Legally Unhappy? New perspectives for lawyers …
Legally Unhappy? Believe in Yourself, Follow Your Dreams and Make Them Become Your RealityStill trying to figure out what your “dream” job is? Studies show that up to 75% of attorneys report they are unhappy with their chosen career. While there are many explanations for this startling statistic, the main reason for discontent is that attorneys tend to chase the dollar rather than explore their options and make a decision based on their desired lifestyle. Today, one of the most recognizable buzz phrases is “work/life balance”. Although we all know what the phrase means, very few of us take the steps to assure a work/life balance in our lives. I challenge you to think outside the box and discover what direction your want your career to take. As a lawyer, law school trained you to be a creative problem solvers; only this time, the problem you are solving is yours!
If You’re Still Not Convinced that You Can Be Happy Practicing Law, Alternatives Await You.Many lawyers realize that practicing law is not their ideal job. Maybe you went to law school because you graduated from college and had no idea what else to do. Maybe you went to law school because you believed attorneys made the most money. Now you have realized that practicing law is not how you want to make a buck. So, what’s next?
Do not be afraid to leave the practice of law for something that may be a better fit for your personality and lifestyle. Those who criticize your decision to leave the practice may do so because of their envy. Here are some tips on how to begin to identify alternative careers for lawyers.
First: Brainstorm Your Interests
If you feel like you are lost and can’t begin to find your way into a new career, stop and brainstorm. Begin by asking yourself what types of activities or hobbies you enjoy. Make a list of as many things as come to mind, and don’t worry about whether or not you think they relate to a career.
Second: Workplace Environment
Next, ask yourself what your ideal workplace would look like. For some it would be an office on the 20th floor over looking the ocean or the skyline. For others, it could be a home office, or sitting on an airplane, driving around the city, or many other possibilities that only you know.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is freedom important to you or do you prefer structure and direction?
- Do you enjoy working with people or by yourself?
- Do you prefer a traditional work schedule, Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00, or do you prefer to set your own hours?
- Do you mind working weekends?
- Do you want to travel locally, within the U.S., or even outside of the U.S. for your career?
- Are you able to receive a less steady income that would not guarantee a paycheck every couple of weeks?
- Are benefits necessary for your career, such as health insurance, 401k, paid vacation and sick time?
- How important is it to you for your career to be mobile? Would you like to be able to take your work with you wherever go?
Three: Combine Your Interests with Your Ideal Workplace
Are you able to combine your list of interests with your ideal workplace? If you are, then you are on your way to paving your own road to a successful and healthy career.
For instance, if you have an interest in pets and your ideal workplace allows you freedom and flexibility, perhaps you can start a dog-walking business.
Salaries are out of control!
It is unfathomable that brand-spanking new attorneys are earning $160k right out the door at some of the big firms! But, does that salary come at too great a price? What may seem like a dream come true job offer may well become more burden than it’s worth. Two words: billable hours! Those two nasty words account for most of the shocking percentage of unhappy lawyers. (The rest is likely due to the fact that lawyers go to law school because they don’t know what else to do after college graduation.I think it’s time for attorneys to really question what is important and if it’s the bottom line, then go get ‘em, work for the big firm and get paid the big bucks! But, don’t expect to be able to take advantage of your money, because you’ll have very little time away from the office.
