From Lawyer to Full-Time Creator: My Journey and Insights
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Chapter 1: The Decision to Change
On February 12, 2014, I made a life-altering decision to leave my legal career behind and embrace the world of self-employment as a content creator. Initially, it felt like everyone around me thought I had lost my senses. I even questioned my own judgment at times. Remarks like, "What about that degree you sacrificed so much for?" and "You're jeopardizing your future!" echoed in my ears. But the truth was, I wasn't discarding my future; I was letting go of a future that no longer excited me.
Outgrowing Childhood Aspirations
My aspiration to attend law school began when I was just ten years old, back in 1992—a time before the internet had taken shape. My singular goal was to escape the clutches of poverty. I often declared, "When I grow up, I'll become a lawyer," despite my mother's gentle reminders that community college might be the best I could hope for. Thankfully, my stubbornness turned those discouragements into fuel for my ambition.
Achieving milestones like graduating from law school, passing the bar exam, and landing a job at a prestigious law firm felt monumental. Yet, I realized that these accomplishments were driven by a desire to prove myself to others rather than a true passion for the profession. By 34, I had reached a point where I had outgrown my childhood dreams.
The Crossroads of Choice
Many find themselves at a similar juncture in their lives. They've chosen a career path early on, only to realize that it doesn't align with their adult aspirations. The weight of student loans and years invested in education can make it feel impossible to change course. However, this is the pivotal moment when you can choose to continue down a familiar path or forge a new one.
Staying on the conventional route may seem like the logical choice, offering a steady paycheck, but it comes at the cost of your time—an irreplaceable resource. Alternatively, you can opt for a bold pivot, aligning your life with your values and pursuing what truly fulfills you, whether that means starting a business or diversifying your income streams.
There are risks involved, and people may doubt your decisions, especially if your confidence wavers. I grew up surrounded by negativity, and overcoming that was essential to my growth. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals is crucial to your journey.
A New Perspective on Time
In my twenties and early thirties, I lived carelessly, consumed by unhealthy habits and an illusion of invincibility. That perspective changed dramatically when I received a cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, the reality that time is finite hit hard. I was forced to confront a vital question: How would I utilize the time I had left? The choice became clear.
Interestingly, this newfound urgency only emerged after my diagnosis in 2014, which ultimately led to a profound shift in my outlook on life. (As a side note, I am happy to report that I have been cancer-free for over seven years!)
The Escape Plan
Once I resolved to leave my job, I knew I needed a solid plan to replace my income. I began with research into various business models to identify what resonated with me.
Step 1: Learning
I immersed myself in business resources, tuning into podcasts, reading marketing literature, and watching educational YouTube videos daily. I sought every opportunity to learn, from my commute to chores around the house.
In the video "How I Went From Corporate Lawyer to Content Creator," I delve into my transition and the lessons learned along the way.
Step 2: Experimentation
Next, I began applying my newfound knowledge. I adopted a "fail fast" mentality, eager to explore various avenues without the pressure of achieving overnight success. My focus was on discovering what I genuinely enjoyed while identifying potential income sources.
Eventually, I realized that creating valuable content was my true passion—a stark contrast to my prior legal work, which felt restrictive. The beauty of content creation lies in its limitless potential for problem-solving on my own terms.
Step 3: Preparing to Quit
Looking back, I wish I had approached my exit strategy differently. Although I had started generating some income, it wasn't enough to cover my expenses. I had only three months of savings, which quickly dwindled as my income fluctuated.
To anyone contemplating a leap from a stable job to self-employment, I advise overestimating your financial needs before making the jump.
Step 4: Settling Into Self-Employment
Transitioning from a structured job to self-employment can be jarring. You become your own boss, which requires you to establish rules and boundaries for yourself. It was essential for me to maintain a disciplined schedule, treating my new venture with the seriousness it deserved.
Step 5: Managing & Growing
Running a content business may be straightforward, but it demands diligent management. I set specific income goals for each revenue stream and tracked my earnings meticulously to avoid surprises. It's vital to keep a close eye on expenses and allocate funds for taxes regularly.
Many more aspects of building and managing a content business will be explored in future discussions.
The second video, "I Quit My $350k Job as a Lawyer to Be a Writer & Influencer... Was It Worth It?? ONE YEAR LATER," reflects on the realities of this transition and the lessons learned one year later.