tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post1021821149018618124..comments2024-03-10T21:44:15.133-04:00Comments on Adventures in Voluntary Simplicity: Follow Your DreamsJackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-14912101848436864032011-01-09T14:58:18.174-05:002011-01-09T14:58:18.174-05:00Jack,
I see amazing potential in the fact that a ...Jack,<br /><br />I see amazing potential in the fact that a JD admits that a piece of paper is absent the ability to control someone.<br /><br />Love your blog, love the way you work through your shit, and I hope to meet you someday. Belgian beer on me.<br /><br />JVAbsent Capacityhttp://counterthespianage.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-47273111178360662772010-01-07T23:17:45.320-05:002010-01-07T23:17:45.320-05:00Jack,
Second comment here. I've had a chance n...Jack,<br />Second comment here. I've had a chance now to read through the reactions of others. And I have found the autobiographical comments quite compelling. <br /><br />I'd like to hear more from some of the commenters on this blog about changes that they have made in their lives. (I am personally more interested in hearing about steps forward, and the resolution of past ways of thinking into new ones, than I am in the 'shredding the past' stories, although I've done a fair amount of that myself.)Helenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01819796384565573135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-26629448032849870872010-01-07T23:01:58.083-05:002010-01-07T23:01:58.083-05:00Jack,
This made me very sad. This is partly accoun...Jack,<br />This made me very sad. This is partly accountable to the age difference between you and me. But Jack, I've been 32 before. You haven't been 57. <br /><br />Things change. It is not so much that people change, as it is that as one gets older, one opens a door that one did not know was in one's mansion, and goes into a room that one did not know was there, and sees a view out the window that although it existed all along, one has never seen it before.<br /><br />Sorry for the bad English.Helenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01819796384565573135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-21123741480520323632008-11-15T18:41:00.000-05:002008-11-15T18:41:00.000-05:00I think burning the diploma is a symbolic way to p...I think burning the diploma is a symbolic way to process grieving. Doing something like that is a physical action that makes something more real. It is saying goodbye. It frees the person to move on into the next stage of healing. <BR/><BR/>And yes, as some mention, it is a sad thing. Healing usually is a sad process though so it must be faced if one is to proceed beyond it. <BR/><BR/>I shredded both of my marriage certificates and both sets of divorce papers. Cried when I did it too. I had to let it go. I had to accept it. I had to prepare to move on. I don't miss the stupid things either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-45602062426427672522008-11-10T14:48:00.000-05:002008-11-10T14:48:00.000-05:00Jack, I have to wonder if you simply made the deci...Jack, I have to wonder if you simply made the decision that I was too afraid to make a long, long time ago. I spent most of my 25 years in law practice trying to find something I was happy doing. I ended up doing medical malpractice litigation for 18 years, the first half on the defense side, then on the plaintiff's. I was never comfortable, or happy, doing this as I have a low comfort threshold for uncertainty and risk while at the same time have high expectations for myself. At age 52, I had had enough and just closed my practice. I've spent 2-1/2 years trying to start a mediation practice, but have concluded that in my area, people either are not interested in using mediation or they want to rely on retired judges as mediators. So I continue wondering where to go from here. Throughout my career I have endlessly heard the mantra that there are so many opportunities for someone with a law degree, but I have yet to find a person that can answer the follow-up question of what? I'd love to hear more about your plans.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-74693961454335779752008-11-06T18:24:00.000-05:002008-11-06T18:24:00.000-05:00Yeoman,Thanks for the comment. You have an intere...Yeoman,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment. You have an interesting focus on your blog. Need to follow along from now on.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-17088149234315479802008-11-03T20:34:00.000-05:002008-11-03T20:34:00.000-05:00I ripped up my big display (non Harvard) law schoo...I ripped up my big display (non Harvard) law school diploma 15 years ago. I think I threw my smaller one out with the trash some time ago.<BR/><BR/>I'm still a lawyer, but wish I wasn't. And I don't miss that piece of paper at all. Good for you.<BR/><BR/>Also, I see you entered law for the same reason I did. The difference is, I haven't been able to get out. Most lawyers, truth be known, are there as they don't know what else to do. They're generalist, with no strong interest in anything, but some interest in lots of stuff. Unfortunately, law's a soul destroying career which discourages that impulse.<BR/><BR/>Congrats!Yeomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13907293659510877574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-47009901451219084412008-11-03T18:07:00.000-05:002008-11-03T18:07:00.000-05:00Cindy,I think we can both agree that burning a pie...Cindy,<BR/><BR/>I think we can both agree that burning a piece of paper does not matter all that much in the grand scheme of things. On the other hand, it can get people talking; and it encouraged you to write your post, even as if freed me just a bit more Good luck and keep in touch.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the follow up. Sounds like you have redirected your focus for the better. What is the new career? It also sounds like you have a ton to say on the subject. Maybe a blog is in your future! :)Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-79008347323850840422008-11-03T13:53:00.000-05:002008-11-03T13:53:00.000-05:00Jack,It took me the longest time to make a transit...Jack,<BR/><BR/>It took me the longest time to make a transition because I was afraid and did not really know what to do next.<BR/><BR/>You are right though, I do recognize the value of other things in my life, and I came to the conclusion about a year ago that there was a mismatch in the law between what I value and the sacrifices my job requires. When I get pangs of fear and doubt (and I do), I try to remind myself that I am only trying to find a new job. I am not doing anything more complicated than that. Of course, I am actually switching careers, but that sounds scarier.<BR/><BR/>I got pretty comfortable logging long hours and going from one deal to the next, but I never really liked it. I like the people I work with, but the work itself never seemed very fulfilling. Unfortunately, I let myself do it for a long enough time that one day I found I could not do it any longer.<BR/><BR/>My work suffered and I had to talk to people at my firm about what I was going through and I sought help from other lawyers who had been through similar experiences. Turns out there is a cottage industry serving maladjusted lawyers. It was like I was suffering from depression, but only at my job. Unfortunately, it went on long enough that it did start to leak into the other parts of my life.<BR/><BR/>I was lucky enough to realize that I felt much better if I took some control over my destiny. Every day that I did something that I viewed as helping me get on to a new path, or at least figure out what that path should be, I felt better. Conversely, every day that I did not move myself in another direction, I felt a little more despondent.<BR/><BR/>I have now picked a direction (nothing terribly exotic), but a career that I think will be engaging, will provide for my family, allow me some time with my family, and be something at which I can excel. I am still working at finding an opportunity and getting myself in the door, but I will keep you informed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-3906836017920482312008-11-01T13:01:00.000-04:002008-11-01T13:01:00.000-04:00Anonymous, Thanks. Always nice to hear good thing...Anonymous, <BR/><BR/>Thanks. Always nice to hear good things.<BR/><BR/>Emily,<BR/><BR/>It's funny you reference that book. A friend mentioned it the other day. It's definitely now on my radar, but in all honesty, I may have to wait a bit before I have the time to check it out. Working to become unemployed is hard work! :)<BR/><BR/>Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>I am curious, when do you see yourself completing the transition? By the sounds of it you are very well aware of where you want to be and have recognized the value of other things in your life, besides your job. I'm just sad I didn't get to that point earlier.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-27207133357642255662008-11-01T12:57:00.000-04:002008-11-01T12:57:00.000-04:00Ryan,No worries. You are still presenting valid p...Ryan,<BR/><BR/>No worries. You are still presenting valid points.<BR/><BR/>Diane,<BR/><BR/>I have a feeling we would get along very well.:) Thanks for the comment.<BR/><BR/>Bill,<BR/><BR/>Sounds like you have used the law to genuinely help others. The fact that it is also a rewarding experience doesn't seem to hurt either. I might take you up on that. But first, need to finalize the Plan, take some time off and figure out next steps. Thanks!Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-9574972204374932012008-10-31T11:43:00.000-04:002008-10-31T11:43:00.000-04:00I know how that piece of paper takes on a life of ...I know how that piece of paper takes on a life of it's own especially when it comes at the expense of heavy financial burden. I envy your flight of freedom. I once told someone I would crumple up my degree and throw it in the trash can. I never did it, but I never framed it either. To this very day, it sits under a stack of crap in my closet. <BR/><BR/>I identify with the symbolism of you burning your degree.<BR/><BR/>CindyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-35807196285745096672008-10-31T11:15:00.000-04:002008-10-31T11:15:00.000-04:00Jack, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experie...Jack, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am a little older than you and have been in the process of transitioning from a large law firm for quite some time (thinking back, it really started almost eight years ago when I left one firm for another!).<BR/><BR/>I am a little more tethered to my current life, and for the most part in good and fulfilling ways. I am not tethered to the law.<BR/><BR/>As for the diploma, I get it. You are what you do. You went to an excellent school and worked hard, and you should be proud, but those credentials tell little about who you are and anyone who clings too tightly to those probably needs some of the self-examination you have undertaken.<BR/><BR/>Something I often think of when I undertake new things or consider a new path is a quote from The Book of Five Rings, "Today is victory over the self of yesterday."<BR/><BR/>Keep it up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-54997380693700169822008-10-31T10:44:00.000-04:002008-10-31T10:44:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.los cazadoreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08047753608490707714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-74766736805739973962008-10-31T10:38:00.000-04:002008-10-31T10:38:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.los cazadoreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08047753608490707714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-27496411130279074682008-10-31T09:28:00.000-04:002008-10-31T09:28:00.000-04:00You might want to read Simple Living by Wanda Urba...You might want to read Simple Living by Wanda Urbanska. My husband is a lawyer and we live in a tiny mountain town. He walks to work every day and the kids and I walk him home in the evenings. It's all about lifestyle. Urbanska is local to us here, so I stumbled upon her book when trying to create the life we want for ourselves. I think it would resonate with you. She and her husband were also Harvard Alum seeking a new life.Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845096402400420914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-47822294477939465882008-10-31T09:06:00.000-04:002008-10-31T09:06:00.000-04:00How beautiful. I wish you all the happiness in the...How beautiful. <BR/><BR/>I wish you all the happiness in the world!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-56178092524349477302008-10-31T08:26:00.000-04:002008-10-31T08:26:00.000-04:00Best wishes. I'm a 52 year old lawyer in Dallas, a...Best wishes. I'm a 52 year old lawyer in Dallas, a partner in a small firm. My office is filled with small gifts from the pro bono asylum clients I've represented, a carving from a Togolese pro democracy activist, a papyrus from an Egyptian Coptic Christian, a stacking egg from a Russian Jew. It is a rare privilege to have that legal education. You can do much good with it. Feel free to look me up and call, if you want to talk pro bono work. <BR/><BR/>blessings and Peace,<BR/><BR/>billbill hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01791545668085402883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-40290249525228215162008-10-31T03:25:00.000-04:002008-10-31T03:25:00.000-04:00Bravo, burning that diploma, was you waveing the a...Bravo, burning that diploma, was you waveing the american flag for freedom, and justice for all. And you not letting your education, and the paper symbolism dictate your right to exercise your free will, or get in the way of you expressing life on another level. Don't ever let education stop you from learning about life.dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06377430310514962194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-73198332938993752992008-10-30T22:59:00.000-04:002008-10-30T22:59:00.000-04:00Jack, I apologize if I misunderstood your plan - y...Jack, I apologize if I misunderstood your plan - your Sept. 29 post says <BR/><BR/>"Leaving My Job<BR/>Start: December 17, 2009<BR/>End: December 31, 2009"<BR/><BR/>I hadn't seen the other posts with dates.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-36819547558583741242008-10-30T21:00:00.000-04:002008-10-30T21:00:00.000-04:00livitluvit,Awesome scene. Great show reference.Ry...livitluvit,<BR/><BR/>Awesome scene. Great show reference.<BR/><BR/>Ryan,<BR/><BR/>I have a feeling you haven't read too deeply into the blog. Leaving my job in the next 4 months not 14. Definitely aware of the realities of the economy and its impact on the Plan. Just going to have to wing it.<BR/><BR/>Nancy,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment. Always nice to hear from you. BTW, awesome pics! I hope the trick or treating stuff goes well tomorrow.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-6643257745217678052008-10-30T16:36:00.000-04:002008-10-30T16:36:00.000-04:00I've often said that making the decision to take t...I've often said that making the decision to take this trip of ours was the hardest part of the entire thing - once you finally take that step to commit to your own journey (whatever that may be), all the rest falls into place.<BR/><BR/>It's interesting to see you take all these great big giant steps all of a sudden. But I know that you CAN take those steps now because you have honestly and truly finally made the decision to do it. And once you've made the decision, the rest is easy.<BR/><BR/>Good luck! You're already free.<BR/><BR/>Nancy<BR/>www.familyonbikes.orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-88731564411385305622008-10-30T03:19:00.000-04:002008-10-30T03:19:00.000-04:00I knew a guy who had his tacked to a corkboard in ...I knew a guy who had his tacked to a corkboard in his office, with a big plastic thumbtack right in the top area. Random papers were tacked around or on it.<BR/><BR/>Mine is in a fancy frame that cost $$, in a box in the garage. I haven't gotten it back out after I changed firms.<BR/><BR/>That said, I don't know if burning the diploma really is the rebellion you intended, unless you felt your own identity was because of the diploma. I'd say leaving Biglaw now and burning your business cards would be more gutsy... not that I'm calling you out but I suppose I am slightly skeptical that you're planning a job change 14 months out. Just get out of your house ASAP and leave after this year's bonuses. Use the bonus to pay off your credit cards. <BR/><BR/>If you have lots of student loans already, it's unlikely you can amass nearly enough by Dec 09 to make interest off of your savings to make a difference. Look where the economy is: speculation today the prime rate could be ZERO for a while to spur things along. There probably won't be growth for 12-18 months. HLS has loan forgiveness for low income law and gov't jobs, does your undergrad?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-75419696402045667662008-10-29T15:43:00.000-04:002008-10-29T15:43:00.000-04:00Freaking awesome. I'm sure it was the right thing ...Freaking awesome. I'm sure it was the right thing to do, and it must have felt so good. I'm thinking Office Space when they steal the copier and go apeshit on it in a field...rachaelgkinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18002691394373545956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758230923722877355.post-71865418396700461362008-10-29T11:38:00.000-04:002008-10-29T11:38:00.000-04:00Diana,Thanks for the kudos.Anonymous #6 (betty),No...Diana,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the kudos.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous #6 (betty),<BR/><BR/>No worries. This does not mean that I will be leaving the law. In fact, on the hunt for a much more fulfilling job as we speak.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous #7,<BR/><BR/>I think that's actually a fair point. At least to the extent the whole thing needed to be filmed in the first place. What I do think is missing from your analysis is that this is, in fact, a blog. I have chosen to share some very personal things in this forum anonymously, and the act of burning my degree is just one more thing I have shared. To criticize the "theater" of it all is to criticize the very purpose of being on a blog in the first place. I will leave that discussion for another day.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140071411706781433noreply@blogger.com