I quit law school. Then I quit my PhD. | Cheryl Lau

When you've always been the straight-A student, quitting feels like a character flaw - not a decision.

In this episode, my friend Jennifer Ho turns the tables and interviews me. We go through my three-page resume and look for everything it doesn't show: the shame of quitting law school, my mum telling me I needed to "bring harmony back into the family," and then quitting a PhD years later - terrified of becoming a two-time quitter.

This is a conversation about high-functioning doubt, outsourcing your identity to systems, and how I eventually stopped making decisions based on what would make me look good - and started making ones I could actually stand behind.

TIMESTAMPS

 

(00:00) Trailer

(00:47) Opening 

(01:47) The story my resume can't tell

(06:02) How I used to define success 

(06:46) Why law school and a PhD didn't actually fit me

(11:38) How long I knew something had to change - before I quit

(15:21) The strengths I carried through every pivot 

(20:31) How do you know when something isn't right - even if you're good at it?

(23:27) The skill gaps I'm actively working on now

(26:47) How I'm thinking about future-proofing my career

(30:53) My edge vs and the part of my work that still scares me 

(32:21) What an irresponsible career risk looks like

(33:29) What will never need to be on my resume 

(36:34) Closing 

CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU

 

Website: https://cheryllau.com 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau

WORK WITH CHERYL LAU

 

I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.

I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.

Here are 3 ways we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production

✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting

✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows

 

Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery

CONTACT

 

Please email [email protected] for business inquiries.