It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment; it is in the happiness of pursuit.
You were once an optimistic law student, eager to finish the degree and set the world on fire. The ambition was large and the confidence larger. You were going to change something, or at least your corner of it, and earn respect and a decent living for the trouble. For some, it went to plan.
For the rest, what happened? Why the burnout, the stress, the frustration that has outrun your capacity to manage it, and the serious thought of leaving? Why is the work no longer fulfilling?
Before you give it up and start again elsewhere, consider changing how you approach the practice instead.
Set the Record Straight
If you can, take a three-day weekend and leave the work at home. If you cannot, set aside a few hours each week and guard them. It takes longer that way and it still works. Then ask yourself the following, and answer honestly.
- Why did I choose a career in law?
- What were my ideals when I started? What are my ideals now?
- What are my priorities?
- Do I want to be known as the lawyer who wins at any cost, or as the lawyer of integrity who gives the work everything?
- What motivates and inspires me?
- What are my career goals?
- What do I care about the most in my work? Challenge? Flexibility? Environment? Leadership? Career growth?
- What do I enjoy the most about my current work responsibilities?
- What do I like least?
- What is keeping me from reaching my goals?
Once you have some answers, it’s time to make an action plan.
First, though: no one goes into battle without checking the armor.
- Prepare yourself first: Commit to eating well, exercising and sleeping enough. Physical health carries mental and emotional health with it, and both are needed to make a good decision about a career.
- Do not dwell on past failures or time lost: Acknowledge the past, since it is part of who you are, and then learn from it. What was the mistake, and how do you avoid repeating it?
- Feed your soul: Take time to breathe, to reflect, and to build relationships with family and friends. Productivity and judgment both improve when there is something in reserve.
- Define your personal goals: Why are you a lawyer? To help people? To support a particular life? For recognition, or public office, or a difference in your own community? If someone had to introduce you, what would you want them to say?
Moving Forward
Having assessed the situation, defined who you want to be, and prepared for it, you can make the change.
Compose the mission statement. Define the purpose and the values you intend to keep while you pursue the goals, as a lawyer and otherwise. Then measure decisions, actions and even leisure against it.
- Choose specific opportunities to learn something new.
- Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals and follow-through.
- Focus on building relationships. Share yourself.
- Focus on the positive and take time to be grateful.
Every career hits a wall, where the work feels trapped, unmotivated and overwhelming. If the boat is sinking, changing course will not help. You became a lawyer by choice and by a great deal of work. Before you give it up, find the leak and fix it. You may still conclude that the direction, or the practice area, has to change. You may equally find that what needed to change was the outlook, the plan and the purpose, and that the work you once wanted is still there.