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You may be considering moving on from the legal profession – perhaps you feel that you are not suited to it or are finding it hard to manage the pressures. LawCare’s aim is to support you through this process and consider your options.
REVIEWING THE SITUATION
Before you make the decision to change career, ask yourself some questions:
THE THREE LEVELS OF CAREER CHANGE
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
The grass isn’t always greener elsewhere, and starting somewhere new can be difficult. Remember that you are a well educated and highly trained professional, who is worth employing. If you choose to leave the law altogether, don’t feel that the time you spent training has been wasted: your skills will be valuable elsewhere, and they don’t obligate you to remain in a job you don’t enjoy. And don’t make any drastic career decisions if you are depressed or experiencing another mental health concern. Go and see the GP and ensure you feel better before making major decisions about the future.
CAREERS COUNSELLING
Be your own careers counsellor: Give yourself a career “check-up". Put together a comprehensive and detailed personal history including your professional status, education, employment, professional affiliations, marital and family background and financial needs. Remember to include all of your experiences in practice, including administration, staff relations or finance. Talk this through with someone, or brainstorm on a blank sheet of paper. Your aim should be to evaluate your career goals, clarify your values and priorities, and develop a concrete and realistic plan for changing job or career. There are careers counsellors who can help you identify your skills and strengths.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES
You may prefer to seek expert professional help, from a recruitment agency or professional careers counsellor or coach to get your CV up-to-date and as attractive as possible. You could also explore temporary or contract employment opportunities as a transitional option to get you out of an unhappy situation and to buy you some thinking time.
TIPS FOR RETIREMENT
If you are approaching retirement it is worth taking the time to think about how you will spend your time once retired, and making a plan. Many high-achievers working hard find it difficult to make the transition.
• Allow yourself time to think and reassess. Set new objectives and personal goals
• Take steps to redefine who you are. "Ex Partner" or "ex Head of" shouldn't define you for the next few decades.
• Be ready for business contacts not to return your calls and emails so readily.
• Don't be surprised if some of the hobbies you were planning don’t materialise just because you've got more time.
• Address physical and mental niggles; they might become more than niggles if you leave them.
If you are considering retirement you may like to read this blog from Tim Latham.
If you are thinking about your career options and need some support, we can help. Contact us in confidence, call our helpline 0800 279 6888, email us, access our live chat service via our home page or apply for peer support.
You have been absolutely brilliant. I now feel I have a future
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