Inertia is a powerful foe. Long periods of no change fool us with a false sense of safety. Yet change is inevitable, whether sudden or expected. It forces one to look at life differently and to find a new purpose and direction. But finding a new purpose and fighting inertia are at odds. And the fight is real.
Our profession demands dedication, intellect, and, often, significant personal sacrifice. Our identities as lawyers are inextricably bound to what we do for a living. We also attach to the other roles in our lives (e.g., as parents) with the same zeal. Yet, for all of us, the time will come when the scales of our own priorities may tip, and the pursuit of a new purpose beckons. Triggering events might be a lateral move to a different career, adult children leaving the nest, a looming retirement, a sickness, job burnout, a simple desire for a fresh challenge, or an uneasy combination thereof. Daunting? No question. But finding a new purpose can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with meaning and fulfillment. Here are some tips to get in a productive mindset for your next act.
View change not as the enemy but as a portal to something new, not synonymous with loss and failure, even if the change thrust upon you is not your choice. Truly respect change as an opportunity for growth and exploration, and to remove unsatisfying, staid patterns that are no longer useful or perhaps even possible.
This is particularly true for lawyer-parents whose kids have flown the coop. A critical part of a parent’s job is discharging, wherever possible, the obligation to launch independent humans. Even if the job has been dutifully performed, parents on move-in day at colleges are often a tearful mess when saying goodbye to their freshman children who look forward to their parents returning home (“How can I miss you if you don’t go?”).
When a change is imminent, consider embracing it. Know that it will take some time to figure out the next steps.
Kick off the dust and do some naval-gazing. What drives you beyond the courtroom, the boardroom, or the carpool line? What issues or causes resonate deeply with you? What drove you before your J.D., kids, and/or career? What events in your community do you enjoy? What about nonprofit organizations whose missions you like? If your answer is “I don’t know,” keep at it — you haven’t spent enough time thinking about it. The answers are there. You’re just not used to thinking about yourself in that way.
Examine what initially drew you to the law. What aspects of your legal career brought you the most satisfaction? Be honest. Reviewing the highs and lows of your career provides valuable insights with respect to your values, strengths, and areas of interest that will guide you toward your next chapter.
Change presents advantages, even if your next step has not been decided or the change is not your choice. Perhaps your former life monopolized your time so much that you weren’t often on the “to-do” list, if at all. A legal career may be intellectually stimulating but may have left little room for cultivating personal interests outside of work. Do you even know what they are? It’s time to reconnect or develop those interests now that you have more time on your hands. Use the time to reconnect with loved ones. Travel. Develop new skills. Restore your sense of wonder.
Maybe your former life created financial burdens that no longer need to be fed at the same level or that you no longer need to bear because you are content to live on less (e.g., consider that a lesser salary may be synonymous with buying back your valuable time with which you can live life more meaningfully).
Perhaps a geographical change might be good. Explore the possibility of living in another city or taking a position requiring travel.
Be open to the advantages prompted by change. Focus on them while planning your next steps and redefining who you are.
Transitioning from your current career, or maybe even from the law altogether, does not mean leaving behind your skills and experiences. Instead, it opens possibilities where those skills can be applied in different ways. Whether pursuing a passion project, starting a new business, or delving into a completely different field, allow yourself the freedom to explore different avenues. Try them on for size emotionally, daydream a bit, and see where it takes you.
As lawyers, we have carefully chiseled and honed over the years highly transferable skills. From critical thinking and problem-solving to communication and negotiation, these skills are applicable to a wide range of professions and industries. Don’t discount these skills when exploring new endeavors, whatever they may be. Consider how to leverage your expertise for a meaningful impact in areas that catch your attention. Just because a new endeavor may be far afield from litigating a case doesn’t mean your legal expertise is no longer useful or relevant.
Got time now? Give back to your community in meaningful ways. Whether through pro bono work, volunteering, or mentoring aspiring legal professionals, contributing your time and expertise can be immensely fulfilling and rewarding.
For many lawyers, finding purpose after a legal career involves seeking out work that aligns with their values and allows them to make a positive impact on the world. Investigate a role in public service, advocacy, or social justice where your legal expertise can be used to address pressing societal issues and effect meaningful change. Alternatively, you may find purpose in mentoring aspiring legal professionals, teaching, or volunteering your time and skill to support underserved communities.
For some, entrepreneurship will be the path to a new purpose. Whether launching a legal tech startup or consulting firm or pursuing another project, individuals can chart their own course and make a tangible impact on the world around them.
Take time for yourself and get on that to-do list. Get that medical checkup. Start an exercise routine. Take that art class. See some live music. Create the balance that you haven’t been able to achieve while starting a career and/or raising kids. Nurture your interests, cultivate new hobbies, and invest in relationships that bring joy and fulfillment to your life. Remember that finding a new purpose is not just about what you do but also about who you are becoming.
Transitions evoke a range of emotions from excitement, relief, and anticipation to uncertainty and apprehension, often in very conflicting ways. You may feel as if you have lost your identity, when you are simply rerouting for your next act. The wide range of emotions, as conflicting as they may be, is normal and necessary as you plan your next steps. Push through. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement along the way.
You are more than just a lawyer, your job title, a former partner or colleague, or a parent. You are a multifaceted person with unique talents, interests, and aspirations. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore new facets of yourself, to pursue new interests, and to create a life that reflects your values and priorities, particularly beyond the confines of your profession. You’ll be surprised by the new energy that may result.
Finding purpose beyond the law or within the law is a journey of self-discovery and exploration. It requires battling inertia to change ways of thinking that may no longer work for the life that you are trying to create. Also required of you are a little creativity, courage, effort, resilience, and openness to new possibilities. It’s a hackneyed expression but true: The journey is as important as the destination. By taking the time to reflect on your past legal career and on personal growth, you will find your new sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond the courtroom.
