My Conflict

I went on a date with my most gorgeous boyfriend tonight! He leaves tomorrow for Portland to train for his new job.

He took me out to eat at Sampan. We talked about my future plans and I told him about the conflict I'm having with myself.

I've always wanted to be a lawyer and I will go to law school, but my conflict concerns what I will do after law school. Part of me wants to study technology law, work at a firm or corporation starting at $125,000 a year, and make lots and lots of money protecting my clients. I want to enjoy power lunches, limos, and being surrounded by powerful people. I want to be part of the elite.

The other part of me wants to help people. I want to get a Masters degree in emergency management, get a law degree, and then work for the Red Cross or FEMA. I want to work with states and the federal government in managing disasters in a governmental position. I want to travel around the country and the world helping people affected by disaster. I want to help save people's lives.

Brian asked me why I couldn't do pro-bono work as a corporate lawyer. I told him I could, but it comes down to the work culture that I want to be around for the rest of my life. Do I want to get excited by winning an important case for a client or coordinating emergency services right after a devastating earthquake?

The results of either choice can do a lot of good for people: if I'm rich I'll donate lots of money to great causes, or I can actually be on the ground helping people. I just don't know which one is better for me.