Shattering the Ivory High-Rise

Last week, I went to a pro-bono clinic sponsored by a local non-profit sponsored by a DC law firm. Its suite was gorgeous. The hallways were large and had floor to ceiling windows which let in a flood of sunlight. The flooring and walls and seating were all in light neutrals. The conference room was elegant, and the breakfast offered contained a plethora of choices. No, really, a freaking plethora. They even had French toast and bacon. I was well-fed and soothed by the tranquil environment.

I turned to the woman to my left and tried to start a conversation about the posh setting. She told me that she worked at another firm, and then immediately said in emphatic tone “I don’t like my job.” Her confession was like a separate entity with a mind of its own—and it refused to remain silent any longer. She looked embarrassed, mumbled something about paying off student loans, and turned back to studying her handouts. Later, during a break in the program, I went to get more delicious breakfast. The woman, and all of the other firm attorneys present, immediately pulled out their blackberries and started furiously typing, forgoing conversation and breakfast to snatch a few minutes of email review.

Often, I wonder if I made the wrong choice by going into the type of work that I did. This experience has not caused me to stop asking that question. But it did lay to rest one issue---should I have just sucked it up and taken the money? The façade falls away, the light-filled hallway seems a cage, and I’m glad to still be living on a budget.