Career Change After Law: Katelyn’s Story of Reinvention
Meet Katelyn Krieger
After nearly a decade in the legal field, she realized law wasn’t the career path she wanted to stay in. But as she quickly learned, pivoting from a specialized profession like law is no small feat. That’s when she found the Purpose-Driven Career Accelerator.
In this interview, Katelyn shares her powerful journey—from burnout and job loss to clarity, confidence, and a bold new direction. Her story is proof that it’s possible to redefine success, rediscover your values, and create a career that aligns with who you are today.
Walking Away from a Career That Didn’t Fit
Katelyn had spent years building her legal career—through law school, long hours at a firm, and a growing sense that something wasn’t right.
“I just knew that it wasn’t really the environment I wanted to work in… but it’s not a career that’s really easy to transition out of.”
Despite knowing she needed to make a change, the path out of law felt unclear and intimidating. People expected her to stay, and the weight of that expectation was heavy.
“When people think of lawyers, you just think someone becomes a lawyer and then you’re a lawyer for 50 years.”
She described the work as anxiety-inducing—”almost always on the verge of a panic attack”—and realized she had to step away for her well-being.
Finding Clarity (and Peace) After Letting Go
When her law firm job ended during the pandemic, Katelyn didn’t panic. Instead, she felt relief—and something deeper.
“I was very excited to kind of be done with that… I didn’t feel any shame or regret.”
Still, the question remained: What now?
Rather than rush into another role, Katelyn gave herself permission to slow down. She wanted to find work that felt meaningful—and make sure her next step would truly fit.
“I’m somebody that will take big risks… but this was such a big one that I really needed help figuring it out.”
Redefining Success on Her Own Terms
Through her work in the Purpose-Driven Career Accelerator, Katelyn began to shift her mindset—moving from external achievements to internal alignment.
“Instead of thinking about job titles, I started thinking about the type of company, the people I’d be working with, and the kind of environment I thrive in.”
She let go of the traditional ladder-climbing narrative and instead began creating a vision for a career—and life—that felt energizing.
“It helped me get back to who I was before law. I started asking: What do I actually enjoy? What kind of life do I want?”
Discovering Her Direction
Using exercises like the Career Work Star, skills mapping, and values alignment, Katelyn began to see her story in a new light. She wasn’t starting from scratch—she was integrating her experiences in law, leadership, and operations into something new.
“Even the job I had 10 years ago—where I really thrived—helped me see what I wanted now.”
After exploring multiple paths, one clear direction emerged: Chief of Staff or Director of Operations roles in purpose-driven organizations.
“It’s flexible and collaborative. I can work with leadership, be creative, and contribute to something I care about.”
With her legal background and early-career leadership experience, the pieces finally fit.
Unexpected Wins Along the Way
One of the most surprising outcomes? Reconnecting with her creative, joyful self.
“I started making art and playing music again. These aren’t things that will become my career, but they make me happy.”
Katelyn also began volunteering with mutual aid groups and childcare support initiatives—work that brought meaning and connection to her days.
“It was powerful… I met people in my actual neighborhood and realized how much I care about contributing locally.”
That exploration led to a passion project that continues to grow:
🎉 @soberinnyc —an Instagram community for sober New Yorkers looking for fun, social, alcohol-free ways to connect.
“Everything in New York is kind of centered around drinking. I wanted to create something different—to connect with others and build a new kind of community.”
What’s Next
Today, Katelyn is in motion—polishing her resume and LinkedIn, targeting mission-driven companies, and showing up confidently in conversations about her new direction.
“I may not know exactly where I’ll land, but I’m confident now in saying: I’m not practicing law anymore. I want to do this.”
She’s also continuing to build community through @soberinnyc and considering ways her career might intersect with wellness, recovery, or social impact work in the future.
Final Reflections
When asked what she’s most proud of, Katelyn didn’t hesitate:
“Getting to the point where I’m confident saying what I want, and connecting with people about it. Before, I wasn’t even talking to anyone.”
Her story is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t happen overnight—but when you stop chasing titles and start honoring your truth, real change happens.
It’s not just about switching careers—it’s about coming home to yourself.
