In response to yesterday’s trip down memory lane, attorney RG asked, “What if you don’t like what you do (law but can’t change that). . .”
I love a good challenge and “can’t change that” is about as good as it gets.
Of course you can change that, RG.
It might be difficult, emotionally wrenching, expensive, and take a long time, but it can be done. Many lawyers do it and so can you.
Start by asking yourself questions like, “How can I change my situation? What would I like to do instead? How do I find a way to “like” what I do?”
You can change your situation but first you must give yourself permission to do it. Before you can do that, you must give yourself permission to believe that it’s possible.
Onward.
I don’t know what it is that you don’t like about your work but I peeked at your website and see that (a) you are a sole practitioner who offers an array of services, and (b) you do litigation.
My first suggestion is to look at ways to reconstitute your practice areas.
Choose a practice area you like (or hate less) and focus on that. Take a partner or refer everything else out.
If litigation is a source of stress and long hours and “don’t like,” you can change that too. You can outsource some or all of it. Get an “of counsel” relationship with a firm and let them do the heavy lifting. Hire someone and keep it in house. Or refer it out.
Hold on, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that if you have fewer practice areas and outsource your litigation you’ll lose income and you can’t afford that. Am I right?
Well, what if that didn’t happen? What if you find that specializing allows you to increase your income? And what if the time you free up by outsourcing some or all of your litigation gives you room to bring in more of the work you enjoy and that pays well?
That’s what I found when I did it.
At first, turning away business was scary. But the vacuum i created by doing so was soon filled with work that paid more and required less time. If you’ve read my stuff, you know that I quadrupled my income and reduced my work-week to three days.
I’m sure there are other issues that cause you to want to “get out”. Many of these are fixable, too.
But if you can’t fix them, start working on a plan to get out.
Here’s how I did it:
I got good at marketing and built up a war chest that gave me options.
I started two side businesses The first helped me to replace my practice income. The second provided me with passive income which allowed me to retire and do what I love.
I don’t know who said it but this quote seems to fit: “You should either do what you love, or find something that gives you enough time and money to do what you love.â€
How to choose your specialty (and why you should): here
