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Comment by htsh | Hacker News Reader

I think its natural for an intellectually curious person to feel doubts about whatever they choose.

Personally -- I studied Econ as an undergrad, worked at 2 startups for 2 years, then nonprofits for the next 3, and then law school and a big firm job. When I was sitting in that law firm office, I hated my life relative to both the non-profit world and the startup world. Of the 3, the startup world allowed me to live as I most liked.

The thing that I miss about the startup world is that its a meritocracy. Your knowledge and your ability will determine where you stand, not your cultural status or car or whose parents you know. If you know more and can do more than the next guy, you have a voice that people want to hear, regardless of your age, tattoos, vices, etc.

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I went a somewhat similar path. I studied Computer Science in undergrad and wasn't sure if that was the route I wanted to take, so I went to law school (three more years of college also sounded fun). I enjoyed my time at law school, especially its relation to philosophy and quasi rule-based systems, inter alia (oh yeah, you pick up some Latin in law school).

However, after a few years out practicing patent law, I miss the hacking, startup, engineering, etc. and related cultures. I obviously took a somewhat circuitous route, but now realize how much more one can do in life hacking things.

Even in patent law, which is highly related to technology and, accordingly, startups, you are just another cog in the creation system, not yourself creating. I find software much more liberating philosophically and mentally. However, practicing patent law does have many positive attributes, e.g., staying abreast of technology is part of your job duties.

I am now heading back, both mentally and hopefully soon career wise, to everything hacking and startup related. My time spent away obviously helped my skill-set in other areas, but, hacking is something too hard to stay away from full-time. Good luck on your journey. I do not think you will regret any path you take.

The idea of a meritocracy is something that appeals to me greatly. I hate the feeling that a person's credentials define who they are, and their abilities.

Interesting also that you mentioned law school, since I am also considering looking into that! Are there any law startup type operations out there?

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