This Harvard Grad Quit the Dream Job — Here’s Why
Episode description
Objection overruled: She didn’t just take a leap of faith—she appealed to her true calling.
Today’s Awf The Record guest, Eni Popoola, had all the receipts for a high-powered legal career: Harvard undergrad, Columbia Law, and a coveted position at a top law firm. But what happens when the courtroom starts to feel less like a stage and more like a cage?
In this bold and unapologetic episode, Eni opens up about the internal tug-of-war between security and self-expression. She shares the microaggressions, identity changes, and perfectionist pressures she faced as a Black woman in corporate law—and how content creation became something of its own. From filming videos on the fly during her lunch break to finally serving her resignation notice, Eni walks us through the mental, emotional, and spiritual recalibration it took to choose her joy over her job.
Mona and Jeannette go deep with Eni on everything from impostor syndrome and immigrant guilt, to negotiating brand deals, protecting your peace, and giving Black creators permission to choose softness over burnout. They talk about the beauty of pivoting without shame, building your platform with purpose, and what it really takes to give up a six-figure job for a shot at something greater.
The verdict’s in: You don’t have to live someone else’s version of success. You just have to give yourself permission to redefine it.
KEY POINTS
- Eni’s experience living in New York City
- Law school experiences, transition to content creation
- Challenges in working at a big law firm
- The pivot: Choosing content creation as a full-time job
- Maintaining work-life balance, Eni’s types of content
- Navigating the “influencer industry” as a black content creator
- What are Eni’s plans for the future?
- The importance of having a supportive network
- Representation matters: More opportunities for black creators
QUOTES
"Not everyone gets to feel like they are being advocated for strongly by a manager.” – Eni Popoola
“I always say: ‘I'm not regretful.’ You can never make me regret getting education and gaining knowledge. Never, ever, ever.” – Eni Popoola
“If I don't pass this exam, I'm gonna resent content creation. I'm gonna feel like I don't even want to do this because this thing kept me from something that I was working for for so long.” – Eni Popoola
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