Every year, the advent of January 1 appears to instigate a period of reflection on the setting of new goals and a review of career satisfaction is one of those subjects near the top of the list.

In this (hopefully) post-covid year of 2021, that period of reflection is even more intense. While working remotely, we have had more time to ponder the subjects of where we are working and what we are doing; are they ideal and well aligned with our personal and professional objectives and qualities.

Each January, we receive a spike in calls from lawyers at all levels in their careers who have reflected and are now acting on those real and perceived career dissatisfactions. This year has proven to be no different.

Each call is unique and presents a challenge. Advising on a career change is a serious responsibility; the workplace is where the majority of one’s time is spent; it is where we derive so much of our social identity; it needs to be a win-win for both lawyer and employer.
Some who call are still tentative, others are clearly resolved in their decisions to change. Some have a clear ‘call to action’ whether by choice or necessity; others are still in exploratory mode. For some the need for change is clear and obvious; for others, our calls conclude with “maybe it isn’t so bad where I am”.

Taking the time to examine the seeds of dissatisfaction and preparing a simple “pros and cons” checklist are a great place to start.

Some guidelines…

• Why are you questioning your current employment? What is the motivation for change – is it a “push” away from the unacceptable or a “pull” to something better?
• Do you face each Monday morning with anticipation or trepidation; with eagerness or resignation?
• Is your profession a passion; are you positively and constructively engaged?
• Do you feel appreciated, recognized/valued for your contribution? Is there meaningful collaboration in your team?
• Do you see a future going forward – either through advancement or continued engagement?
• Have those “negatives” become more consuming? E.g. are you working in a practice area that is not your first choice and there is no opportunity to shift? There may be actions by a colleague that are increasingly intolerable; respect/ethics in the workplace no longer reflect your values. Or maybe work/life balance is unacceptably out of kilter, or you know that your compensation does not reflect your professional contribution or market values…
• Do you have the mentorship and collegial support appropriate and necessary at this stage in your career?

If this first analysis is full of ammunition for the “con” side of your balance sheet, then a change could truly be warranted and your answers should guide the priorities and focus for the next step in your career.

Alternatively, perhaps this period of reflection is the time to focus on the “pros” side of your ledger, and will serve as an opportunity to recognize that this year is one to celebrate, with gratitude, a rewarding and satisfying career. It may inspire you to take more time to “give-back” to others – mentoring, volunteering, undertaking pro-bono files. Perhaps this year is the year to invest in projects that were postponed or put aside – personal as well as professional projects. Writing, speaking, sharing your professional expertise; taking courses to advance your knowledge, contributing to boards and non-profits.

After 2020, many are just so anxious to close the chapter on such a difficult year but most have realized that empathy, consideration, feeling valued, respect, friendship, were what really mattered. As our offices lay empty, our career wardrobes were mothballed, and our daily routines were radically changed, we all recognized that what really mattered was being honest about what is “bottom-line important”.

 

— Barbara Shore, President and Michel Ohayon, Senior Consultant