6 answers
Jonathan
Student
Miramar, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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How do I decide on what career to pursue between teaching and law?
#Spring26
All my life I've been conflicted between teaching and law, and now I'm at an impasse. I know that becoming a lawyer will pay much more in the long run, but with how much law school would cost, I'm not exactly sure if betting on the fact that I will stick with law is smart, because if I change careers, then I would end up with all of that debt for no reason. On the other hand, teaching won't give me that much money, but it's been something I've been at least interested in since I was a young kid. I know that the current teaching climate isn't the best, but I'm still inclined to try. I've also talked with a teacher I'm close with at my current high school (it feels appropriate here to say that I'm a senior in high school, going to college for an English Lit degree) who said that if I do go through with teaching, it would be easy to get a job at my highschool to gain experience right after getting my degree, and that they would give me a 5 year window to get my teaching certificate while teaching. She also told me of a current teacher who was a student just like me, who was able to get all of the certifications immediately, so I'm not concerned about that. I would be an English teacher, or maybe a government teacher, or both. Could anyone please help weigh the pros and cons?
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6 answers
Megan Ferguson
Cybersecurity research and analysis
5
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Megan’s Answer
I remember being a high school senior as incredibly stressful and part of that stress was attempting to anticipate what job you (eventually) want and which college programs will get you there. Try not to worry too much about picking a definitive career path at this time. In the first 2 years of college students take a lot of classes to fulfill credit requirements, so you will have a chance to see what interests you and the ability to change directions and still graduate on time.
There are some great answers above and I don't want to repeat any of their excellent points, so I'd just like to say: Have you thought about working (in whatever field you end up in) as a trainer/part of a training program? All fields have people who act as trainers. When I was working at a bookstore, we had a program that trained people in leadership skills. In my current job as a cyber analyst, we have people who train new employees on the basics of how our section operates.
In your answer you (understandably) talk about potential financial concerns.
- If you do want to become a teacher, some states/counties have programs that benefit teachers, like programs for reduced housing prices or grants towards home ownership. There are also programs for teachers for student loan forgiveness.
- Some government student loans offer an income-based repayment program, so that your monthly payment is based on how much you are earning. This definitely helped me out when I was working lower paying jobs.
You also mention concerns about would happen if had a student loan for law school but ended up working in a different field that might not pay as much. My experience can provide you with a little information on what that is like.
I have 3 degrees in history (an B.S., a Masters, and a PhD -- my grades for all 3 degrees were great because I loved what I was studying), but when I graduated I had no luck getting a teaching job at a high school, community college, or university. So, like some of the posters above, my career journey has ended up far from where I started. Right after graduation I was a nanny, then an office manager/researcher, then I was in "communications" (writing content for a government newsletter and internal government websites), then I became a technical writer in cybersecurity, and now I am a senior cyber analyst.
While my career took it's winding (and sometimes low-paying) path, I was still paying off my PhD loan. Do I regret taking out a loan and doing my PhD in history? Not at all! I loved doing it and even though I didn't end up working as a professor (as I had hoped to once I graduated), the skills I acquired while earning my PhD are skills I have used in each of my jobs (even as a nanny - my PhD taught me patience, very important for working with kids).
The one common thread throughout all my jobs has been research and writing. I love research, writing, and editing, and I found that cyber has some of the same things I loved about my work in history (identifying puzzles, researching to find answers, helping people). If you love (or even just like) teaching, you will be able to find teaching opportunities in almost any field (although those jobs may not be called "teaching"). If you end up loving law, there are countless jobs within law that you may enjoy (some with a teaching component).
Finally, please be kind to yourself as you navigate the choices you're making right now.
There are some great answers above and I don't want to repeat any of their excellent points, so I'd just like to say: Have you thought about working (in whatever field you end up in) as a trainer/part of a training program? All fields have people who act as trainers. When I was working at a bookstore, we had a program that trained people in leadership skills. In my current job as a cyber analyst, we have people who train new employees on the basics of how our section operates.
In your answer you (understandably) talk about potential financial concerns.
- If you do want to become a teacher, some states/counties have programs that benefit teachers, like programs for reduced housing prices or grants towards home ownership. There are also programs for teachers for student loan forgiveness.
- Some government student loans offer an income-based repayment program, so that your monthly payment is based on how much you are earning. This definitely helped me out when I was working lower paying jobs.
You also mention concerns about would happen if had a student loan for law school but ended up working in a different field that might not pay as much. My experience can provide you with a little information on what that is like.
I have 3 degrees in history (an B.S., a Masters, and a PhD -- my grades for all 3 degrees were great because I loved what I was studying), but when I graduated I had no luck getting a teaching job at a high school, community college, or university. So, like some of the posters above, my career journey has ended up far from where I started. Right after graduation I was a nanny, then an office manager/researcher, then I was in "communications" (writing content for a government newsletter and internal government websites), then I became a technical writer in cybersecurity, and now I am a senior cyber analyst.
While my career took it's winding (and sometimes low-paying) path, I was still paying off my PhD loan. Do I regret taking out a loan and doing my PhD in history? Not at all! I loved doing it and even though I didn't end up working as a professor (as I had hoped to once I graduated), the skills I acquired while earning my PhD are skills I have used in each of my jobs (even as a nanny - my PhD taught me patience, very important for working with kids).
The one common thread throughout all my jobs has been research and writing. I love research, writing, and editing, and I found that cyber has some of the same things I loved about my work in history (identifying puzzles, researching to find answers, helping people). If you love (or even just like) teaching, you will be able to find teaching opportunities in almost any field (although those jobs may not be called "teaching"). If you end up loving law, there are countless jobs within law that you may enjoy (some with a teaching component).
Finally, please be kind to yourself as you navigate the choices you're making right now.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1862
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Why not do both? Let's say you work from the age of 25 to 65. That's 40 years - the equivalent of two -20 year careers. Depending on what type of law you want to practice, teaching could give you insight into that career, or, vice-versa, going into law first would give you worlds of first-hand experience you could share with students, esp. in government. People have 2 careers all the time. The military is a prime example. I've known police officers who became lawyers. So, unless you are subscribe to the get rich quick, retire early mindset, this might be your answer.
If I was looking at it economically, I think I'd choose law first, get a decent paying job, get myself set-up with a nice house (paid off) and 401, all of which would allow you to be able to benefit from compound interest while taking the lower paying teaching position. The key is to not buy more house than a teacher can afford, because upkeep (new roof) can be expensive. Live below your means while practicing law. If you go into teaching first, and wait to start investing until you become a lawyer, you will be trying to play catch-up and that's not easy to do.
Another idea is to get your Bachelors, then continue with your education and pursue a Paralegal Certification. Get a position as a paralegal and get a taste of law. If you don't like it, go for your teaching credentials.
One word of caution. Teaching with a degree, but not certification, may not pay a living wage. Look into what that pays at your school.
What kind of law interests you?
best of luck!
Kim
If I was looking at it economically, I think I'd choose law first, get a decent paying job, get myself set-up with a nice house (paid off) and 401, all of which would allow you to be able to benefit from compound interest while taking the lower paying teaching position. The key is to not buy more house than a teacher can afford, because upkeep (new roof) can be expensive. Live below your means while practicing law. If you go into teaching first, and wait to start investing until you become a lawyer, you will be trying to play catch-up and that's not easy to do.
Another idea is to get your Bachelors, then continue with your education and pursue a Paralegal Certification. Get a position as a paralegal and get a taste of law. If you don't like it, go for your teaching credentials.
One word of caution. Teaching with a degree, but not certification, may not pay a living wage. Look into what that pays at your school.
What kind of law interests you?
best of luck!
Kim
Anna Friedman
Lawyer in Edtech
4
Answers
Scarsdale, New York
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Jonathan! You can absolutely find a career path that combines both of your passions. I work as a lawyer in an educational technology company and we hire many teachFirst — the fact that you're thinking this carefully as a high school senior puts you ahead of most people.
The good news: you don't have to decide right now.
An English Lit degree is genuinely useful for both paths. Lawyers write and argue for a living. Teachers of English and government need to think critically and communicate clearly. You're not closing any doors by starting there.
Teaching
+ You already have a concrete path in front of you — a job offer and a mentor
+ Lifelong interest since childhood is a real signal worth respecting
+ Lower financial risk — no six-figure debt to start
+ English + government teaching keeps your intellectual interests alive
− Lower salary ceiling, especially early on
− Current climate is genuinely tough — worth going in clear-eyed
Law
+ Higher long-term earning potential
+ Lots of specializations — not all law is courtroom drama
+ An English Lit background is actually strong prep for law school
− $150k–$200k+ in law school debt is real, and not everyone earns enough to offset it quickly
− You'd need to be confident enough to commit — 3 years of law school is a big bet
− No concrete path yet — you'd be building toward something abstract
Here's what I'd actually suggest: Take the teaching job. A real classroom with a real mentor is an extraordinary opportunity that most people never get. Use it to find out if the lifelong interest holds up in practice.
While teaching, explore law on the side. Shadow a lawyer, take a pre-law elective in college, do a moot court club. If the pull toward law grows stronger, you'll know — and you can apply to law school from a much more grounded place.
Look into education law as a specialty. It's a real field — lawyers who work with school districts, student rights, policy.
The good news: you don't have to decide right now.
An English Lit degree is genuinely useful for both paths. Lawyers write and argue for a living. Teachers of English and government need to think critically and communicate clearly. You're not closing any doors by starting there.
Teaching
+ You already have a concrete path in front of you — a job offer and a mentor
+ Lifelong interest since childhood is a real signal worth respecting
+ Lower financial risk — no six-figure debt to start
+ English + government teaching keeps your intellectual interests alive
− Lower salary ceiling, especially early on
− Current climate is genuinely tough — worth going in clear-eyed
Law
+ Higher long-term earning potential
+ Lots of specializations — not all law is courtroom drama
+ An English Lit background is actually strong prep for law school
− $150k–$200k+ in law school debt is real, and not everyone earns enough to offset it quickly
− You'd need to be confident enough to commit — 3 years of law school is a big bet
− No concrete path yet — you'd be building toward something abstract
Here's what I'd actually suggest: Take the teaching job. A real classroom with a real mentor is an extraordinary opportunity that most people never get. Use it to find out if the lifelong interest holds up in practice.
While teaching, explore law on the side. Shadow a lawyer, take a pre-law elective in college, do a moot court club. If the pull toward law grows stronger, you'll know — and you can apply to law school from a much more grounded place.
Look into education law as a specialty. It's a real field — lawyers who work with school districts, student rights, policy.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1221
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Jonathan,
It's ok to be torn between two different options at this stage of your life. The good news is, you don't need to make that decision right now.
Law is a graduate degree. You would get your bachelors in any field (4 years) first, take the LSAT and go to law school (3 years).
There are different paths to become a teacher, but in your case you could get your bachelors in English and then get your teaching certification.
So, you have 4 years to study English lit and explore your options and interests before you need to make a (at least temporary) decision for law school or teacher certification.
And just like others have suggested, you can do both at different stages of your life as well.
Apart from earning potential and cost of education, also consider the nature of each job and your temperament. As a lawyer, you'll do a lot of reading and writing. You'll deal with people, but you'll have a lot of quiet solitary work as well. As a teacher, on the other hand, you'll be "on" and dealing with all kinds of unexpected situations all the time. It's very rewarding, but also very draining.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's ok to be torn between two different options at this stage of your life. The good news is, you don't need to make that decision right now.
Law is a graduate degree. You would get your bachelors in any field (4 years) first, take the LSAT and go to law school (3 years).
There are different paths to become a teacher, but in your case you could get your bachelors in English and then get your teaching certification.
So, you have 4 years to study English lit and explore your options and interests before you need to make a (at least temporary) decision for law school or teacher certification.
And just like others have suggested, you can do both at different stages of your life as well.
Apart from earning potential and cost of education, also consider the nature of each job and your temperament. As a lawyer, you'll do a lot of reading and writing. You'll deal with people, but you'll have a lot of quiet solitary work as well. As a teacher, on the other hand, you'll be "on" and dealing with all kinds of unexpected situations all the time. It's very rewarding, but also very draining.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Jaime Freed
Legal Editor
7
Answers
Northport, New York
Updated
Jaime’s Answer
Hi Jonathan,
I totally understand being torn between two career paths, and I faced something similar. I don’t know much about the teaching career path, so forgive me if this is not super helpful, but is it something that you need to lock in now? Is there a way for you to keep both options open in the near term and allow yourself to explore the fields a bit more through informational interviews, job shadowing, etc? That would be my recommendation if it’s possible.
Keep in mind also that there are many ways that jobs can cross fields. You could become a lawyer and then decide to teach law or study higher education law (or if you really like English, become a legal editor like me!). There are so many possibilities and so many ways that you can shift gears along the way; try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make the perfect decision.
I hope this is encouraging!
Jaime
I totally understand being torn between two career paths, and I faced something similar. I don’t know much about the teaching career path, so forgive me if this is not super helpful, but is it something that you need to lock in now? Is there a way for you to keep both options open in the near term and allow yourself to explore the fields a bit more through informational interviews, job shadowing, etc? That would be my recommendation if it’s possible.
Keep in mind also that there are many ways that jobs can cross fields. You could become a lawyer and then decide to teach law or study higher education law (or if you really like English, become a legal editor like me!). There are so many possibilities and so many ways that you can shift gears along the way; try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make the perfect decision.
I hope this is encouraging!
Jaime
Hi, thank you so much!! If you don't mind, could you please elaborate on your role as a legal editor? It sounds interesting.
Jonathan
Of course! So I work for a company that provides subscription-based access to legal guides and forms for practicing lawyers. So it’s my job to manage the creation/editing/finalizing of those forms, clauses, checklists, etc. I spend most of my time writing and editing, which I love to do. But I didn’t have a direct path - I worked at a law firm first, then at a law school, and then finally found the position best suited for my own interests and skills as a legal editor. I learned more about what I liked and didn’t like doing during each step of the way. :)
Jaime Freed
DENNIS A BREEN
Lawyer
274
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Hi Jonathan: Do both - I do! I have been practicing law for 45 years. During my years I taught a paralegal course at a New York college for a few years, teaching on Saturdays. I retired and started teaching a paralegal course again that morphed into GED and now teaching in jail - teach guys how to get jobs when they get out. I still practice part time! Kim and Jaime are both correct. Take your time. The path becomes clearer as you go.
I went to college, worked a few years, went to grad school and got a Master's in Teaching, worked a few years and went to law school. I had to pay my own way through.
So Jonathan - stop worrying, you are on the right path now. You have plenty of options and a good head on your shoulders. Keep moving forward and the path will become clear! Good Luck!
I went to college, worked a few years, went to grad school and got a Master's in Teaching, worked a few years and went to law school. I had to pay my own way through.
So Jonathan - stop worrying, you are on the right path now. You have plenty of options and a good head on your shoulders. Keep moving forward and the path will become clear! Good Luck!