Mom Said 'The Congressman's Wife Is Hosting' - She Was My Law School Roommate
The email arrived on a Thursday afternoon while I was reviewing grand jury indictments in my office at the U.S. Attorney's headquarters in downtown Boston."Sarah, your sister Melissa is co-chairing the Children's Hospital Gala on Saturday with Amanda Richardson—Congressman Richardson's wife. This is a critical networking event for Melissa's interior design business. Elite clients will be there. You are NOT to attend. Your presence would be embarrassing given your situation. Melissa has worked too hard to have you ruin this for her. - Mother"My situation.That's what Mom called it when I'd left my job at Morrison & Price, one of Boston's most prestigious corporate law firms, three years ago. I'd been on the partner track. Corner office in sight. $320,000 annual salary.I'd walked away to become an Assistant U.S. Attorney, making $147,000 a year to prosecute federal crimes."You're throwing away your career," Mom had said. "For what? To play hero?" "To do work that matters," I'd replied.She'd hung up on me. My younger sister Melissa had been thrilled. With me out of the "successful" spotlight, she could finally shine. She'd built a boutique interior design firm, catering to Boston's elite. She networked at charity galas, joined the right clubs, married the right man—Connor Walsh, a hedge fund manager.
