 2-3 years. empowering stuff though, good for you!

Thank you for sharing! Subscribed! 😊💭☘️

Hi I am a law student and wo giving more background for public, I would just like to mention that if you have any regret that you left the profession late you shouldnt have that. your journey makes you YOU.

Must have taken a lot of courage to share something so personal, thanks a lot for sharing! Rooting for you! 👍

Totally resonated with your thoughts in this video , don’t even get me started on how overworked lawyers are . Court work are not just on a touch and go basis , detailed thoughts have to be put in on top of all the menial daily tasks that are never ending . Not for the faint hearted

Love your video and thank you for sharing. I don't like the legal work but need to stay because of financial reason. My decision was moving in-house. Now I have both money and time but have yet to find something to do than this 9-5.

I must be a failure as I did not even get into the pcll. Apart from high pressure, I find the law firm jobs not being creative too.

hi maam can you please help me with what to do i plan to resign from my work here in hong kong because i develop a severe hand allergy i get from work and i already got an UNFIT TO WORK by company doctor but the hr wont talk to me and wont let me go. please help me with what to do

it is always liberating to realise that life in a treadmill is no life at all!

I think one should be appreciative and grateful to have had the experience and achievement of working in a highly competitive profession at a highly competitive firm. Having that legal knowledge is an advantage when you start a business in the future which others will never be able to do so due to their lack thereof. Having said that I am still glad you made the jump to live life with courage. I know accountants who made it to partnership at a big 4 firm after 15 yrs of work in and out of banking and finance in HK. She makes a lot of money yes and capable of buying a flat in CBD area of HK (most likely full pay) but it cost her health (that’s my main concern) and she didn’t seem happy…utilises retail therapy extensively as well, plus some of the smartest peeps out there don’t work in corporate because they have seen through the facade already

Wow what a major leap if faith! Good for you for following your dreams and goals. Best of luck! Subscribed to follow your journey :)

How can one be able to speak so clear and fast ❤️ ain't English speaker but I don't have any trouble understanding you Mum 👏 from Ivory coast 🙏

Hi Em we cheer for you abundantly magnificent wonderful champion Em cheers well done

Hi Em! I recently discovered your channel and really enjoy watching your videos. I'm actually in a similar situation where I'm getting tired of my job as a CPA, but I don't feel financially secure enough to quit for good yet. I'm curious if you have a plan to stay financially stable after quitting? Sorry if it's too personal.

just curious, are you still doing commercial work or did you branch into the creative industry full-time? (And also Asian struggles) how did your parents react to your decision?

Thank you making video that so inspirit me . You have courage to jump out your life n listen to your real heart . I m so proud of you ! Would you plz mind make some video talk about relationship?? It will really look forward ☺️

It’s good to know more about hometown Hong Kong , I am from the USA, in the USA you need a four year degree (bachelor) and then take the LSAT, and then 3 years of law school

Obligatory 100k views comment.

Hey, may I ask, what is Em's current job today? Don't mind me asking LMAO I'm still in high school and I'm watching tons of videos relating to becoming a lawyer and I just stumbled across this one.

U can always go back to law. But I think u should turn your food passion into reality

Hi. I watched this video and feel so much more confident to change industry now. I am afraid to step out of my comfort zone but feel so motivated now to go with what my inner side tells me. Thanks

I'm more than half way through my training contract and can never see myself being happy in law

glad to see you have the courage to pull the pin. Hope more asian family will watch this video

Fresh start, liberating. Reset is hard but, the best option. Celebrate.

Obligatory comment to commemorate 10k views.

I admire your courage and your patience in executing your plan towards doing what are truly meaningful. In my view, you made calculated moves than emotional ones. I was once in that position about 3 years ago. Since I left, I’ve started my own project management firm focusing on helping clients to mitigate or prevent possible legal issues through observing due diligence and compliance requirements needed in certain aspects of their businesses. Long story short, I find what I’m doing now more meaningful as it involves taking proactive measure instead of being reactive constantly, and I’m privileged to share this part of the journey with my clients. I’m your new subscriber and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Its important to live life and then know then to know and never live life. Inspiring video

I can see you are a go-getter, I think in today social there are plenty more opportunities and possibilities than it used to be .

What you have said is very relatable to many big 4 auditors

You need to consult with me please let me know how I find you to prepare for invention innovation business I need to recruit experts to help me to made my products thank you

Subscribed. You did the right thing for leaving. This is the right time (and age) for you to switch careers and try exploring other career options, because if the options don’t work out for you after trying them out for a couple of years, you could still go back to being a lawyer (you’re still young by then). I left my job as an auditor (worked for 6.5 years as an auditor).

I am looking for a reasonable lawyer practicing in Singapore High court

😊🙏🌏✨️

But you got the qualification for you to have the luxury to quit- you can always return if you wanted one day…

First.

everyone is quitting their lawyer jobs lol

Wow

Admire your decisiveness and tenacity , to do something that truly resonates , but what are the aspects of the law industry that you dislike ?

Just gave you a like and a sub to support you and Lloyd. Starting a RU-vid channel isn't easy. This video showed up to me organically. There's a running joke in East Asia - you can either become a doctor, a lawyer, and engineer, or a failure. I feel you. You only live one life. But you can live many lives/era within your lifetime. Many younger folks in the US quit their lawyer or investment banker jobs and made RU-vid videos about it. You do you, Em! Maybe you can be the General Counsel if you start an e-commerce company or something. It's never just sunk cost.

Thanks for sharing.. I’m stuck in the same career limbo although not in the legal industry. The ‘retail therapy’ is not really therapeutic 😵 anyways~~~ I’m looking for the next step and hanging on to it for a bit longer until I figure it out~~

No one else is living my life expect me. Love that !

Good decision😊 By the way you forgot to mention something very important in your video, you forgot to tell people the brand name of the shampoo, sorry to inform you that you won't be able to receive your advertisement payment😔.

very insightful, thx!

RESPECT. Liked. Subscribed.

Everything that happened is part of the life experience we need to live through. You did make a brave choice. Being a lawyer is indeed an unpleasant one yet many have to bear till able to stand on their own feet. Your years of experience are what help you grew up and become invincible. A fruitful and happier life is waiting for you.

"It paid the bills"...? I'm pretty sure it did a little more that only that.

Hi Em, nice meeting you today :) this is JC, the “kid” with full sleeve tattoos 😁, I also quit the law field after I got my LLB and the industry I have been working for 7 years and decided to pursue my childhood dream as a hair stylist since last year. 😁

Thank you for sharing, finished

love this testimony same for me but i work in IT telecom also i was surprise that the video was on normal speed

I can relate to this in a way. I am a paralegal also working in an top tier international law firm and I agree the money’s good, but at what price. Sometimes it’s eating my time with my kids and husband. I so feel lucky that I am in the US and not experiencing the typical crazy HK hours. But the constant having to bill my time is killing me smalls sometimes and it’s very stressful. I am glad you are able to be true to yourself! That is an accomplishment tooo!

Thanks for the video. I'm a tax lawyer in Amsterdam and currently thinking of leaving the industry as well. Hell of a scary time but this video felt empowering. Best of luck, Emily

I am a british born chinese in UK.. i grew up watching TVB in the 80's and 90's on vhs tape...all the dramas were police stories, I was brain washed and I finally joined the police frontline in my mid 20's...it was the best job / lifestyle I ever had!! I hope you also find your true self and what you truly would like to do too👍🇬🇧😎