Summary: Thrillist argues that managing an In-N-Out is a better career choice than law.
When we were younger, it was a common diss to say to your enemy, “Oh, yeah! Well, you’re going to be flipping burgers one day!” And then you go on and dream of your life as a high-status attorney, driving a Lamborghini and sleeping with an underwear model. Flash forward to today, and you realize that law isn’t as glamorous as they made it seem in the movies and a lot of lawyers actually aren’t rich and aren’t happy. Even more eye-opening, it turns out that working in the hamburger business may have actually been a better choice all along.
That’s according to Thrillist, which recently published an article called “Why Being An In-N-Out Manager Is Better Than Being a Lawyer.” In the piece, writer Lee Breslouer argues all the ways that working at the popular Southern California chain rocks. We have to admit, he does make a pretty good case on why lawyers should ditch their long hours and commit to serving French fries Animal Style.
There’s no debt to get a job at In-N-Out.
It’s well documented that law school is expensive. According to U.S. News, the most expensive law schools can drain students of almost $170,000 after three years. Even the “cheap” law schools, can leave someone in debt of almost $60,000. In contrast, a career at In-N-Out won’t cost you a thing. You’ll be earning as you’re learning.
According to Thrillist, all managers begin their career as hourly employees at the chain, but be warned. To get one of those entry-level gigs is competitive. You need a referral to even get an interview! However, once you’re in, you can work your way up the ladder, which can take up to seven years (the same time it takes to finish undergrad and then law school), and then Bam! You’re a manager, with no school debt.
In-N-Out managers make six-figure salaries.
This may be the most eye-popping stat, but In-N-Out managers on average made $120,000 in 2012, according to the OC Register. While lawyers at BigLaw firms can now make starting salaries of $180,000 (Thanks, Cravath Swaine & Moore!), those who aren’t lucky enough to get into that world may end up with $60,000 a year salaries or no job prospects at all.
In-N-Out gives employees delicious perks and benefits.
Working at a law firm will offer you health insurance and a retirement plan, but did you know that In-N-Out provides the same benefits? Not only do In-N-Out managers get insurance, retirement plans, three weeks of paid vacation, bonuses, and burgers(!), but corporate sends managers who meet yearly goals on all-expense paid international trips. One employee dished to HubPages that a team of managers were sent to Munich and Scotland for 12-days as a company reward.
In-N-Out managers are happy.
The unhappiness and addiction problems plaguing attorneys is well-documented. Attorneys feel stress because of their competitive environments, long hours, and lack of work-life balance. On the burger flip side, In-N-Out nurtures everyone at its company, from the minimum wage employees to the managers. This take-care-of-its-people structure has resulted in high morale, and according to Glassdoor, the company is one of the Best Places to Work, with employees giving the company four out of five stars.
Photo courtesy: Thrillest
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Would you give up law to work at In-N-Out? Let us know in the comments below.