Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Finding My Balance

I think I finally struck a decent balance between trying to make a living and working on my writing. My friends have been sending me contract work as well as cases to handle on my own. The contract work does not pay very much, although it is a generous sum for what I am doing (i.e., brainless work). On the other hand, the cases pay quite well. On an hourly basis, I'm making more than double what I was paid as an associate. At the same time, the clients are paying far less than what they would for the same time were I at a big law firm. We're all happy.

I limit my legal work to part time and spend the rest of it interviewing, writing, and attending classes. I used to feel guilty signing up for a $500 class at Berkeley Extension, but now, I can pay for it with what I earn. One hand feeds the other. It's perfect. I am also so grateful to have the flexibility. This pregnancy has seriously slowed me down, and I feel relieved that I can take breaks when I feel overwhelmingly exhausted or nauseous.

This week so far has been fascinating. Over the weekend, I had a chance to interview Bobby Seale, who founded the Black Panther Party with Huey Newton. I went out to his house right off of MLK Way in Oakland, and he let me ask him questions non-stop. At first, he seemed suspicious and didn't make much eye contact. Within 30 minutes of the interview, he was up and about, gesticulating, re-enacting some of his memorable moments, and nudging me when he was making important points. What a charismatic man. An hour and a half later, I walked out with three books on the Black Panther Party.

Yesterday, I met with Yul Kwon, who won Survivor: Cook Island in 2006. A couple of weeks ago, I interviewed him briefly for an article I was doing for KoreAm on an anthology of Asian American superheroes called Secret Identities (coming out in April). I thought it would be fun to talk to him more to find out what he's been up to since the show and blog about it on Kimchi Mamas. We met at Red Mango, a frozen yogurt franchise that he has invested in with two of his friends. He now has four stores in the Bay Area. We talked about his current life (he's getting married next month, and has been active in many non-profits and political events), parental expectations (his parents were mortified when he decided to do Survivor. His dad said, "What have I done to you? Why are you embarrassing the family?"), and what he's done with the prize money (not much. He hasn't bought himself anything except a car with over 100K miles on it. The most expensive thing he has bought since is the engagement ring).

I feel that every time I interview someone, I learn so much. On the whole, they have been so thoughtful about what they are doing with their lives, how they are spending their time, what kind of an impact they want to make. Talking to them takes me out of my way of thinking - and makes me question a lot of the assumptions I have come to accept as the norm. I have a lot of crusty beliefs to flake off.

10 comments:

  1. I read your farewell email on ATL.
    Congratulations on your pregnancy. My wife and I have experienced miscarriage and have been trying and trying since then but no luck. Also, my wife is Japanese, and I have noticed the different reaction doctors have towards it between US and Japan. In Japan, they try to stop the miscarriage, and afterwards, investigate to find out the exact reason. In US, they say crap like "This is just God's way..." Anyway, I wish you the best and will enjoy following you in your blog.

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  2. I first read your story on ATL. I'm glad to read that things seem to be going well for you. Congratulations on your post Biglaw success and pregnancy!

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  3. Good for you - focus on things that really matter to you and enrich your life. I commend you for your ability to take a look at yourself and re-define yourself ni these ways.I think the PH story should be a story of the past. But that's my two cents.

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  4. Hey if you get overwhelmed and need admin help, I'm around. :)

    I'm so glad you are getting to interview - I love learning about other people, finding out what makes them tick, what inspires them, etc.

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  5. I'd love to hear about some of the assumptions you've had to "flake off." As a thirtysomething still in Big Law (but on her way out), I find myself in the same situation. Keep writing.

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  6. I found your blog sort of by chance, but I remember reading about you on ATL. Congraulations on your pregnancy, how wonderful :)

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  7. Shinyung, do you know any employment lawyers? I'd like to quickly ask someone about my situation. I was terminated a week after I returned from my maternity leave. I never expected this. I'd like to ask an employment lawyer to take a quick look at the facts in my case to see if there's anything I can/should do about it. My email address is mikimoto12@yahoo.com. BTW, I'm also a Biglaw associate, but don't know anyone who specializes in employment law. Thank you in advance.

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  8. I just read your story on ATL. I am a 7th year associate at "BigLaw." I, too, had a miscarriage almost two years ago and I am fortunate that my firm was understanding about it. But then again, the economy was doing ok (I believe it was just the beginning of the downward spiral). If I was going through it now (we've been through one round of layoffs so far), who knows...I admire your strength and perseverance. Congratulations on your pregnancy and I am looking forward to reading your blog often!

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  9. Congrats! Sounds like you're doing really well. I think your ability to challenge yourself and live creatively is going to serve you well as you embark on parenthood!

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  10. There was so much interesting insight on this post, but my first thought was, "OMG, she met Yul! What a hottie!" ;)

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