I’m a lawyer who loves my job. But I have a lot of colleagues who hate theirs, and they tend to have one thing in common: They never liked the study of law in the first place. I see comments on this video from other lawyers who tell young people “never go to law school!” This is so misguided. If you don’t study something you genuinely do not like, you’re probably going to be miserable. Law school isn’t the problem. Making bad choices for poor reasons is.
This is untrue. You can enjoy law but then realise corporate firms don’t care about your ability…they just want you to make as much money as possible and don’t care about your needs! You can’t know at 19 that these jobs milk you dry and don’t care about your health or needs
Not with that price tag! I would’ve sucked it up if that was me. I grew up poor and would kill for a high paying job that I can pay off my student loans and buy a permanent home for me and my mom.
@@abikleinsmith thank you. I’m just really tired of the struggle. I’ve stressed and worried myself into an eating disorder. I don’t want to struggle anymore
Same situation as you. I have to recommend fixing your eating because I've made some dumb mistakes because of my struggle life mentality. You come first, not your dreams of home ownership. Not even your mother. You go first, and that includes your health, mental and physical.
Congratulations Cece! I quit Big Law 2 years ago and it was the best decision I've ever made. It's scary to leave a big paycheck and the prestige of Big Law, but I think you'll find that it's worth it to pursue your 'why'!
@@sylviacutie3649 i’ll make a video about all this, but the top law school to biglaw conveyor belt is incredibly easy. biglaw salaries are public and start at $215k now, i believe
@@CeceXie thank you! The thing is I have a premed background and I am currently working in the medical field, and I recently graduated from college. I am studying for the LSAT and Gre, but I think I might just apply with the Gre. Is the Gre good for law school? What is your take?
Well good for you but remember everyone is different. As an intern in a big law firm in France there are months where I begin at 9am and finish at 2 am... The most I had to do this was 3 months in a row... I can tell you, I was depressed and I don't have to specify that those months were stressful
If a person is making that much and after 4-5 years still has student debt it usually indicates that they haven’t prioritized paying it down either because of financial irresponsibility and they don’t think it’s a big deal, or more likely the interest on their debt is low enough that they would prefer to make the minimum payment and invest the money instead to earn a higher return. For doctors/lawyers their student debt is almost like a mortgage, they borrowed a large amount up front in order have an income stream and use that to pay back the money over time.
@@richardparadox163 Yep. You're spot on. I know people with a household income of $500k and crazy student debt that they could have easily paid off years ago. They don't want to prioritize paying it down because they enjoy the lifestyle their salary currently affords them and don't want to "cut back".
@@richardparadox163 Exactly, if the lawyers she's talking about in the video are still "paying on their student loans after 20 years" then it's most likely their fault they still have debt. People assume just because someone has a financially viable job such as a lawyer or a doctor that they're financially literate as well, when in fact these people can be just as reckless with their money as a person making minimum wage. How many doctors we see driving around in $100,000 luxury cars with houses beyond their reach still in student debt? Plenty honestly. No matter how much you make, if you aren't responsible financially then it's irrelevant.
An uncle who was a partner in a big law firm advised me when I was young not to go to law school. Best advice for me, careerwise. His rationale, I was meant to do something else (I have multiple grad degrees) Long story short, followed my passions... Today, I have everything I ever wanted (health, wealth, happiness, and freedom). You are a bright young lady and have a lot of options. Best of luck!
hahaha almost every attorney i spoke with before going to law school told me not to do it. I thought it was an industry joke, or at the very least, said in jest. well, 1 year fresh out of law school and working my first job as an attorney... i can say the attorneys I spoke with we're not lying, the job is so demanding and every minute of your day has to be billed, the billing requirement is what hurts me.
@@kawaiikoibito3268 I ended up a business owner and investor (it's what I am good at). The first half of my life was to please others (parents). The second half, to discover my Why (are you here, what gives you satisfaction, etc). Hold on to your dreams people...
@@yqf051 became a business owner (tech)/investor. Today, semi-ret, started a non-profit and mentoring the next generation. Grad degrees helped open doors but for pure education, you can learn as much or more on YT these days for free. Find your Why and follow your dreams (the road less traveled) Best of luck!
I have a similar story! I quit my job in supply chain after 6.5 years when I was 30. I was making a salary I felt so proud of. I had so much anxiety putting in my 2 weeks, but It turned out to be the best decision. I have never looked back or dwelled on my decision! Luckily I got married soon after and was able to get on my husbands health insurance. A year later I am now a stay at home mom to a 2 month old. The feelings of hard work, reward and accomplishment I was used to in my career, I now get with (trying) to be the best mom!
Good for you for quitting. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did. I’m debating leaving nursing. Healthcare has many cracks and the pandemic has only magnified them. I’m fed up with the culture of nursing, being treated like garbage by management, and having to beg for time off. I never signed up for abuse when I became a nurse. Can’t wait for the day I can quit this sh&#.
I have recently started thinking about not being a nurse anymore, but I feel stuck. I’ve been doing cardiac rehab nursing for the past 17 years & I’m burned out!
Love how honest this is! The reasons are exactly the reasons why I didn’t even pursue big law. I learned early on about everything you said and I realized early on I would much rather make less money but be happy. I make just under 100k as an attorney in MN but I have a pretty good work life balance, My supervising attorney looks to my opinions and advice about staffing, diversity and firm life and I am truly happy. You’re right, I know SO many attorneys paying off their loans 20+ years after law school. I accepted that will be me and I love comfortably. I go on vacations and treat myself once in a while and work for my future, not jsut to pay loans. So happy for you and look forward to seeing all you do!
Great to hear. Cost of living is also a big factor, so making an impressive salary in NYC/LA could mean less buying power than a lower salary in another city.
Congratulations Cece!!! As a law student with a similar mindset to yours at 22, your reasoning & path really resonated with me. I’m so excited to watch you follow your dreams & passions!!Oh, and to buy your BOOK !!! You’ve got this!!!
These reasons are why I stopped pursing the careers that I initially wanted. As I got older, I realized what was more important to me & how the specific careers I wanted wouldn’t really allow time for that. I’m heading into a different career that will not make me rich, but keep me stable with good benefits and allow me to have time for my partner, family, and friends. This career is also purposeful and meaningful to me which does matter. I will now also have time for my hobbies too. Financial security is important, but spending time doing what you like to do & spending time with those you love is priceless. You don’t need to make a lot of money to be happy.
congratulations cece! you've been such an inspiration throughout my whole law school application process and your rationale throughout this video was so eloquently laid out! very excited to follow along as you navigate this next chapter in your life~
While I am only legal staff and not a lawyer, I agree that working in law is incredibly isolating and I love how you’ll be speaking out more about it. So excited to follow you in your newest journey!!
thank you!! it felt like entering wonderland when i entered these “elite” spaces bc it can be hard to navigate. biglaw can be very helpful, but remember to not lose yourself!
Congratulations Cece! Im ex-big law too - not going to lie, I do miss some parts of it (aka the office parties, international travel, etc) but overall, no regrets - my life is my own again and I earn just about the same but with way less stress. Wishing you the best! x
After nearly 9 years as a registered nurse, I retired two years ago. It was not an easy decision, but life is too short to dread going to work every day. No amount of money can buy real happiness Lol. But, friends, I'm not asking you to quit your work or forsake your business, but rather be wise!
@Olivia Jayden While I was still in the service, I prepared for early retirement, earning roughly $2,000 per week from my investment portfolio and working hard to establish new side hustles and extra income
@Brown Jones There are numerous investment options available, including real estate, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, and cryptocurrency, but my best suggestion is to hire a professional to guide you through the process
You’re so intelligent and such a good writer and speaker! I think you’d be a great author! Yes, please make more TH-cam videos. I deleted my tik tok and Instagram.
@Charisma Musician regardless of her initial intention, I think getting into Yale, Harvard and BigLaw already speaks for itself and proves that she is intelligent to certain extent lol Unless you define intelligence differently
Cece, While I am not a lawyer, I work in finance and a lot of what you said really hit home. Thank you for your video. I really needed to see this and hear this today.
Congrats Ce, your story is inspiring. I once quit a $100K job and i still have mixed feelings about it during the harder times when i'm running my business but I'm glad i did it. Life's too short to wonder "what if". One thing i do know is that it's not as "risky" as you think. Your experience isn't going to just go to zero. Good luck in your journey and regards from chennai, india.
Honestly don’t do it if you don’t like it. Even if your parents get mad so what. I waited 5 years for college. Worked retail in between. Now I’m perusing school doing what I actually want to do. Everyday is what I want to live because I’m living on my own terms! You have all the way up to when you die to live.
I'm so never-endingly glad I quit being a lawyer. The job sucks on virtually every level and I struggled for years without success to find even one redeeming quality to the legal profession. So I made a drastic career change to dentistry and I'm so glad I did. My worst day as a dental student is still better than my best day as a lawyer. Also, it has to be said: law school is a goddam joke compared to medical or dental school. But the challenge is so much more rewarding than any paper-pushing I ever did at a firm. So congrats on making the best and smartest decision you'll probably ever make, Cece.
Wow, good for you, Robert. I thought about quitting and pursuing medicine/dental school years ago but knew it would take many more years of schooling. Many dentists in my area are only open 3-4 days a week and seem to be doing well. Plus when the work is done, you don't have a cloud hanging over your head worrying about patients' problems for months.
I would absolutely LOVE if you started a podcast. You are eloquent with your words, and I always feel inspired after hearing you speak. You have so much to offer, you are so talented.. I am SO excited for you to embark on a new journey!! All the best, Cece ❤️
Aw your book is going to the lawyer version of The Help:) good luck with everything!! I’m rooting for you and thank you for being inspirational and honest!
The practice of law has to be your passion. When you become a partner (or shareholder) that firm is YOUR business. Not everyone is cut for the practice of law.
I really appreciate your efforts to make big law more transparent! As an in-coming 1L who is a first-generation immigrant (and also has parents who emphasize financial security above all else), I feel an overwhelming amount of pressure to secure that highest paying job at the end of my degree. Seeing you take risks is incredibly inspirational!
Wow, the student debt of professional careers like lawyers and doctors is insane! Still paying off school 5 years later. Congratulations on seeking your own dreams. I hope you find your niche and do well.
As a foreign attorney coming to NYC, I struggled to find a job at all and it took a toll on my mental health and career progression. The entire big law culture seems to be so insular that outsiders just can't break in in the traditional sense. I'm jumping through a "foreigner hoop" doing an LLM now, and I am enjoying it a lot, but the doubts remain. Will I find a job as a foreign attorney in New York? I'm now looking to new tech like web3, crypto and DAOs to find a place in the future.
an LLM will definitely help! the market is also really hot right now, so you're doing this at a good time. it's definitely harder than being a U.S. lawyer, but it IS possible! you got this
Quit my quant fund job. Was on about $430k with bonus after 6 years but decided just manage my own investment account as built up $6.7 million and just hit 31. Plan just to manage this around the world
@@Ricocase go to Ivy league university. Study math, computer science, engineering, economics and get a 3.8-4.0 gpa. Some internships in Finance, quant. Ideally masters in financial mathematics / financial engineering. Build good track record in stock market and interest in Finance.
i totally get your points regarding work hours and wanting to make a difference. these are actually the points i grapple with on deciding to go to law school!! i really want a healthy work life balance, but because i want to make a difference it will definitely require long work days especially because i want to be a public defender or prosecutor. good luck in your next journey!! i wish you the best of luck and am manifesting that yale acceptance for you
PD/prosecution can definitely be a lot of hours, but remember you can also always take your experience and long hours somewhere to elsewhere and still make a difference. definitely do your research but there are periods in life where grinding for X years pays off multiples later on. and tysm!! i love teaching so hope to continue doing that in any manner, even if just on youtube :)
Hi, I just discovered your channel and happy I did!!! I am a doctor who is now in law school! Interesting enough I want to work independently once I get through this challenging journey ha ! The idea of working long long hours when I have done isn’t favorable, as I have done previously with my doctoral degree. But hearing you worked a reduced schedule is appealing. Anyhow random thoughts. I look forward to watching more of your content. Take care! :)
@Xyzpls I am now in law school but once I finish I don’t want to work full time in the field, as 10,000 hours later from earning my Doctoral degree been there done that. I would like to work part time at a firm ⚖️😌
@@troooooper100 I’m so proud of you! I hope times are better each day that goes by. Ofc life isn’t always great, but I do hope your mental health is way better now than before.
@@miti342 i moved back with parents so didn't have to worry about rent, got into movies, then gaming, then just hiking and cardio, after like 4-5 months i felt i was ok now. Started new job, even better salary. One thing I wished I had done different is kept consistent sleep cycle, few weekends staying up late is great but constantly shifting sleep cycles can leave you with no energy.
@@troooooper100 I’m glad you did better for yourself. You’re doing great for yourself, love. As for the sleeping cycle, I understand! I used to have a consistent sleeping schedule but now it’s not and ruins my energy. Would you mind sharing what you’re most proud of yourself so far?
Congratulations on quitting!! It's such a scary leap and one I know too well. I quit my engineering job last year for a lot of the same reasons you quit Big Law. I also grew up being told to take the safe stable route in life. Now I'm taking as many risks as possible while I'm still young (24) in an effort to find what I truly love that can sustain my lifestyle WITHOUT burnout for years to come. Wishing you all the best and much success in your future!
Wow this is such an insightful walkthrough of your thought process. So excited for your next chapter of writing, content, and more CeCe!! Supporting you all the way, girl!!!
@@CeceXie omg! tbt haha. I’m honored you’ve watched my video too. You’re probably extremely well connected, but happy to help you out any way I can! Enjoy transitioning out of biglaw life for now!
Thank you for being vulnerable, authentic, and unapologetically yourself. This is a great video for everyone but particularly young Asian Americans in conservative/traditional households. You are amazing!
When I became pregnant with my first child I made the decisison to leave my firm and I am honestly the happiest I have ever been since law school. I still practice on a less stressful and demanding basis and I do work that I am genuinely passionate about. I will probably leave the practice completely at some point but the changes I have made so far have truly increased my quality of life, and that is priceless.
The fact you gave up a seemingly good situation is amazing because you have wisdom to appreciate the present and life rather that life that is comfortable and unhappy
I feel like Ive been having this thought forever.It does takes a lot courage to sacrifice what youve achieved and start anew.But deep down you know youre doing the right thing.Congrats youve set a good model for us!
Ahh Cece!! I am so excited for your journey and to see all that you do in this next chapter. Signing up for everything on every platform right now!!!!!
This is how I feel about leaving my job in insurance. I've been with my company for 11+ years and have become entirely disillusioned with them and have accepted that I won't see the change in work culture that I've tried so hard to achieve. I initially had plans to leave after 1Q 2023 but my husband has decided to get out of the military that same time so I'll be staying on until he picks up a civilian job. I can't wait for the day that I can give my notice. It'll be soooo freeing and terrifying at the same time.
Good luck moving forward! As someone just finishing up a PhD program now and considering law school in the future I'm so interested to see what you do next!
Wish you the best; lots of success 🍀 As a junior lawyer (in Portugal), I have to say you’re videos made such a difference in my professional path and wishful thinking. Love your perspective on (really) everything🥰💖
Thanks so much for sharing this! 28 yr old Bay St lawyer here - great overview and you echoed so many of my own concerns about long term practice. Excited to watch ur freedom!
Life and work are to endure through all the pains and problems until you accumulate enough wealth to retire. Then you can quit and enjoy the rest of your life without stress. That’s what everyone does.
Congratulations!! You are one of my favorite creators on the tik tok platform! VERY excited for the newsletters life vlogs and study vlogs 😏 happy for you in this new chapter!!!!!!
Contrary to “having made it” when you become a partner, it is just the tip of the iceberg of as you said, never ending ladders to climb and targets to meet- supervised Billings, legal directory rankings, new clients, and erm, fighting for work with your colleagues who are trying to matters that are your speciality but are not theirs? 🤔 (but that may be because I work in a country where the market is small)
I’m not even in the law field but this is still all so interesting to me. I wish you the best of luck and success, Cece! Came here from TT and subscribed.
It’s such a coincidence that I found this video for so many reasons. A. I’ve been thinking of switching occupations and have been considering law. B. You mentioned competency and the belief that we can do everything and often miss the things that matter most and I feel that’s kind of where I am right now in real estate. Also, you mentioned that you maybe should’ve done something that you love for less money vs career fields that provide more financial stability and I can definitely empathize with that. I really needed this video. I’m 27 and feeling like I may not have made choices that make me happy but I made choices that may make me wealthy. So now I’m thinking I can approach life in a different way. Thanks so much for the video ❤️
Congratulations on quitting, Cece! Thoroughly enjoyed your video and having also left Big Law recently, your reasons for doing so really resonated with me (Em). Particularly appreciate that you spoke in detail about the realities of being a partner nowadays, which I think is such an important factor in deciding whether to quit or stay. Looking forward to your book(s) down the road! :)
@@SUPREMELEGEND ok then how about you take the job she quit and shut the fuck up. boo hooing over resources and opportunities that aren't yours. have you ever looked at the statistics for male and female suicide rates? being a slave to money doesn't deliver happiness. you might as well be a mouse looking for cheese in a maze
Congrats and thanks for making this video! I relate so much to looking at your boss and really evaluating if you want to be them one day. They are a great prediction of your work/life balance. I actually had this conversation with my fiance this weekend. I tried to explain why I would never want to be VP of my department. I already work 10-12 hours each weekday and frequently work at least a few hours each weekend. Yes, it brings prestige and a better salary, but looking at the way our senior leadership team devotes their life to work is just concerning for me. I never want to be that.
I went to Harvard and Columbia and I left Skadden as a sixth year. But I have a feeling I know exactly where this video is going. Now I have my own business.
Who's there to verify ? Even I can say I'm ex CEO of Google Facebook Apple and now I'm setting up my own firm. Thanks to this TH-cam video. Also I was the partner in Kirkland & Ellis
Girl that’s so badass, I love your decisiveness that’s amazing we need more people like you on the planet wanting to make a change and willing to sacrifice for it. Keep doing your thing!
WOW So glad I came across this! I currently work in BigLaw (not as a lawyer, but a para) and I literally just put my two weeks in yesterday LOL. Coming into it I was so scared of the kinds of people I would work with and not so much the work-but just like you it turned out to be the opposite! I genuinely enjoyed my time with all of the partners and associates I worked with. But the work as a whole??? Not so much I 100% can to the client fire drills, not being respected by said clients and just having to take it, and just the overall old-school, rigid feel of the culture. I love your TikTok’s and I wish you the best on your endeavors!
I early retired at 58. Didn't have fat savings, but enough to sustain me the rest of my life. I saw my life was 2/3 over, and if I was lucky I'd have 1/3 left. I was nervous to leave work b/c of how it filled my life. Fast forward 2 years, and it has been a tough transition, but worth it. Covid showed me how quickly life can change, and I want to live an intentional (not always happy, but peaceful) life without regrets. Good on you for this decision. I've subscribed, and really look forward to all your updates.
I did the same thing at 55. Left at the top of my career making excellent money. I'm poor compared to then but 7 years in no regrets.
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3 years of that salary, and you could've invested in compund interests, you could live off of only your interests without working forever, earning about 60k a year.
Congrats Cece. I’m excited to see what is to come for you. I enjoy watching your journey and TikTok. I’ve learn so much from you regarding how to be organized.
Very inspiring! I’ve been stuck between going to law school to make my parents proud or pursuing a career where I’ll still have time to do things I enjoy and spend time with loved ones ❤️ I think In the end that’s what life is all about. So happy for you!
Big law is for people who don't mind not having a real life outside of their career. There are a lot of people who fit that description, and legitimately (unwittingly) do not have a persona outside of their professional life. These people have always seemed very alien to me..
I dropped out of college, after being on leave of absence for 3 years. The stigma of being a dropout is no easy feat, but I overcame the identity of being 'normal'. I now make $234k a year as a 23 year old.
@@commanderkeen3787 sadly thats what this generation cares about. If you're insinuating that I care only about money, then you must lack in this area the most.
I recommend you
1. Breast implant
2. Double eye lid operation
I recommend you learn how to treat people with respect and maybe get out of that rock you're under.
That was rude
wtf lmao
@@toxicyasuo2897 I know rite she’s like crazy hott n smart 🔥
Pin of shame I see. So uncalled for
becoming partner in a law firm is like winning a pie eating contest and the prize is.... more pie
🤣🤣🤣True.
and way more money...way more
Lolllllll
@@erices621 Like you'd know🤦🏿♀️🤡
The reward for hard work is more work
I’m a lawyer who loves my job. But I have a lot of colleagues who hate theirs, and they tend to have one thing in common: They never liked the study of law in the first place. I see comments on this video from other lawyers who tell young people “never go to law school!” This is so misguided. If you don’t study something you genuinely do not like, you’re probably going to be miserable. Law school isn’t the problem. Making bad choices for poor reasons is.
white and case , kirkland , allen and overy and all big law are the worst firm ever don't ever work their
I just made a similar comment. You have to love the practice of law. And it’s not for everyone. It’s just not.
This is untrue. You can enjoy law but then realise corporate firms don’t care about your ability…they just want you to make as much money as possible and don’t care about your needs! You can’t know at 19 that these jobs milk you dry and don’t care about your health or needs
quitting a job is the most "stressful stress reliver" there is XD
Not with that price tag! I would’ve sucked it up if that was me. I grew up poor and would kill for a high paying job that I can pay off my student loans and buy a permanent home for me and my mom.
@@abikleinsmith thank you. I’m just really tired of the struggle. I’ve stressed and worried myself into an eating disorder. I don’t want to struggle anymore
Same situation as you. I have to recommend fixing your eating because I've made some dumb mistakes because of my struggle life mentality. You come first, not your dreams of home ownership. Not even your mother. You go first, and that includes your health, mental and physical.
2 worst things in the world: having a job and not having a job
@@ShortenMonteCristo ain’t that the truth!🙄🙄🙄🙄
Congratulations Cece! I quit Big Law 2 years ago and it was the best decision I've ever made. It's scary to leave a big paycheck and the prestige of Big Law, but I think you'll find that it's worth it to pursue your 'why'!
That's why I follow Erika!
Love this video, but question: what was your journey on getting a big law job? What field of law you were in? How does one make over 300k in law?
@@sylviacutie3649 i’ll make a video about all this, but the top law school to biglaw conveyor belt is incredibly easy. biglaw salaries are public and start at $215k now, i believe
@@CeceXie thank you! The thing is I have a premed background and I am currently working in the medical field, and I recently graduated from college. I am studying for the LSAT and Gre, but I think I might just apply with the Gre. Is the Gre good for law school? What is your take?
@@sylviacutie3649 I’m not sure but I think in the US the LSAT is required for law school, not optional
Big law is similar to investment banking. Long hours. Big pay. You ultimately sacrifice a lot and don’t know why.
Big pay
Long hours lmao you act like they're out there doing construction work. I can pull off office work all day and not complain about it.
Well good for you but remember everyone is different. As an intern in a big law firm in France there are months where I begin at 9am and finish at 2 am... The most I had to do this was 3 months in a row... I can tell you, I was depressed and I don't have to specify that those months were stressful
@@triggerfish2711 You sound like someone who hasn't done a lot of office work. Its not physical but its still tiring in a different way
Indeed. The quality of life is very low.
Wow, the American education system is truly baffling. How someone can earn 350k and still be shouldering student debt is beyond me...
If a person is making that much and after 4-5 years still has student debt it usually indicates that they haven’t prioritized paying it down either because of financial irresponsibility and they don’t think it’s a big deal, or more likely the interest on their debt is low enough that they would prefer to make the minimum payment and invest the money instead to earn a higher return. For doctors/lawyers their student debt is almost like a mortgage, they borrowed a large amount up front in order have an income stream and use that to pay back the money over time.
@@richardparadox163 Yep. You're spot on. I know people with a household income of $500k and crazy student debt that they could have easily paid off years ago. They don't want to prioritize paying it down because they enjoy the lifestyle their salary currently affords them and don't want to "cut back".
She needs better financial planning
@@richardparadox163 Exactly, if the lawyers she's talking about in the video are still "paying on their student loans after 20 years" then it's most likely their fault they still have debt. People assume just because someone has a financially viable job such as a lawyer or a doctor that they're financially literate as well, when in fact these people can be just as reckless with their money as a person making minimum wage. How many doctors we see driving around in $100,000 luxury cars with houses beyond their reach still in student debt? Plenty honestly. No matter how much you make, if you aren't responsible financially then it's irrelevant.
Beyond
An uncle who was a partner in a big law firm advised me when I was young not to go to law school. Best advice for me, careerwise. His rationale, I was meant to do something else (I have multiple grad degrees) Long story short, followed my passions... Today, I have everything I ever wanted (health, wealth, happiness, and freedom). You are a bright young lady and have a lot of options. Best of luck!
So what did you end up doing ? Did those grad degrees help ?
hahaha almost every attorney i spoke with before going to law school told me not to do it. I thought it was an industry joke, or at the very least, said in jest. well, 1 year fresh out of law school and working my first job as an attorney... i can say the attorneys I spoke with we're not lying, the job is so demanding and every minute of your day has to be billed, the billing requirement is what hurts me.
Can't leave us hanging like that! What did you end up doing?
@@kawaiikoibito3268 I ended up a business owner and investor (it's what I am good at). The first half of my life was to please others (parents). The second half, to discover my Why (are you here, what gives you satisfaction, etc). Hold on to your dreams people...
@@yqf051 became a business owner (tech)/investor. Today, semi-ret, started a non-profit and mentoring the next generation. Grad degrees helped open doors but for pure education, you can learn as much or more on YT these days for free. Find your Why and follow your dreams (the road less traveled) Best of luck!
I have a similar story! I quit my job in supply chain after 6.5 years when I was 30. I was making a salary I felt so proud of. I had so much anxiety putting in my 2 weeks, but It turned out to be the best decision. I have never looked back or dwelled on my decision! Luckily I got married soon after and was able to get on my husbands health insurance. A year later I am now a stay at home mom to a 2 month old. The feelings of hard work, reward and accomplishment I was used to in my career, I now get with (trying) to be the best mom!
i love that!! supply chain probably has a TON of transferable skills, too :)
Wow! I hope I can accomplish something similar to this someday! That’s so amazing! Happy for you ☺️❤️
There is no higher occupation than Mama or Papa
@@TrancEndingMedia lies. anyone can be a parent.
@@limlim481 doesn't mean they would be a good parent, this takes work.
Been a lawyer almost 9 years. Decided to quit and built my own business. I am here after 6 years and been doing well....^^
Super proud of you!
Great job! What kind of business do you run?
@@kawaiikoibito3268 entertainment business :)
Good job
@@BlueNJ1905 Congrats!
Good for you for quitting. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did. I’m debating leaving nursing. Healthcare has many cracks and the pandemic has only magnified them. I’m fed up with the culture of nursing, being treated like garbage by management, and having to beg for time off. I never signed up for abuse when I became a nurse. Can’t wait for the day I can quit this sh&#.
That was exactly what i said to myself before quitting my job as a nurse! Take enough time to take the right decision!
I hear travel nurses are paid more and nurse anesthesist get paid way more and the NAs don't interact with patients as much
@@alexanderfrederich7993 I’ve thought about it for 10yrs. 🤣🤣🤣
@@spicychad55 same here. I know of some Nurse Practitioners who are making great money and enjoy their jobs. Good luck to @Jen C.
I have recently started thinking about not being a nurse anymore, but I feel stuck. I’ve been doing cardiac rehab nursing for the past 17 years & I’m burned out!
Everyone's quitting their job! Good on you for leaving - only good things comes out from leaving, best of luck
Love how honest this is! The reasons are exactly the reasons why I didn’t even pursue big law. I learned early on about everything you said and I realized early on I would much rather make less money but be happy. I make just under 100k as an attorney in MN but I have a pretty good work life balance, My supervising attorney looks to my opinions and advice about staffing, diversity and firm life and I am truly happy. You’re right, I know SO many attorneys paying off their loans 20+ years after law school. I accepted that will be me and I love comfortably. I go on vacations and treat myself once in a while and work for my future, not jsut to pay loans. So happy for you and look forward to seeing all you do!
Great to hear. Cost of living is also a big factor, so making an impressive salary in NYC/LA could mean less buying power than a lower salary in another city.
Do you think there's a gender pay gap?
Not always easy leaving a high salaried job. I know many people who wouldn't. But congrats and I hope you become successful!
If true. Could be feel good click bait
Congratulations Cece!!! As a law student with a similar mindset to yours at 22, your reasoning & path really resonated with me. I’m so excited to watch you follow your dreams & passions!!Oh, and to buy your BOOK !!! You’ve got this!!!
Hows law schooll going for you?
Do you think there's a gender pay gap?
These reasons are why I stopped pursing the careers that I initially wanted. As I got older, I realized what was more important to me & how the specific careers I wanted wouldn’t really allow time for that.
I’m heading into a different career that will not make me rich, but keep me stable with good benefits and allow me to have time for my partner, family, and friends. This career is also purposeful and meaningful to me which does matter.
I will now also have time for my hobbies too. Financial security is important, but spending time doing what you like to do & spending time with those you love is priceless. You don’t need to make a lot of money to be happy.
Smart human you are☮️🙏🏽💰 to you and family.
what career are you heading into if you dont mind me asking?
congratulations cece! you've been such an inspiration throughout my whole law school application process and your rationale throughout this video was so eloquently laid out! very excited to follow along as you navigate this next chapter in your life~
While I am only legal staff and not a lawyer, I agree that working in law is incredibly isolating and I love how you’ll be speaking out more about it. So excited to follow you in your newest journey!!
Go Cece! I'm so excited to see where life takes you next. As a first-gen law student heading into the big law life, I really appreciate your content!
thank you!! it felt like entering wonderland when i entered these “elite” spaces bc it can be hard to navigate. biglaw can be very helpful, but remember to not lose yourself!
Congratulations Cece! Im ex-big law too - not going to lie, I do miss some parts of it (aka the office parties, international travel, etc) but overall, no regrets - my life is my own again and I earn just about the same but with way less stress. Wishing you the best! x
@Macy I’m a tech and legal consultant
The pandemic killed all the fun stuff you mentioned anyway. Big law is just the daily grind and terrible hours now.
Congrats- glad you are doing well with a lot less stress!
Do you think there is a gender pay gap?
After nearly 9 years as a registered nurse, I retired two years ago. It was not an easy decision, but life is too short to dread going to work every day. No amount of money can buy real happiness Lol. But, friends, I'm not asking you to quit your work or forsake your business, but rather be wise!
@Olivia Jayden While I was still in the service, I prepared for early retirement, earning roughly $2,000 per week from my investment portfolio and working hard to establish new side hustles and extra income
@Brown Jones There are numerous investment options available, including real estate, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, and cryptocurrency, but my best suggestion is to hire a professional to guide you through the process
@Brown Jones I recommend the services of Jennifer James, she's a licensed financial expert and she has been very helpful in my financial journey
@Jacob Zate You can reach her on telegram
Jenniferjames001
You’re so intelligent and such a good writer and speaker! I think you’d be a great author! Yes, please make more TH-cam videos. I deleted my tik tok and Instagram.
thank you! youtube always seemed so scary-i really appreciate the support!
@Charisma Musician regardless of her initial intention, I think getting into Yale, Harvard and BigLaw already speaks for itself and proves that she is intelligent to certain extent lol Unless you define intelligence differently
Cece,
While I am not a lawyer, I work in finance and a lot of what you said really hit home. Thank you for your video. I really needed to see this and hear this today.
Youre amazing and crazy how the pandemic made so many professionals blow up on tiktok and rethink their traditional careers. Girl boss!
Do you believe in a gender pay gap?
Congrats Ce, your story is inspiring. I once quit a $100K job and i still have mixed feelings about it during the harder times when i'm running my business but I'm glad i did it. Life's too short to wonder "what if". One thing i do know is that it's not as "risky" as you think. Your experience isn't going to just go to zero. Good luck in your journey and regards from chennai, india.
OMG NOW WAY GIRL! GO YOU!! SO PROUD OF YOU AND SO PROUD OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO SO MANY AND MOSTLY ME. I LOVE YOU GORL
THE WAY I OPENED TH-cam AS SOON AS I SAW YOUR IG STORYYYY. CONGRATULATIONS, CECE!!! WE ARE TRULY HAPPY AND WITH YOU ALL THE WAY!!
THANK YOU!!!
Your very well spoken and inspiring . As an 18 year old student currently studying computer science rn I’m confused asf
how do you like cs so far? i’m thinking about majoring in it
@@mxa2028 it’s very fun but can be tedious at times with the course work. But I’m sure you will be fine trust me , if I can do it then u can too
Honestly don’t do it if you don’t like it. Even if your parents get mad so what. I waited 5 years for college. Worked retail in between. Now I’m perusing school doing what I actually want to do. Everyday is what I want to live because I’m living on my own terms! You have all the way up to when you die to live.
Keep going strong my guy.
@@chamham6734 thanks boss
I'm so never-endingly glad I quit being a lawyer. The job sucks on virtually every level and I struggled for years without success to find even one redeeming quality to the legal profession. So I made a drastic career change to dentistry and I'm so glad I did. My worst day as a dental student is still better than my best day as a lawyer. Also, it has to be said: law school is a goddam joke compared to medical or dental school. But the challenge is so much more rewarding than any paper-pushing I ever did at a firm. So congrats on making the best and smartest decision you'll probably ever make, Cece.
Hiw old are you? How many years to reach a degree. How do you finance yourself?
The dental school debt isn’t worth it imo
how long did it take you to go to dental school? how old were you when you graduated?
Did you go to physical school or online?
Wow, good for you, Robert. I thought about quitting and pursuing medicine/dental school years ago but knew it would take many more years of schooling. Many dentists in my area are only open 3-4 days a week and seem to be doing well. Plus when the work is done, you don't have a cloud hanging over your head worrying about patients' problems for months.
You're so switched on and eloquent. You will be amazing at whatever you pursue! Thanks for taking us all on this journey with you 💫
Harvard... it's a given.
I would absolutely LOVE if you started a podcast. You are eloquent with your words, and I always feel inspired after hearing you speak. You have so much to offer, you are so talented.. I am SO excited for you to embark on a new journey!! All the best, Cece ❤️
thank you, caroline!! excited to take you with me on this new chapter :)
congratulations!!!! so proud of u💖🥺 i can’t wait to see all the accomplishments u make along the way, forever my inspo!!!!!💖 ILY
ILY!!! so blessed to have you in my life
I'm uneducated, I have 0 debt and I love my job. I'm not a lawyer, engineer or investment banker but I'm happy with life.
I've been a solo for 21 years and ready to give it all up. Great video and thank you.
Is retiring early an option for you? I'm solo & would probably just slow down the practice over time.
Aw your book is going to the lawyer version of The Help:) good luck with everything!! I’m rooting for you and thank you for being inspirational and honest!
The practice of law has to be your passion. When you become a partner (or shareholder) that firm is YOUR business. Not everyone is cut for the practice of law.
I really appreciate your efforts to make big law more transparent! As an in-coming 1L who is a first-generation immigrant (and also has parents who emphasize financial security above all else), I feel an overwhelming amount of pressure to secure that highest paying job at the end of my degree. Seeing you take risks is incredibly inspirational!
i'm so glad to hear that! the high pay definitely does help, but be sure to never forget who you are and what your passions are
Respect because It takes a lot of guts to make this kind of particular decision
guts AND a sizable safety net! thank you bunches--i'm really scared but also excited!
Wow, the student debt of professional careers like lawyers and doctors is insane! Still paying off school 5 years later.
Congratulations on seeking your own dreams. I hope you find your niche and do well.
As a foreign attorney coming to NYC, I struggled to find a job at all and it took a toll on my mental health and career progression. The entire big law culture seems to be so insular that outsiders just can't break in in the traditional sense.
I'm jumping through a "foreigner hoop" doing an LLM now, and I am enjoying it a lot, but the doubts remain. Will I find a job as a foreign attorney in New York? I'm now looking to new tech like web3, crypto and DAOs to find a place in the future.
an LLM will definitely help! the market is also really hot right now, so you're doing this at a good time. it's definitely harder than being a U.S. lawyer, but it IS possible! you got this
Love the transparency. Thank you for your testimony.
Quit my quant fund job. Was on about $430k with bonus after 6 years but decided just manage my own investment account as built up $6.7 million and just hit 31. Plan just to manage this around the world
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
That's awesome!
How can someone join the fund?
@@Ricocase go to Ivy league university. Study math, computer science, engineering, economics and get a 3.8-4.0 gpa. Some internships in Finance, quant. Ideally masters in financial mathematics / financial engineering. Build good track record in stock market and interest in Finance.
how much money does one person need? as one person i would be over the moon with 70 or 100. my lord.
the way I ran to click the notification you posted after seeing the title 😭
I'M FINALLY SUCCEEDING AT CLICKBAIT 😭😭👌
@@CeceXie David Dobrik who 😭
congrats! i think you’d also do really well helping hs + undergrad students who are first - gen also. 🤩
i totally get your points regarding work hours and wanting to make a difference. these are actually the points i grapple with on deciding to go to law school!! i really want a healthy work life balance, but because i want to make a difference it will definitely require long work days especially because i want to be a public defender or prosecutor.
good luck in your next journey!! i wish you the best of luck and am manifesting that yale acceptance for you
PD/prosecution can definitely be a lot of hours, but remember you can also always take your experience and long hours somewhere to elsewhere and still make a difference. definitely do your research but there are periods in life where grinding for X years pays off multiples later on.
and tysm!! i love teaching so hope to continue doing that in any manner, even if just on youtube :)
Hi, I just discovered your channel and happy I did!!! I am a doctor who is now in law school! Interesting enough I want to work independently once I get through this challenging journey ha ! The idea of working long long hours when I have done isn’t favorable, as I have done previously with my doctoral degree. But hearing you worked a reduced schedule is appealing. Anyhow random thoughts. I look forward to watching more of your content. Take care! :)
@Xyzpls hi! I have my Psy.D Clinical Psychologist.
@Xyzpls I am now in law school but once I finish I don’t want to work full time in the field, as 10,000 hours later from earning my Doctoral degree been there done that. I would like to work part time at a firm ⚖️😌
You go Cece!! So proud of you and excited for what’s to come!
I feel you I had a very high paying job but I later quit because my mental health was going down the road
been there, and didn't actually jump off the bridge and lived..
@@troooooper100 I’m so proud of you! I hope times are better each day that goes by. Ofc life isn’t always great, but I do hope your mental health is way better now than before.
@@miti342 i moved back with parents so didn't have to worry about rent, got into movies, then gaming, then just hiking and cardio, after like 4-5 months i felt i was ok now. Started new job, even better salary. One thing I wished I had done different is kept consistent sleep cycle, few weekends staying up late is great but constantly shifting sleep cycles can leave you with no energy.
@@troooooper100 I’m glad you did better for yourself. You’re doing great for yourself, love. As for the sleeping cycle, I understand! I used to have a consistent sleeping schedule but now it’s not and ruins my energy. Would you mind sharing what you’re most proud of yourself so far?
Congratulations on quitting!! It's such a scary leap and one I know too well. I quit my engineering job last year for a lot of the same reasons you quit Big Law. I also grew up being told to take the safe stable route in life.
Now I'm taking as many risks as possible while I'm still young (24) in an effort to find what I truly love that can sustain my lifestyle WITHOUT burnout for years to come.
Wishing you all the best and much success in your future!
Wow this is such an insightful walkthrough of your thought process. So excited for your next chapter of writing, content, and more CeCe!! Supporting you all the way, girl!!!
thanks so much, chloe! i remember watching your quitting tiktok video and enjoying it a lot, so i'm so honored that you watched mine!
@@CeceXie omg! tbt haha. I’m honored you’ve watched my video too. You’re probably extremely well connected, but happy to help you out any way I can! Enjoy transitioning out of biglaw life for now!
Thank you for being vulnerable, authentic, and unapologetically yourself. This is a great video for everyone but particularly young Asian Americans in conservative/traditional households. You are amazing!
When I became pregnant with my first child I made the decisison to leave my firm and I am honestly the happiest I have ever been since law school. I still practice on a less stressful and demanding basis and I do work that I am genuinely passionate about. I will probably leave the practice completely at some point but the changes I have made so far have truly increased my quality of life, and that is priceless.
Glad you found a job that works for you and your priorities. It's really hard to parent and work for big law firms.
The fact you gave up a seemingly good situation is amazing because you have wisdom to appreciate the present and life rather that life that is comfortable and unhappy
Imagine going to school for 7 years only to quit after getting a job in the field you sought after.
Excited to see where life leads you! Thanks for sharing
Congrats Cece! As a naive college student, your content has been very refreshing to watch! Can’t wait to follow you on your journey!
I feel like Ive been having this thought forever.It does takes a lot courage to sacrifice what youve achieved and start anew.But deep down you know youre doing the right thing.Congrats youve set a good model for us!
Ahh Cece!! I am so excited for your journey and to see all that you do in this next chapter. Signing up for everything on every platform right now!!!!!
omgosh clarke THANK YOU!! your day in the life vlogs are such an inspo for me, i can't even
Congrats!!! That’s amazing!! So excited for you! ♥️♥️♥️
thanks kathleen!! ❤️
This is how I feel about leaving my job in insurance. I've been with my company for 11+ years and have become entirely disillusioned with them and have accepted that I won't see the change in work culture that I've tried so hard to achieve. I initially had plans to leave after 1Q 2023 but my husband has decided to get out of the military that same time so I'll be staying on until he picks up a civilian job. I can't wait for the day that I can give my notice. It'll be soooo freeing and terrifying at the same time.
I love her voice and her way of speaking.
Good luck moving forward! As someone just finishing up a PhD program now and considering law school in the future I'm so interested to see what you do next!
Wish you the best; lots of success 🍀
As a junior lawyer (in Portugal), I have to say you’re videos made such a difference in my professional path and wishful thinking. Love your perspective on (really) everything🥰💖
ahhh tysm!! that means the world to me
Thanks so much for sharing this! 28 yr old Bay St lawyer here - great overview and you echoed so many of my own concerns about long term practice. Excited to watch ur freedom!
thank you so much! :)
Bay Street like Toronto? I'm from Toronto and associate Bay Street with Downtown Toronto. Congratulations on your success at 28!
Life and work are to endure through all the pains and problems until you accumulate enough wealth to retire. Then you can quit and enjoy the rest of your life without stress. That’s what everyone does.
I’m really proud of you and I’m so excited to see what you do in the future. Congratulations for taking back your life, Cece.
Congratulations!! You are one of my favorite creators on the tik tok platform! VERY excited for the newsletters life vlogs and study vlogs 😏 happy for you in this new chapter!!!!!!
thanks leah!! your support is so meaningful to me
Contrary to “having made it” when you become a partner, it is just the tip of the iceberg of as you said, never ending ladders to climb and targets to meet- supervised Billings, legal directory rankings, new clients, and erm, fighting for work with your colleagues who are trying to matters that are your speciality but are not theirs? 🤔 (but that may be because I work in a country where the market is small)
Congratulations! Excited to watch you pursue your dreams!
That's a lot of salary to give up. I can only dream of making that much. You are very brave.
OMG the ending edit of Issa on Insecure is perfect
Congratulations on your next adventure! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you, and I look for to reading your book!!
I’m not even in the law field but this is still all so interesting to me. I wish you the best of luck and success, Cece! Came here from TT and subscribed.
thank you!
Congratulations!!!!! Not a lawyer, but absolutely love your content for ‘behind the curtain’ on working with big law.
thank you so much for sharing your brave and thoughtful decision. I truly gain courage from it!!! ❤❤
What a great story to illustrate work-life balance needs of our younger generation
You mean the one's that want you to pay for their student loans? Thought so.
I’m not great in public speaking. But you inspire me. Thank you
It’s such a coincidence that I found this video for so many reasons. A. I’ve been thinking of switching occupations and have been considering law. B. You mentioned competency and the belief that we can do everything and often miss the things that matter most and I feel that’s kind of where I am right now in real estate. Also, you mentioned that you maybe should’ve done something that you love for less money vs career fields that provide more financial stability and I can definitely empathize with that. I really needed this video. I’m 27 and feeling like I may not have made choices that make me happy but I made choices that may make me wealthy. So now I’m thinking I can approach life in a different way. Thanks so much for the video ❤️
I see last names like yours when I do research alllll the time! Don't let that stop you at all!!
Congratulations on quitting, Cece! Thoroughly enjoyed your video and having also left Big Law recently, your reasons for doing so really resonated with me (Em). Particularly appreciate that you spoke in detail about the realities of being a partner nowadays, which I think is such an important factor in deciding whether to quit or stay. Looking forward to your book(s) down the road! :)
thank you so much, em! congrats on your introspection and decision to quit, as well, and can’t wait to see what you do!
@@SUPREMELEGEND men quit all the time, bruh
@@CeceXie facts
@@SUPREMELEGEND ok then how about you take the job she quit and shut the fuck up. boo hooing over resources and opportunities that aren't yours. have you ever looked at the statistics for male and female suicide rates? being a slave to money doesn't deliver happiness. you might as well be a mouse looking for cheese in a maze
Wow! A huge congrats for your amazing courage! I'm not in the law field but just wanted to say what you are doing is so incredible! All the best! : )
literally slay! so excited for you cece :)
Congrats and thanks for making this video! I relate so much to looking at your boss and really evaluating if you want to be them one day. They are a great prediction of your work/life balance. I actually had this conversation with my fiance this weekend. I tried to explain why I would never want to be VP of my department. I already work 10-12 hours each weekday and frequently work at least a few hours each weekend. Yes, it brings prestige and a better salary, but looking at the way our senior leadership team devotes their life to work is just concerning for me. I never want to be that.
I went to Harvard and Columbia and I left Skadden as a sixth year. But I have a feeling I know exactly where this video is going. Now I have my own business.
Who's there to verify ? Even I can say I'm ex CEO of Google Facebook Apple and now I'm setting up my own firm. Thanks to this TH-cam video. Also I was the partner in Kirkland & Ellis
lol losers stay mad that this woman is more successful than you guys will ever be ;)
Is your business in law? What field?
You speak so articulate, your very inspirational as well. Keep up the grind😊👏
Go you! I worry all the time about taking financial risks and this was a perfect time for me to hear this!
I don't understand how you earned 350k but still own no property and still have student debt. Where did the money go?
new york rent and larger than average student loans. also a lot in taxes and pre-tax deductions
Girl that’s so badass, I love your decisiveness that’s amazing we need more people like you on the planet wanting to make a change and willing to sacrifice for it. Keep doing your thing!
WOW So glad I came across this! I currently work in BigLaw (not as a lawyer, but a para) and I literally just put my two weeks in yesterday LOL. Coming into it I was so scared of the kinds of people I would work with and not so much the work-but just like you it turned out to be the opposite! I genuinely enjoyed my time with all of the partners and associates I worked with. But the work as a whole??? Not so much
I 100% can to the client fire drills, not being respected by said clients and just having to take it, and just the overall old-school, rigid feel of the culture. I love your TikTok’s and I wish you the best on your endeavors!
I early retired at 58. Didn't have fat savings, but enough to sustain me the rest of my life. I saw my life was 2/3 over, and if I was lucky I'd have 1/3 left. I was nervous to leave work b/c of how it filled my life. Fast forward 2 years, and it has been a tough transition, but worth it. Covid showed me how quickly life can change, and I want to live an intentional (not always happy, but peaceful) life without regrets. Good on you for this decision. I've subscribed, and really look forward to all your updates.
I did the same thing at 55. Left at the top of my career making excellent money. I'm poor compared to then but 7 years in no regrets.
3 years of that salary, and you could've invested in compund interests, you could live off of only your interests without working forever, earning about 60k a year.
So proud of you for making a decision for YOU! I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see what you do next💕
Love the ending audio!!
Congrats Cece. I’m excited to see what is to come for you. I enjoy watching your journey and TikTok. I’ve learn so much from you regarding how to be organized.
Love it !! Nothing but happiness and success to you !!
You inspired me to make my jump .
Very inspiring! I’ve been stuck between going to law school to make my parents proud or pursuing a career where I’ll still have time to do things I enjoy and spend time with loved ones ❤️ I think In the end that’s what life is all about. So happy for you!
i love that u r so strong and articulate power to u , i am subscribing
Big law is for people who don't mind not having a real life outside of their career. There are a lot of people who fit that description, and legitimately (unwittingly) do not have a persona outside of their professional life. These people have always seemed very alien to me..
Good for you! Enjoyed reading this and very well researched. Loved your way of managing your down side risk!!! Best of luck.
Congratulations on this journey 🤍
Yessss Issa! Congrats and you are such an inspiration!
YES that finale speech FUELED me through my about-to-make-the-jump period
I dropped out of college, after being on leave of absence for 3 years. The stigma of being a dropout is no easy feat, but I overcame the identity of being 'normal'. I now make $234k a year as a 23 year old.
What do you do??
@@Dante-ot8xg prop firm trader and full time creative director
And the money defines who you are. Priorities: wrong
@@commanderkeen3787 sadly thats what this generation cares about. If you're insinuating that I care only about money, then you must lack in this area the most.
Anyone can say anything on the internet. I make 500k selling booty pics. Prove it lol.