<p>I reject the notion that one should opt out of any particular career field because it is “riskier” than others. The very first reply in this thread tried to convince the OP not to attend law school, when the OP could very well have passions and talents that would make him a successful lawyer. Are there career fields with higher employment prospects than law? Of course. That doesn’t mean any of them would be to the OP’s liking. </p>
<p>I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since the third grade, before I even became aware of the salary stereotypes. In the fall, I’ll be a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my plan is to double major in English and Philosophy. I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve been told those majors aren’t marketable, or that they’re useless, or that law school is one big crapshoot. I know where my talents lie, and I know where my interests lie. The fact is, I would have a difficult time pursuing any of the so-called “marketable” or “non-risky” professions, and, even though I know I might eventually succeed with hard work and dedication, I would not be doing something I loved. </p>
<p>No amount of statistics will dissuade someone from pursuing what they love. This thread relies heavily on the assumption that the OP (and most others asking for advice about law school) are only interested in law because of the assumed paycheck. I believe that those who succeed in this profession are those who didn’t pursue it for the money, but rather out of pure passion. And you have no way of knowing through the internet how passionate someone is about law.</p>