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How did you navigate the choice between what pays well and what you’re passionate about?

Hello everyone!
I am currently finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Law, but my heart truly lies with administrative support and business organization. I already have various training qualifications and experience in this field—one that truly excites me—but I went back to studying law out of a fear that I wouldn't earn a sufficient salary in the administrative sector.

To the professionals in this field: is it better to continue on toward a Master’s in Law for the sake of security, or to specialize in order to become a top-tier Office Manager? How did you navigate the choice between what pays well and what you’re passionate about?

career-choice office-management legal-assistant legal-operations office-administrative-assistant
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Chin Lee’s Answer

Hi Sylvie, I also don't have a legal background, and I agree with Chen's answer. I have an IT degree and started my career in a technical role, focusing on database management, which I loved in university. After a few years, I explored other IT areas like network management and consulting. About 10 years later, I shifted to the business side, working in process and program management, which I really enjoy. This role combines IT and process elements. After another 20 years, I moved to the social service sector, which is my current passion. It gives me purpose and lets me help others.

While law is often seen as a well-paying career, it's important to manage your money wisely to save for the future and build a safety net for pursuing your passion later on. Earning well doesn't mean you should spend recklessly. As you start your career, consider if you can handle the work culture and if you enjoy the work. If the answer is no, even a high-paying job can become draining. Remember, doing work you love doesn't feel like work. Your interests might change over time, so always be ready to adapt. Wishing you all the best!
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Viraj’s Answer

Hi Sylvie, it's great that you're thinking about your future. Everyone faces this choice, and there's no single correct answer. It really comes down to what matters most to you in the long run. Some people go for stable, higher-paying jobs, while others follow their passions, even if it takes longer to see financial growth. Both choices can lead to success, depending on what you want to achieve. Consider what kind of work you would enjoy daily and the level of financial stability you desire. This can help you decide which path aligns with your goals. Many people eventually find ways to blend their passions with practical needs, so you don't have to choose just one. I hope this helps, and I'm wishing you the best on your journey!
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Gloria’s Answer

Here’s the short answer: you don’t have to choose between financial security and doing what you love.

The idea that administrative work caps out at low salaries is a myth. High-level administrative and operational roles—like Executive Assistant to the C-Suite, Legal Operations Manager, or Chief of Staff—frequently pay well into six figures while offering great job stability.

More importantly, your legal education is a massive superpower here. An Operations Manager who can review contracts, navigate compliance, and assess risk is incredibly rare and valuable. Positioning yourself as an Operations Lead with a Legal Foundation allows you to leverage your degree immediately for higher-paying, strategic roles in Legal Ops or Corporate Governance.

If your heart isn't in practicing law, forcing yourself into a Master's degree out of fear is a fast track to burnout. Instead, focus on targeted operational credentials (like a PMP) and build a career where your legal skills elevate your passion for organization into a high-earning career.
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Julie’s Answer

I have friends across the income spectrum - all work hard, put a lot of time in, feel fulfilled and are passionate about what they do. The difference is some earn so little it’s hard to get by without debt while others earn so much they don’t know what to do with it all (and there are some who fall into lifestyle creep and never feel it’s enough - watch out for that!). Think about the life you want to have and what that will cost. Find something you love that also gives you the life you want.

While you don’t have to pick the highest paying profession to be happy, you’ll want to find something that pays enough to give you the life you want. Administrative jobs can be financially rewarding, but on average are less than legal roles. The question is what is „enough“ for you. This is a helpful exercise regardless of the path you pick because it will support a healthy values-based-budget that is more resistent to lifestyle creep.

And! To like administrative work is a good thing, there are elements of admin in so many jobs across many sectors.

One final thought, a friend of mine worked as a paralegal before law school to see if it was enough of what she liked. And good news for your interests, it included quite a bit of admin and general research. Could be something to consider on the side of school or as a short break from studies.
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Chen’s Answer

I'm not a legal expert, but I'd like to share my thoughts. I recently listened to a podcast by someone with a lot of professional experience. She talked about young people starting their careers and choosing between a high-paying job and one they're passionate about. Both are great options, but she suggested going for the well-paying job first. Her idea is that your passion will always be there, but having money early on gives you security and support if you later switch to something you love that might not pay as well. I totally agree with her. When I was younger, I struggled with this choice too. Now in my 40s, with lots of life experience, I would give the same advice to young people. Money can give you more options in life.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Sylvie Prisca
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