The school one hits hard. I dropped out of degree programs twice before - in my 20s when I thought I wanted to be a nurse, and in my 30s when I thought I wanted to be a therapist. I would have been very good at both things. But, at those times, I sacrificed myself for my relationship. Now, in my late 40s, I’m 7/12ths done with my masters in Organizational Leadership. I WILL FINISH THIS DEGREE. BUT, I’m having to take a pause to find a new job and I’m struggling with the pause. I keep repeating to myself that this is a momentary pause and not a stop. Taking a class right now will not get me a new opportunity. My focus can’t be on both things and my actual full time job and the rest of my life. My period is due this week (I hope, thank you perimenopause) and the lack of estrogen has got me down. New moon, new beginnings, right??? Opportunity is just around the corner... 🤞🏼
I was so close to begin excited about the law school answer. But my question is different. I've been a paralegal for 15 years. I KNOW I would love being a lawyer and I know I would be a good one. But I'm 40. Best case scenario, I'd be 43 when I finished, and more likely, closer to 45. At that point it seems like...what's the point? All the money, all the time... just to be a baby lawyer at 45.
My dad went to law school in his 50s after all of the kids were out of the house. He LOVED the intellectual stimulation of it; it honestly made him seem 15 years younger to us. He graduated and set up a small practice, handling minor criminal matters, family law, etc. I think he considers it one of the best decisions he ever made.
I had a more traditional path, started law school two years after college, graduated, went to big firm to pay off loans, etc. I also loved law school; it’s a different and very interesting way of learning, thinking and communicating. Being a lawyer has had its highs and lows but overall it’s been a good ride.
All of that to say: GO if you can do it and you think it will challenge and excite you. I wouldn’t get hung up in timing and age. I do think it would be hard to be a big firm new associate as an over 40, but there are so many more things you can do with a law degree. Think about what you would want your career to look like, whether it’s realistic, and whether it suits the person you are today.
I have a question for the group - I’m switching industries and roles - and I need to add a Chief of Staff description so that I can get into the search algorithm of LinkedIn without saying Chief of Staff. I am currently a VP of Contracts. I am stymied as to how to show in my headline that I am looking without alerting my current company to the fact that I am looking. Any suggestions? (Perhaps this is the wrong forum for this, but I trust this group!)
Amanda, I’m currently watching The Good Wife for the first time. If Alicia Florrick can do it, so can you!! Also? If you are not active on LinkedIn, that’s where everything is happening these days. Please feel free to reach out. If you want this, you can totally do it.
The school one hits hard. I dropped out of degree programs twice before - in my 20s when I thought I wanted to be a nurse, and in my 30s when I thought I wanted to be a therapist. I would have been very good at both things. But, at those times, I sacrificed myself for my relationship. Now, in my late 40s, I’m 7/12ths done with my masters in Organizational Leadership. I WILL FINISH THIS DEGREE. BUT, I’m having to take a pause to find a new job and I’m struggling with the pause. I keep repeating to myself that this is a momentary pause and not a stop. Taking a class right now will not get me a new opportunity. My focus can’t be on both things and my actual full time job and the rest of my life. My period is due this week (I hope, thank you perimenopause) and the lack of estrogen has got me down. New moon, new beginnings, right??? Opportunity is just around the corner... 🤞🏼
I was so close to begin excited about the law school answer. But my question is different. I've been a paralegal for 15 years. I KNOW I would love being a lawyer and I know I would be a good one. But I'm 40. Best case scenario, I'd be 43 when I finished, and more likely, closer to 45. At that point it seems like...what's the point? All the money, all the time... just to be a baby lawyer at 45.
My dad went to law school in his 50s after all of the kids were out of the house. He LOVED the intellectual stimulation of it; it honestly made him seem 15 years younger to us. He graduated and set up a small practice, handling minor criminal matters, family law, etc. I think he considers it one of the best decisions he ever made.
I had a more traditional path, started law school two years after college, graduated, went to big firm to pay off loans, etc. I also loved law school; it’s a different and very interesting way of learning, thinking and communicating. Being a lawyer has had its highs and lows but overall it’s been a good ride.
All of that to say: GO if you can do it and you think it will challenge and excite you. I wouldn’t get hung up in timing and age. I do think it would be hard to be a big firm new associate as an over 40, but there are so many more things you can do with a law degree. Think about what you would want your career to look like, whether it’s realistic, and whether it suits the person you are today.
I have a question for the group - I’m switching industries and roles - and I need to add a Chief of Staff description so that I can get into the search algorithm of LinkedIn without saying Chief of Staff. I am currently a VP of Contracts. I am stymied as to how to show in my headline that I am looking without alerting my current company to the fact that I am looking. Any suggestions? (Perhaps this is the wrong forum for this, but I trust this group!)
Amanda, I’m currently watching The Good Wife for the first time. If Alicia Florrick can do it, so can you!! Also? If you are not active on LinkedIn, that’s where everything is happening these days. Please feel free to reach out. If you want this, you can totally do it.