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I've been working as an associate at a mid sized firm for a year out of LS. I'm generally happy at my firm, my pay is below market but hours are reasonable/1700.

I just got an offer however, from connections I had built in undergrad, in a non-law (entertainment) industry doing basically a dream job that has no connection whatsoever to the legal field. The pay is a little higher than what I'm making now too.

I'm conflicted on where to go. On one hand, I made this huge time and financial commitment to be a lawyer, I like being a lawyer, and the firm has taken a loss on me the last year training me so I'd feel like a dick just saying 'peace' after all this, and I have doubts I'll be able to find another firm job if I go down the non-law path and it doesn't work out.

On the other hand, I feel I'll be happier pursuing this other path.

I realize this is a very personal decision, but any wisdom/feedback would be appreciated on what path to take.

You have an opportunity to take a dream job that pays more? Do it, and don't look back.

I would be surprised if your firm actually lost money on you (and even if they did don't let that be a reason that factors into your decision)

It's a dream job, and it pays more. But

1. How likely it is gonna work out? Even if that's your dream job, don't be too optimistic. Sometimes you enjoy doing sth. as a dabbler, but once it becomes your full-time job, you start to hate it.

2. Is it a steady way to make money? Some of the jobs in entertainment industry are pretty unpredictable.

If your answer is not a resounding YES, then keep your current job.

(I'm slightly risk averse in terms of career options)

Anonymous User wrote:the firm has taken a loss on me the last year training me so I'd feel like a dick just saying 'peace' after all this

Nope. Nope nope nope. Never base the trajectory of your career over whether or not you'll hurt the feelings of an organization that would cut you in a minute if it'd lead to a better bottom line.

ColonizeTheUniverse wrote:It's a dream job, and it pays more. But

1. How likely it is gonna work out? Even if that's your dream job, don't be too optimistic. Sometimes you enjoy doing sth. as a dabbler, but once it becomes your full-time job, you start to hate it.

2. Is it a steady way to make money? Some of the jobs in entertainment industry are pretty unpredictable.

If your answer is not a resounding YES, then keep your current job.

(I'm slightly risk averse in terms of career options)

Slightly is an understatement.

OP: Thank you for the replies.