I have edited and am reposting this story for Momastery’s Messy, Beautiful Project. I’ll be linking this post there, too – http://momastery.com/carry-on-warrior.
“You’re so logical.”
“You argue your point really well.”
“You would be a great lawyer.”
And, with those encouraging words, I went to law school.
I don’t know if I ever really thought about why I wanted to be a lawyer. I just know that people close to me, who knew me well, would tell me I’d be good at it. That seemed reason enough. I trusted them. It never occurred to me not to be a lawyer.
So off I went to law school. Law school was interesting and challenging, but I kept waiting for that “A-HA!” moment. That moment when I thought, “YES! THAT is why I came to law school! Awesome!”
That moment never really happened.
I practiced law. I worked at a firm. I worked in-house at a company. I teach at a law school now. I’ve had more law-related career changes in 18 years than most people have in their whole lives. And yet, I still feel – in my heart of hearts – that law is really not the thing for me. It’s never been that I couldn’t do it, but rather that it just didn’t feel like, well, me.
Which brings me to the story part of this story. I think there are two stories of my life: the story that I was supposed to have and the story that I am currently writing.
In both stories, I have an amazing husband, fantastic children, caring family, wonderful dogs, a beautiful home, the works. Also, in both stories, I am a coffee addict and love ice cream.
But in the story that I was supposed to have, I follow the law career path that I set out on originally. I stick with law as my work. I slog through, realizing that this is what I started with and this is what I shall end with.
But in the story I am currently writing, the law figures not so prominently. I recognize that law is not all it’s cracked up to be for me, that I’m never going to have an “A-HA!” moment with law, and that I need something else. In this story, I use the other side of my brain – and I paint, I create, I write, I edit, I photograph, I build. I take chances. I do new things. I play with power tools.
And this is where I am with my story now. I am at that point. I even have the power tools.
No one has it all figured out. If they say they do, I’d bet dollars to doughnuts they are lying. Or they’re oblivious. Either way, where’s the fun in having it all figured out? Life’s story – MY life’s story – is about turning the pages each day and finding something new and exciting and creative to tackle. The story of my life is still being written, and not even I know how it is going to turn out.
What’s your story?
For more about me and my story, click HERE.
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
I love this post. I’m sure it was a tough one to write, but I love it because it is honest and so very “you.” I enjoy reading your DIY ideas and updates, but I primarily read your words to hear your voice in my head. I did today. I’d love to see the occasional “personal” post mixed in with the DIY because then your readers will know the wonderful person I’ve known for years, not just a page of great ideas. Bravo.
I love reading your story friend!
Thanks, Holly!
I’m still told “You would make a great lawyer”. I know exactly what you mean by the “Ah-ha” moment. I have never been in love with my day job either. I just do it. I don’t know how great you are at law, but you’re a darn good blogger : )
Thanks, Elisha! Can’t wait to see you soon at SNAP!
I love this! This is why I suggested this prompt. It reveals so much about us, and it demonstrates just how brave we can be. Plus I always find it reassuring that others tend to struggle with the same questions that I do. Thank you for being so honest and for linking up!
Thanks, Heidi! And thank you for coming up with such a thought-provoking prompt!
Hey! I have a new name for your blog (that is, if you ever felt the need to change it…)
PERRY MASONRY
ok, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
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Karen, I’m so glad you write what you do!
Sharon: BEST COMMENT EVER! I love that! And thank you – I appreciate your kind words.
Well now I know who to call when I need legal advice!!! you knew that was coming, didn’t you??
I think we are all expected to figure out what we want for careers way too early in life. Who I was at 17 is nothing at all like who I am now. After experiencing many different paths and living different lifestyles, I finally know who I am and where my passion lies. Now comes the journey of making that passion into something that pays the bills… 😉
xox
That’s so true – about being so different at 17 and yet expected to just KNOW what to do. Yet we all evolve and figure things out along the way. I read a quote recently: “You’re never to old to have a life and never too late to change it.” Amen and amen.
Love this story! I really dig it when DIY bloggers write about the behind the scenes life type stuff! I had no idea you worked in law!! Haha…and LOVE the Ryobi tools pic!!
Thanks, Angie! I think sometimes I get so caught up in the DIY stuff that I forget to write about real life stuff sometimes. I love reading others’ posts about themselves; I need to do more of that myself. Thanks again, friend!