Lisi wrote:mdwannabejd - a lot of younger people probably don't understand that when you're older (and thinking of doing something new), you've probably already given thought to the idea that you're older. The post you included in this thread seems to be almost telling you: by the way, you're 40. Um.... really? Imagine that! I've spent the past few years teaching very bright undergraduates, and, frankly, some of them can be total know-it-alls simply because they don't have enough experience under their belts to realize that they don't know everything and should probably shy away from making sweeping generalizations about people in general, people they don't know, and the goals of people they don't know. A lot of people on this website go on and on about Big Law, which I find interesting (since many of these people have never worked anything close to the number of hours they will be working if they go into Big Law). Anyway, at the NYU ASW, I asked the dean in charge of PI (and other panel members) why it is that so few students actually go into PI. The response was basically two-fold: 1) private firms (and Big Law) are easier to get in the sense that it takes less individual planning and initiative to find a job with them if you are otherwise qualified, and 2) a lot of students are addicted to prestige and perceived accomplishment, which becomes naively associated with money and firm name. This attitude is perceivable in the response you got and posted in this thread. The respondent addressed your chances for Big Law (as though that would be the obvious route from law school) and the idea that the MD/MBA/JD would be really cool. Most people who have worked for higher degrees don't think about them as a diploma sitting on their office wall. There's just a sort of silliness to that kind of interpretation of your career trajectory and interests. What is nice about this thread is that people think through questions like lifestyle and individual goals (and are also very supportive!). I find that TLS provides a lot of young people with the opportunity to air their insecurities in round-about ways. When you're not aware that that is what is going on, posts can seem really harsh and sometimes rude. It took me a little while to adjust my attitude toward certain types of posts on TLS.
this is a fantastic post. IM 2 years too young to post here, but illbe 31 when i graduate. that being said i wish i read this post when i first got on here.
i was having a weak moment....if my mom is the biggest challenge i face this summer, i'm in great shape!! 
