Anonymous wrote:Considering law school at 40. I’ve done the math and financially would be better off than staying in my current job, even with the 3-year earning gap.
Kids are in elementary school, and my partner is a partner at a medium size boutique. He seems to think I would be able to find a similar firm where I could WFH a few days a week, work 1-2 nights a week and a weekend a month…which is what he does. Does he just have a really good set up or is this for real?
Did he have that work/life balance right out of law school, or did it take several years to attain it?
I had fantastic work/life balance as an entry level government attorney, but I am only now- 15 years in- making $150K (your desired starting salary).
I am also a mom in my early 40s and I have been losing steam for the past few years. You mentioned the child bearing years tax, but perimenopause is bad too. As others mentioned, ageism is very real and it’s especially bad for women.
I think it’s unlikely that any firm paying $150K for entry level will hire a 43 year old without a niche background or connection to the firm. Have you heard of the expression up or out? They are trying to develop a talent pipeline for potential partners, and those who aren’t partner material are pushed out.