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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I know I am a huge voice of dissent here,  but I love being a lawyer.  I graduated from law school at 25 and worked in Big Law for 3 years - working hard, but honestly not any harder than i would have at anything at that time in my life (before kids).  Went to a family friendly govt agency shortly after i got married and have been here for 5 years (through 2 kids - 6 months of unpaid leave with each).  I work 4 days a week, am home by 4 every day (work really early schedule which it totally ok with my job) and make 100k a year.  I also telework when i need to to cover doctors appts, household work, etc.  I get 20 days of vacation a year, 13 federal holidays, and 13 sick days.  I can't imagine another job I could love as much and yet have as much flexibility to have a work life balance.

This type of govt job is available to non-lawyers, but the salary is significantly lower - such that the flexibility isn't outweighed by the pay.  [/quote]

+1, but never worked in Big Law.  Most lawyers I know who are miserable are working very long, stressful hours.  Anything 80 hours a week starts to get old.  I enjoy being a lawyer, but I could've done other things as well.  I went to law school, because I received a degree in sociology and had no idea what to do with it when I graduated.  Many in my peer group were the same.  They graduated and had no idea what they wanted to do, so they went to law school.  I wouldn't recommend law to those just looking to make a lot of money.  Many attorneys are struggling/under employed, and the work they can get (contract attorneys) is mind-numbingly boring (document review for weeks at a time).  I would recommend students clerk at a firm or agency before they go to law school.  I don't think students have any grasp for what "real" lawyers do compared to the ones they see on TV.  [/quote]

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