I am around 35 years old and I am having what would deem to be depression, burnout and absolute lethargy. I've tried everything. Taken a long vacation. Gone some place away alone. Completely cut off ties with toxicity. Yet I just can't seem to feel the same enthusiasm and joy in this field anymore. It has nothing to do with law as a field, where I could jump offices, firms or chambers. I just need to quit. But what happens when I do ? What do I do ? Atleast now I have a steady source of income. What next without a job ? And once you're out, it's difficult to get back in. I had friends who took a 6 month break for health, family, birth etc and they're all suffering since they can't get back in the work force. What do I do ? This is so depressing. Anyone ?

Hi.

Never worry about what others have done. Chart your own path. You have made it 35 years in your life. Congratulations. Remain confident. You will pull through.

While no one can ever understand what you are feeling maybe my experience may be helpful. I went through similar motions and quit law but came back after a gap of nearly 4 years.

What helped when I quit was therapy, lot of introspection, lot of time alone, and then coming to a realization that it is merely a job. I understood it when I left the profession and started working as a management trainee in a company.

So, if you want to quit law and do something else, do that. Similar feeling may or may not come again in the new profession. If it does, just remember it is a just a job. Nothing more. If you can figure out how to enjoy the job, do that. If you cannot, do not succumb to the negativity or escape from it. Tell yourself its a job and do what you can and not more.

If this does not help, ignore this and just know that even a stranger believes in you and that you will pull through.