Whether you’re in the midst of your job search, or you have been feeling unfulfilled in your current role, here are some tips for helping you find your perfect career fit.
- Consider how you want to live your life.
Do you prefer living in the city or a smaller town? Do you want to live close to your extended family? Do you want to travel a lot? Do you have another passion that you want to devote a lot of time to outside of work? Are you willing to work long hours and answer calls and emails on your free time in exchange for a higher pay cheque, or do you prefer to be able to leave work at the office?
- Consider what your career goals are.
Do you prefer working with a team or solo? Do you aim to be the managing partner of your firm, or would you be content to focus on the practice of law instead of also running a business? Do you want a stable income, or are you comfortable with a variable income? Do you work well with a billable hours structure, or do you prefer fee for service or in-house work? Do you enjoy being in court? What areas of law interest you?
- Recognize that you may be able to make a change without leaving your job.
Do you dream of more flexible work hours, a change in your practice area, or more vacation? Before you decide to move on, consider if it is possible to make that change in your current position. Even if you think your employer will not accommodate you, you never know until you ask.
- Recognize that your career and life goals may change.
This can come from a life change – a change in your relationship, a new passion, a baby – or it can come from trying something out and realizing wasn’t for you. What you wanted six months ago can be completely different from what you want now – and that’s okay!
- Recognize that it is okay to make the change if it’s not the right fit for you.
If you have tried something out and it is really not working for you, it is okay to move on to something different. You spend most of your day working, so it’s important that you enjoy it!
It is easy to feel bad about leaving – especially when you enjoy the people you work with. If it’s not right for you though, or if an opportunity that suits you better presents itself, it is important to consider your future and make the decision that makes the most sense for your career.
- Give yourself time in a given area of practice, location, or workplace.
Maybe family law or a small town truly are not right for you, but maybe you just haven’t gotten comfortable with them yet. Unless it is abundantly clear to you that it is not working for you, or a better fit comes along, give it a few months before deciding to move on.
- Think outside the box.
Maybe the firm environment isn’t right for you, or maybe something else is a better fit. Consider in-house positions, government, solo practice, or even the military.
Recognize also that having a law degree doesn’t mean you have to practise law. Many organizations value the skills obtained from law school and/or working as a lawyer, and even specifically seek employees with those qualifications.
- Surround yourself with like-minded people.
You found a position that matches up with your life and career goals, but the fit still doesn’t feel right? It could be the corporate culture. If your values don’t match those of your colleagues – such as the dress code, involvement in the community, work hours, or billing practices – it may not be the right place for you.
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