In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Sarah Waldbuesser, attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Destination Legal and Twist Law, about her remarkable journey from a “dream job” in global health law to building a thriving online legal business, all sparked by the inspiration of a podcast. Sarah shares what it was like to walk away from a traditional legal career, cash in her 401(k), and take a leap of faith into the world of digital nomadism and entrepreneurship, all while navigating family expectations, financial uncertainty, and the pursuit of happiness on her own terms.

About the Guest:

Sarah Waldbuesser, Esq., is a trademark attorney and owner of Destination Legal® and TWIST Law.  After several years at a law firm and a few career jumps, she ended up falling in love with online business and loves helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams in a smart and protected way.  She is also an adventurer, traveler, and food and wine lover.   When not at her computer, she loves hanging with her 2 little kiddos, having wine with friends, flying around the globe and connecting with other online business owners.  

Main Topics Covered:

• Why Sarah left a successful global health law career for the unknown
• The reality of quitting a secure job, including family reactions, student loan debt, and uncertainty
• The role of podcasts and online communities in finding purpose and new opportunities
• What it’s really like to be a digital nomad (the highlights and hardships)
• Building a business from scratch: trial, error, and eventual clarity
• How important community and environment are for growth and success
• The value (and challenge) of aligning your career with your definition of happiness
• Sarah’s advice for risk-taking, finding the right people, and embracing imperfect journeys

Quote from the Episode:

"I wasn't gonna let the fact that I had a law degree or a master’s stop me from figuring out how to enjoy my life. I just— I wasn't gonna sit and be miserable for the next 40 years. I just wasn't going to do it." — Sarah Waldbuesser

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Introductions; home and childhood in St. Louis

[00:01:28] How Sarah celebrates achievements in her family

[00:03:39] Early legal career: “dream” job and underlying discontent

[00:08:42] Decision-making process, first thoughts of quitting, and influence of podcasts

[00:13:47] Grappling with sunk costs of higher education and family advice

[00:21:20] Navigating friends and community reactions to big life shifts

[00:22:56] What Sarah hoped for vs. what happened in her journey

[00:29:17] The power of community and surrounding yourself with like-minded people

[00:33:54] Digital nomad reality, traveling while building a business, and relationship challenges

[00:37:00] The long-term impact: business success, family, and gratitude for risk-taking

[00:41:19] The ups and downs of online entrepreneurship and risk tolerance

[00:43:50] Sarah’s business today and how listeners can connect

[00:45:08] Podcast recommendations and final rapid-fire questions

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