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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To wish DS had pursued a more lucrative branch of law

269 replies

Calypos · 09/01/2026 13:58

My DS is 28, I'm well aware he is an adult, he can do what he wishes and his happiness is paramount. He did his undergrad in International Relations and Politics and his since gone down the law path and is 2 years PQE. He opted for civil liberties law, his justification was he felt no passion elsewhere. He is incredibly intelligent.
The issue I have is for the work he does I feel he is underpaid especially when you compare to other solicitors in London or those in finance/consultancy. He could have taken a different path but chose not to. His long term gf is similar, incredibly intelligent but works in a relatively low paying career as she is passion about it.
They do have some fallback in that she inherited from her grandparents and was able to buy a flat without a mortgage, but I do often wonder how they will be able to afford a family home, raising children etc. I am aware that he still has room to grow and could make a decent living, but I can't help but look at my friends ho have children in consultancy or corporate law and think he is wasting his talents in a low paid role (comparatively). I understand there is probably a higher degree of job satisfaction but I feel panic for him.

AIBU to wish he had pursued something more lucrative and worry that the path he has chosen might burn him in the future?

OP posts:
Hiptothisjive · 09/01/2026 14:06

So let me get this straight. Your ‘incredibly’ intelligent son has a degree, went into law, has a good job, has an intelligent girlfriend and they own their own flat. So no mention of happiness except to say that the are both passionate about their careers. Because as a parent happiness surely comes last!

This is hilarious.

Let me guess privately educated and now feel it’s a waste of money? Or so intelligent should be ruling the world?

Your idea of success is very different to his - he is working, has a girlfriend and home and is doing something he is passionate about. He is nailing it.

YABVU

momahoho1 · 09/01/2026 14:06

I have a musician, your son is positively rolling in it compared. (And not the kind of music that will ever make money, there’s only space for one of her kind to be famous at a time and Katherine Jenkins has the spot!) Be thankful he is in a job doing good in the world and has a skill set that means ai really can’t take his job. We need solicitors willing to work in human rights but also criminal law, might not be lucrative but it’s so important

Ragamuffin8 · 09/01/2026 14:05

He has followed his passion, working in a more lucrative area that he’s not interested in could be soul destroying and ultimately affect his physical and mental wellbeing. It can lead to burnout.

He will be working for decades, it’s a marathon not a sprint.

He is clearly intelligent and no doubt understands other areas are more lucrative, it’s an informed choice and he is prioritising job satisfaction (which is increasingly common amongst younger people).

Ablondiebutagoody · 09/01/2026 14:05

Oh God, a lawyer and partner living together in a free flat in London. What a nightmare. How do you sleep at night?

MayaPinion · 09/01/2026 14:04

You’re unhappy that your son has a career in an area that excites and fulfils him and lives in a mortgage free London flat? Is nothing good enough for you?

AgnesX · 09/01/2026 14:04

The way things are going politically, civil liberties law may become even more important, ergo more lucrative, than it is currently.

It's great that he has drive and enjoys what he's doing.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 09/01/2026 14:03

Well done for raising a young man who understands that there is more to life than money. Though it sounds like this was more by accident than design.

canklesmctacotits · 09/01/2026 14:03

I don't think it's unreasonable to worry, but having been a corporate lawyer I'd say he's actually picked the better option: less money, but better physical and mental health, a meaningful career, no self-loathing, space for a family life. If I could go back I'd make the choice he's made.

Please let it go. He's only 28. He'll make enough to live a decent life.

shouldofgotamortage · 09/01/2026 14:03

Long as he’s happy that’s all that matters surely? Or is it so you can have bragging rights?

moggerhanger · 09/01/2026 14:03

And if he'd gone into finance/tax/M&A he could be doing 15 hour days and stressed to the gills while earning £££. Swings and roundabouts.

Girasoli · 09/01/2026 14:03

It will be fine OP...

DH and I a decade older than your DS and sort of in the same situation (DH did an economics degree, all his friends went into banking/finance and he went into the public sector).

It took us a bit longer than our friends to buy a family home but we got one, no ones DC are at private school, and honestly the only difference I see in lifestyle (we are still friendly with his economics friends) is that they go on nicer holidays and we tend to go to eurocamp type places.

FlapperFlamingo · 09/01/2026 14:03

I think you're the one with the problem - you are measuring your DS and his GF by one measure: how much they earn. That's just your measure. I'm sure they have their reasons for choosing their careers which could include how fulfilling they are, their life style, what they feel passionate about.

CitizenZ · 09/01/2026 14:02

Any interest in if he is leading a happy life or is it all just about the money and the bragging rights for you?

Calypos · 09/01/2026 14:01

Butchyrestingface · 09/01/2026 14:00

They do have some fallback in that she inherited from her grandparents and was able to buy a flat without a mortgage

That counts for a lot, surely?

It does but it depends on him remaining in this relationship and whilst they are mortgage free, the service charge is still expensive and it is a small flat, they couldn't stay there with a family and family homes in London are so expensive these days.

OP posts:
TheDandyLion · 09/01/2026 14:01

Is he happy?

titchy · 09/01/2026 14:00

Hand me my tiny violin….

Butchyrestingface · 09/01/2026 14:00

They do have some fallback in that she inherited from her grandparents and was able to buy a flat without a mortgage

That counts for a lot, surely?

ThisTaupeZebra · 09/01/2026 13:59

Talk about first world problems. Can't you wish that his line of work was better valued instead?

Octavia64 · 09/01/2026 13:59

I hear you.

mine is a musician and is probably always going to be penniless as a result….