You are not defined by outward “success.”
In mid-April 2025, I left my career as a lawyer. Since then, I teach yoga almost every day and my life is now so much lighter.
I spent many years, at great expense, on my journey to become a lawyer—3 years in undergrad and 3 years in law school. I worked for several years as a lawyer. Learning the ropes, getting skilled, and becoming successful in the field of employment litigation. From the outside looking in, everything was perfect; I had succeeded. Yet, on the inside, I was miserable.
Every day was filled with immense stress, constant negativity from clients and other attorneys, never-ending to-do lists, and critical deadlines which often required me to work late hours and weekends—sometimes working for several days straight with nothing more than a 2 to 3 hour nap in between. While the pay certainly made for a comfortable life, I had no time to actually enjoy my life.
For the longest time, I continued working in this miserable environment. I thought I had to put up with the crushing pressure of a legal career and maintain the perception of outward success because of how much I had spent and gone through just to become a lawyer. And on some level I could handle it. I was good at being a lawyer. I could have kept going. But at what cost? The cost of my mental and physical health, which had continuously worsened ever since law school. The cost of my friendships and relationship. The cost of my joy. And ultimately, a stressful career like this would have been the cost of my life as chronic stress and burnout can literally take years of your life. After four years of actively practicing as a lawyer, I realized the cost was not worth it for me and now I finally feel free.
I have finally realized that crushing pressure is not good for everyone. Sure, pressure can sometimes allow some individuals to thrive, just as it causes sand to shape into diamonds, but that same pressure can cause utter destruction to others, just as it would if the pressure was applied to an egg in a bird’s nest. The egg needs gentle care and warmth to grown and hatch. Whereas, flowers need light and water to bloom. And trees need sturdy soil and deep roots to stand tall. Life all around us is formed by varying levels of pressure and support.
The naturally beautiful aspects of life come in many forms—all which require different pressures, different support, and different care to shine. So, why should we be any different? Why should we try to conform ourselves to what society deems is “hard” or “good” work? We seem to forget that there are many ways to define a “successful” life, and that work is only one aspect of life.
In my life, I have removed myself from thoughts that “work is a priority” or that “I am only worthy through the work I do.” I have further removed myself from the toxic and stressful work environment that comes from being a lawyer and, instead, I am pursuing work that brings me genuine joy. With the pressure removed, I can finally breathe. I can finally let the light in, and already, I feel myself growing. I see possibilities before me that I could have never imagined. I feel joy everyday. I feel loved, and I love myself, knowing that I am enough just as I am—no crushing pressure required.
