Lawyers - 5 Signs You Are Wearing Golden Handcuffs

Ever heard of the golden handcuffs?

Sounds fancy, right? Until you see the chains.

One Big Law partner told me, “I stay in my job because I like nice purses.”

Another makes a huge income but still feels like she’s living paycheck to paycheck.

And another drives a 10-year-old car, not because she has to — but because she values freedom more than status.

None of these choices are right or wrong. But they reveal a deeper truth: the lifestyle you choose can either give you freedom… or quietly take it away.

So how do you know if you’re wearing golden handcuffs?

5 Signs You Might Be Shackled:

1. You stay for the perks, not the purpose. Designer bags, luxury vacations, the “look” of success.

2. You make a high income but feel broke. Every dollar is spoken for, and big goals (like a house) feel out of reach.

3. Your identity is tied to your paycheck. The idea of earning less feels like losing yourself.

4. You’re too afraid to leave. Even when you’re unhappy, you tell yourself you can’t afford to walk away.

5. You complain about the trade-off. You want the flexibility of a lower-paying job but still want the lifestyle of a higher one.

Reflection Exercise:

Take 5 minutes and ask yourself:

• What lifestyle choices am I making consciously?

• Where am I on autopilot?

• If I stripped away the perks, would I still choose this role?

• What would I do differently if my lifestyle didn’t dictate my choices?

The point isn’t judgment. It’s awareness. Because the real freedom comes when you choose your lifestyle intentionally.

P.S. Tired of feeling shackled by the golden handcuffs? My program shows you how to reclaim your life and make choices on your terms. Send me a message and let’s break the shackles.