You might want to identify your strengths and weaknesses before you consider changing careers. You might be unhappy with the way law practice is structured. Make a list. Next, think about ways you can work within your chosen profession.
Career change as a Lawyer
You should consider many factors if your current career as a lawyer is about to change. For starters, you need to consider your work schedule. Lawfirm professionals often have a difficult time balancing work and life. This is where lateral moves come in. Consider other careers that you could use your law degree for.
Write down what you like and don't like about your current job before making a move. A list will help you identify the kind of work you love and which career path to pursue. A list can also be used to help you search for an alternative profession to law.
Looking for a new career?
Attorneys looking to change careers or leave law practice can find many options. NALP provides information and support for attorneys looking to change careers. They publish a comprehensive directory of relevant web sites as well as narratives about successful lawyers who made that switch. Other than law firm positions, they also include those in business, education, government, and policy research.
It can be hard for many lawyers to make a career change. However, it is possible to stay in their current law firm. Many lawyers find it challenging to leave their traditional law firm and look for another career that will allow them to have more time for their families and improve their quality of life. To find a new career as an attorney, it is important to be realistic and open to exploring other options.
Getting a new job
A new job is an option for lawyers who are considering a career change. You need to carefully weigh the pros and con's of each job. For instance, getting a job as a contract administrator at a Florida real estate company will offer you a different compensation package, a different work-life balance, and the potential for advancement.
Online resources are abundant for lawyers thinking about a career shift. Many resources focus on finding their first legal job. However, there are also resources that help them transition to a more rewarding career. Maria Stein and Wendy Werner, both legal career coaches, have extensive experience in helping lawyers find new jobs. Maria Stein, who is also the assistant dean of MSU Law College of Law, has spent decades mastering the art of career design.
Avoiding burnout
Lawyers can experience burnout. Lawyers may be happy with their career, but they can easily lose sight about what makes it meaningful. It is important that you recognize signs and symptoms of burnout so that you can take steps to avoid them. You can change your work, profession, or practice areas. Even though this is not an option for every lawyer you can still make improvements to your mental state.
One of the first signs of burnout is feeling short-tempered and irritable. Your body produces adrenaline, which is a hormone that triggers your body's response to stress. But too much adrenaline can disrupt your body's chemical balance and put you in survival mode. If you feel this way, it's time for you to take a step back and review how you run your practice.