Career changes often begin with the realization that something about our work no longer feels right. This can be a daunting realization after the years we’ve invested in reaching our current position. What often follows is a rush into a job search without pausing to consider what is truly driving the desire for change—and whether those same issues might show up again in a new environment.
Many lawyers reach this point at some stage in their careers. Changes in family life, the emotional toll of certain practice areas, the adversarial nature of litigation, or feeling undervalued in a workplace can all contribute to the sense that something needs to change. Without taking time to reflect on the root cause of those feelings, it can be easy to rush toward the next opportunity and hope it will solve the problem.
I almost fell into this trap early in my career. I was a young associate in a large law firm wrestling with crippling anxiety, the demands of private practice, and struggling to find joy and meaning in my work. I was desperate to make a change and assumed that becoming a county prosecutor would solve my problems because the work and environment would be so different from where I was practicing. I was mid-way through the interview process when a trusted mentor encouraged me to slow down and reflect on (1) what I was truly struggling with, (2) what I needed to feel successful in my next job, and (3) how I could ensure history would not repeat itself.
After reflecting on these questions, I still decided to change my career path, but instead of moving to a county attorney’s office, I took a job as a Claim Attorney at a legal malpractice insurance company. While this was entirely different from anything I had envisioned for my legal career, it turned out to be exactly what I needed to support my mental health, rebuild my confidence, and find purpose in my work again. I enjoyed it so much that I stayed for six years—practically a lifetime by today’s standards.
And then came that old but familiar feeling that something was no longer “right” in my work. After pausing once again to reflect on what was causing this and what I wanted from my career, I discovered that I’d been slowly cultivating a passion for lawyer well-being in the years since leaving private practice. I decided that I wanted to make a career out of this passion, so I made yet another pivot that ultimately led me to my current position at Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. While it took many years—and several twists and turns along the way—I finally feel like I’ve found a place where my work aligns with both my heart and my skillset in a way I never would have imagined during my days in private practice.
If any part of this story resonates with you, please know you are not alone. Many lawyers struggle with the realization that they are unhappy in their work. It happens more often than we realize, and sometimes it takes several roles to find what truly works for us.
Questions to Help Guide Your Reflection
Taking time to reflect before making a change can help ensure that your next step is a more intentional one. If you are interested in reflecting on your current circumstances but are unsure where to start, here are a few questions to consider:
• How does my work make me feel on a daily basis?
• Do I enjoy my work?
• Is the day-to-day of my job different from what I expected?
• Has my work changed over the years in ways that no longer fit me?
• What causes me stress (e.g., workload, subject matter, litigation, client demands, etc.)?
• Where do I find the most joy and meaning in my work, and what is one small step I can take to experience more of that?
Sometimes it’s helpful to talk through work-related stress with a career counselor, coach, or therapist so that you’re not trying to navigate a difficult situation on your own.
You can also contact Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers if you would like additional guidance, support, or resources for navigating a career change. We will also be offering a workshop later this spring focused on helping lawyers reflect and identify what roles may best suit their skills, values, and personal and professional goals. Stay tuned for more information about that!
As always, we are here to help with any issue causing stress or distress. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!