One Major Step Forward...

A couple weeks ago I turned 29, and I instantly started to think about my 30th birthday and what I have accomplished with my life. As part of my whole year of change, I vowed that I would make serious changes when it comes to my professional life, but I have been struggling to figure out what those would be and how I would go about achieving them.

As I sat at home alone on my birthday with paperwork piled around me and my work computer in my lap, it dawned on me what I should really be doing in my life. I've always known that it was something I wanted to do, but life and a series of unfortunate events kept me from being able to realize it and go after it...until now.

So what's my new career path? Become a lawyer.

Insert funny lawyer jokes here...

Everyone who knows me well knows that I've always wanted to become a lawyer and work in the family law/human rights/civil rights fields. I would make a great lawyer! I'm loud. :)  I like to argue. I love to help people. I'm a great researcher and love a good puzzle to figure out.

I don't want to be just any lawyer; I want to help people who truly need my help, not criminals. I have no delusions about becoming a rich and famous lawyer because let's face it, doing the type of law I want to do will not make me rich, at least not in the financial way.

I don't know why it took me so long to realize that this is what I truly need to do with my life. I have always wanted to go to law school and become a lawyer since I was really young and would watch Matlock re-runs with my Dad. Honestly, I think I have been scared to take a risk like this in a long time because I have already faced so much disappointment in my personal and professional lives in the last 5-7 years.  But I'm tired of missing out on what I want out of life because I am scared. Starting school again at 30 is a bit of a scary concept, but it's one that I embrace and look forward to doing. 

Giving up a career and going back to the student lifestyle does pose some potential issues, but I am determined to make it happen. I've already started studying for the LSAT, working on getting my letters of recommendation, and putting together my application.  I've even started searching for scholarship and grant applications. 

Maybe I'm crazy for wanting to back to school, but honestly I'm crazier if I stay where I am currently.  I've had no luck finding a new career with the type of position I want, so if doing what I've been doing isn't working, it's time to try something new.  This is both new and exciting! And I do have some time to get adjusted to the idea of going back to school full-time...I won't start until Fall 2012.

Here's to the next chapter of my life!