From Lawyer to Life Coach: Why I Walked Away from a “Dream” Career – Part 1

Why would anyone leave a successful law career to become a life coach?

That’s the question I get asked all the time. Why would I walk away from a high-paying, prestigious job as an international lawyer—working in top law firms and the European Commission—to do something so… uncertain?

The truth? Because success on paper doesn’t always mean happiness in real life.

I’m sharing my story because I know so many of you are feeling trapped in careers that no longer serve you. Maybe you’ve worked so hard to get where you are, but now you’re wondering… is this it? 

If that resonates, keep reading. And if you want to follow more of my journey and get inspiration for your own, connect with me on Instagram @mindfulconnecting —I’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Illusion of Success

For years, I chased the dream. I worked insane hours in top law firms, working on corporate deals worth billions of euros. The prestige, the adrenaline, the salary—it was everything I thought I wanted.

And in the beginning? It felt exhilarating. You’re thrown into billion-dollar transactions, working alongside the sharpest minds in the industry, travelling the world. You feel unstoppable.

But then the cracks start to show.

• 60–70-hour workweeks become the norm.

• You see people turning to drugs just to stay functional.

• “Work hard, play hard” means drinking after work and still being expected to show up the next day.

• Stress, poor diet, painkillers, coffee, and supplements become your daily survival kit. (For me, this led to three stomach ulcers.)

  
  

At first, you tell yourself it’s just part of the job. But over time, the exhaustion becomes impossible to ignore.

The Moment Everything Changed

I had been pushing myself for years, ignoring the warning signs. Then one day, it all came crashing down.

During a simple work meeting—something I’d done a thousand times before—I had a full-blown anxiety attack.

My heart was racing. I was gasping for air. I couldn’t get my words out. My colleagues thought I was having a heart attack. My manager didn’t even check on me afterward, and that stung like hell. Essentially she didn’t notice and did not care.

That moment shattered everything I thought I knew about myself. I wasn’t just stressed—I was completely disconnected from my body and my needs.

I went to the doctor, who put me on medical leave and I re-started. Two weeks turned into three months. I had to face the truth: I couldn’t go back to the life I had before.

The Wake-Up Call: Redefining Success

I had spent years chasing external success, but I had never asked myself:

👉 What kind of life do I actually want?

We’re conditioned to believe that security = success. Become a lawyer or a doctor, and you’ll be set for life, right? But no one talks to you about the cost. The anxiety. The burnout. The feeling that you’re wearing a mask every single day.

At some point, you have to stop and ask:

💡 Is this what I want for the next 20 years?

For me, the answer was a hard no.

From Lawyer to Life Coach: Choosing Freedom Over Fear

Leaving my legal career wasn’t easy. I had built my entire identity around being a lawyer. I had a “perfect” career on paper—why would I give that up?

Because I finally realized: Your career shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being.

Becoming a life coach wasn’t just about switching jobs. It was about choosing myself—my health, my happiness, my purpose.

Now, I help high-achieving women break free from burnout, reconnect with their authentic selves, and create lives they actually love. Because success shouldn’t feel like suffocation.

If You’re Feeling Trapped, Read This

If you’re stuck in a career that’s draining the life out of you, know this:

✔️ It’s okay to want more.

✔️ You’re not “wasting” your education or experience by changing paths.

✔️ Your happiness is worth more than a title or a paycheck.

You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow—but you do have to start listening to yourself. Your body, your emotions, and your gut are all trying to tell you something.

Ready to Make a Change? Let’s Connect!

I’m sharing my journey because I know so many of you are at that same crossroads. If this resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going!

📲 Follow me on Instagram @mindfulconnecting for more on career transitions, burnout recovery, and living life on your own terms.

You don’t have to stay stuck. You can rewrite your story. And when you’re ready—I’m here to help. ❤️

With loving presence,

Florina

Mindful Connecting