I'm at a crossroads in life and I need some objective advice?

Question

Last year I graduated from law school and began to practice as an attorney. For reasons too detailed to explain, I really believe that law isn't the career path I should have chosen.

The hard part: I'm considering going back to school to pursue a Master's degree in Psychology or a related field. If I do this, it will strain me financially and mentally. It will also strain my family relationships because my parents don't approve of my going back to school and will make fun of me for being a "professional student." This may seem trivial, but think about it: It's really difficult to make such a huge life change without any emotional support.

I want to find my passion. I'm not entirely certain this path will lead me to happiness, and that is what makes it so difficult to realize. What's your advice? Stay in law? Pursue a grad degree? Do something else entirely? Wait?

Answer 1

Obviously if you choice is to stay in law you WOULDNT be asking the question. If you're parents are paying for your school then break away and pay on your own. If you need moral support...well sometimes in life you have to be your own cheerleader.

Maybe something like oh I  forget what they call it but lawyers that work more so as advocates for low income/immigrants?

How about the Peace Corps? I feel some strong humanitarian vibes coming from you...do some volunteer work in areas you may be interested in then you will know.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

I can think of no reason that a person should not  persue education. I don't understand why your parents would not approve. If you are not comfortable in your carrer you will never do your best and you will become uncompassionate and uncarring. Yes, indead it will be a huge strain on you but if you are dedicated you will find a way to  handle all of it.

Answer 3

you know, i have struggled as well with what i want in life. as i've done i would suggest taking it easy to self reflect a little. go on a trip alone, or take up a couple hobbies you never tried. I also instead of spending tons of money on a degree i'm so unsure of, i took a couple of fun classes each semester at a community college (it's so much cheaper), i even took stuff that didn't sound like anything i would care for, and i eventually found something i truly liked. coincidentaly it is psychology!!! but i believe if you settle you will regret it later. it's unfortunate your family isn't more supportive,but you have one life, find what you are truly going to enjoy doing each day you wake up, rather than waking up to go do something you will hate and despise. that will just cause more problems in the long run. you'll be unhappy, which will make your friends and family unhappy, etc.  eventually they will come around and be happy for you, but do whats best for you, you can't live for them you have to live for yourself!!!!!

Answer 4

First- you are too old to be worrying about what your parents say.  A lot of parents would be proud of a child who could handle that much school and education.  It wouldn't bother me if my kids stayed in school their whole life.  Second- You definteily sound like someone who would enjoy psychology however the grass is always greener as I am sure you are starting to find out.  The negative side of the career isn't always what you see when you are studying and trainging  for it.  Is it the suits?  Is it the constant revolving paperwork and not seeming as though it really makes a difference after all?  sit down with yourself and see if you can figure out WHAT things you don't like about it.  Running back and forth to the courtroom?  In psychology it is interesting because you can think and mull over complex issues.  But if after a few years of married couples that hate each other and don't have s*x gets old, and the habitual suicidal that has to have you figure this out for him when you know he can only figure it out for himself-  what parts will keep you interested then?  You know, there are several sites that test you in several areas then evaluate what you would be suited for.  I am not saying they are 100% accurate.  I am saying based upon your own answers they will give you an explanation to consider.  Maybe in there would be something that would spark your interest and help you come to a more clear understanding of where the passion lies in your ambitions.  You sound like a problem solver, a person who likes to know and understand things.  Possibly even want to enforce or at lest support the basics of humanity.  A lot of cops have left their jobs in much the same fashion because doing it seemed worse than they had imagined.  No satisfaction once you're draggin a bleeding crack addict from her home creaming and biting YOU after being beat up by her boyfriend.  You know the drill.  Is it worth acquiring aids that way?  Depends on the person.  Maybe you have a heart  And somehow you need validation or some feedback through your career that makes it feel "worthwhile" .  That your efforts aren't being wasted.  There isn't anything wrong with that.   Some people are better off in a career where they can see the outcome more quickly.  Such as scientists and doctors.  They do what they do with hopes of immediate results. That is their nature and it is in their success that they find passion for their job and motivation to keep moving forward.  See?  Now these are just examples or some form of anaologies to help you figure out for yourself (because you are certainly educated enough and if you're even thinking of psych you KNOW this)   

Seriously, take some time.  look inside.  Get away from routine because you won't be at a free space to think openly and constructively if you don't.  Do it like you're building a case.  Gather material.  Build boards with lists of pros and cons as seen from the outside about each of the careers you're considering along with some you hve not just for hte sake of argument. You don't have to go far or spend much.  Go spend a weekend in a hotel at a town nearby and vist a few local spots.  Let your mind be free of thinking about anything of your own for  a bit.  See what conversations come up with strangers.  Then spend a little time alone to think.  Pull out your report.  Pull out your astrology.  Pull out out the bible, leave it open on the one that says seek and ye shall find.  I'd leave that there if I were you, just don't want to exclude any possible part of the equation.  And again just for the sake of argument.  LOL  And anything else you can gather as evidence for and against each direction.  Then start the hearings. argue the good and the bad and how they relate to personality clicks you found in these other sorted areas of information.    See what you come up with.  And let me know what you decide IF you do.  I would be interested to know.  Good luck. 

Answer 5

My best advice is to take a trip.  With a good friend, brother, or all by yourself.  Go somewhere that you can be outside a lot (e.g. California, New York, EUROPE!!!), see nature, and think.  Have good conversations with strangers maybe.  Drink beer.  Essentially -- take a step towards "finding [part of] yourself."

I too am a professional student  and though I am an Artist, I also have tried pathology, teaching, and waiting tables for a living!!!

Bottomline:  this is YOUR life.  Own it.  this is YOUR path, not your parents or other family.  Emotional support is great, but you need to stand up for yourself too.  Don't give up on a chance to do something like studying for your Master's b/c you might get made fun of.  That is silly.

Take a trip.

Answer 6

The way to find our passion is to identify the things that make us feel that life is worthwhile living.  If you were rich and could afford to not be paid for what you do, what would it be.  

Until you do some serious contemplation, going back to school for anything may only give credibility to your parents' hesitance for emotional support and it does kinda make you look like a "professional student".  Once you decide what that passion is, think of how best your law degree can assist in your passion.  If it can't, then and only then would I consider pursuing another course of study regardless to what anyone else thinks.

Good Luck and Be Blessed

Answer 7

You should do what you want to do, which sounds like going back to school.  Actually, my fiance wants to go back to school for a Masters in Psychology, is that weird or what?  

Anyway, try looking for grants or other financial aid that will help you out with the cost of going back (I use fastweb.net to search for some).  I don't know what your lifestyle is like, but do anything you can to save up as much money as possible.  I think certain graduate programs don't allow you to even have a part-time job.  On the flip side, there are certain employers that supposedly pay part of your tuition, but I have no idea where to find one.

As for emotional support, I totally hear ya.  I got my BA in 5 years rather than 4 and my dad was all, "What the h**l have you been doing to waste so much time? LOL only doctors go to school that long."  Seriously, don't think about it that hard. It's so not worth it. See if you can find an old friend or a mentor at the college of your choice to support you if your parents are really dragging you down.

I don't think you should rush into a new life if you're uncertain.  Is there any way you can dabble in what it is you're thinking of going back to school for? What are your best skills? What can't you live without?  Maybe you can try taking non-credit courses at a community college to get a feel for what new things might interest you?