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Are You a Crafty Lawyer, or a Crafting Lawyer? One Is Better
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Being a crafty lawyer is almost a badge of honor, but being a crafting lawyer is better.
That's because crafting, like many hobbies, can make you a better person. It's about work-life balance, which most lawyers find hard to achieve.
Some lawyers make it an art form -- literally -- like Jeena Cho, co-author of The Anxious Lawyer.
Relax and Recharge
Cho, a San Francisco attorney, got a bump for her book from the ABA Journal. The magazine featured her in a piece on how crafting helps lawyers relax and recharge.
"We need to be whole human beings, which means developing all the aspects of ourselves," she said. "Everyone has a creative side, and it's important to nurture it."
To help her find more balance in life, Cho took up sewing. She makes handbags, skirts, and loungewear. It's not a career, but the time out helped save hers.
According to reports, it's a real thing for lawyers across the country. They say hobbies like sewing, crafting, and woodworking are great ways to de-stress.
De-Stress for Success
Patrick Meriwether, an Atlanta attorney, retreats to his basement workshop when he needs a break. He made his family's dining table, his first-born's crib, outdoor furniture, and his office desk.
"When you're dealing with the drama found in family law, it's getting into the shop and pulling the beauty out of a piece of wood that, in addition to my faith, keeps me sane," Meriwether said.
FindLaw blogger William Peacock said hobbies can help lawyers balance their work-life. They can even save your life.
"[I]f you don't want to die of a heart attack after 15 years of working 200-hour weeks, you might want to try a little bit of balance," he wrote.
Have an open position at your law firm? Post the job for free on Indeed, or search local candidate resumes.
Related Resources:
- What Are the Weirdest Law Office Amenities? (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Zen and the Art of the Funny Cease and Desist Letter (FindLaw's Strategist)
- When Should A Lawyer Flip on a Client? (FindLaw's Strategist)
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