“A Road Less Traveled:"" Recommendations for Making a Transition in the Middle of Your Career

Career transitions can be tough. Especially if you are making a transition in the middle of your career. Whether it’s moving to a new city or office, changing your field or area of practice, or going into solo practice, it can be hard to adjust to your new role or position.

Last year, I made the decision to move from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Washington, DC, for my new job with the ABA Commission on Law and Aging. It was difficult to leave my former co-workers with whom I had worked for over eight years.  It was also hard to leave my personal friends—many of whom I had met through my job, church, and cycling community.  But, perhaps the hardest people to leave were my parents. Though we are still able to speak to each other daily on the phone or through FaceTime, I miss being able to physically “check in” with them and see them regularly.

While change during the middle of your career can be hard, here are five things I have learned that can ease the transition and help you adjust to the new role or position:

1. Build a community network within your new role or position.  Your title or office may have changed, but you can still build a community network within your new role or position.  If you are working in a new office, take the time to meet and get to know your new co-workers, especially the people with whom you may be working on cases or projects. You can also build a new community with members of your local bar association (who may be especially helpful if you are changing the field of your practice or looking to meet other attorneys in your new community).  The American Bar Association can also be helpful in connecting you with other members, committees, or divisions that can help you adjust to your new position or area of practice.
2. Build a community network outside of your new role or position. It’s also important to build a community network outside your new role or position-- especially if you are seeking to create a sustainable work-life balance. Good places to build community outside of work include churches, book clubs, men’s or women’s groups, running or fitness groups, and volunteer activities (i.e., “Habitat for Humanity,” “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America,” or “Ask a Lawyer” events in your community). I found the local cycling community in DC to be a great place to meet new people and get in a good workout after work.  I also attend a women’s book study through my church, which has helped me to engage spiritually with other people in my new community.
3. Find new opportunities to grow or enhance your new role or position.  Taking on a new role or position can be challenging.  You may find yourself having to learn a new area of the law or new skills for the position.  It may be beneficial to find new opportunities that grow or enhance your new role or position. You can do this by looking for available CLEs offered in your new field or area of law, which may be offered through the local bar association or ABA. You could also look for classes offered at local colleges or community centers to grow or enhance your skill set—many of the classes may be available online or could be covered by your employer. For example, I have found classes in Microsoft Office to be fun and marketable, building on “soft skills” that are often valuable to offices and employers.
4. Find a mentor within your new role or position. Finding a mentor is important, especially when you are transitioning in the middle of your career. Mentors are experienced, have been “around the block,” and know what they are doing.  Most importantly, they can guide you and help you adjust to your new role or position. I have been fortunate to find a mentor in every new position that I have undertaken. Look for the person who has been in your position or area of practice for a long period of time, who is happy to help you learn and answer your questions when needed. You may even be able to identify several people who can serve in this capacity. It makes transitions much easier when you have someone to go to when you need advice, assistance, or a good laugh.  
5. Don’t quit. Change is hard and the road to making a transition in the middle of your career is not often easy. While it may be difficult to adjust to your new role or position, don’t quit. It takes time to build a new community network, to find new opportunities for growth, and to find a mentor within your new role or position. As the saying goes, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” When presented with the opportunity to achieve your goals or dreams, you should always go for it and never look back.