One of the biggest issues new lawyers discover is that the demands of the job are very real and don't end when the office closes. It's a difficult transition from law student/post-bar exam purgatory to full-fledged lawyer. But the truth is that even veteran lawyers still struggle with work-life balance.
Fortunately, these days, the topic of work-life balance is rather prevalent in the mainstream, and that means you can probably find some leeway for trying to find out what that means for you. Below are three tips on figuring out how to find your own work-life balance.
Start Small
Understanding your own needs for work-life balance isn't easy. But, if you don't want to burn out, you'll need to learn to value and nurture other aspects of your life. Forbes suggests starting small. One easy way to start on a path to ensuring your career doesn't get in the way of your happiness is to start small, with little, restorative, indulgences. These are things like a massage, or other spa treatment, taking a dip in a hot tub, or having a steam. It could even involve going to a ball game. Basically, pick an activity you'd like to do instead of working for an afternoon, schedule it so you're not messing anything up work-wise, and go do it.
Schedule Balance
You are a priority, so make time for yourself. When it comes to your calendar, while it is critical that your cases are calendared properly, that's not all you need to have on there to ensure your success in life. Put the important personal dates, like vacations or your own birthday, and those of significant others and family and friends, include anniversaries, or other meaningful dates. And it shouldn't stop there, on a day to day basis, if you find it difficult to make time for yourself, make it: Put daily meditation, exercise, or even just your lunch breaks, on your calendar.
Try Different Things
When Justice Kagan recently talked to the Harvard 1Ls, she tried to explain her career trajectory. From law clerk, to lawyer, to Dean, to Solicitor General, to Justice ... it all just seemed to meander together somehow for her. Justice Kagan was open to new experiences and trying new things.
If your life feels out of balance or off course, try doing something different to change it.
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Related Resources:
- Work-Life Balance for the In-House Attorney: Myth or Reality? (FindLaw's In House)
- Work-Life Balance: Can the Greedy Associate Have It All? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Justice Ginsburg Is Looking Out for Your Work-Life Balance (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
