ATTORNEYS – Finding Your Dream Job – 6 Simple Steps to Get You Started

Let’s face it. The biggest question on your mind is, “What am I going to do with my life?” It is something I know you have put off thinking about because there seems to be no simple answer. If you are like most unhappy practicing lawyers, you get panicky every time you think about this question. You dread going out because friends always ask what you are going to do if you don’t practice law, and you feel like you are supposed to have a well thought out life plan. They are always telling you about so-and-so who has unexpectedly gotten a call from an old friend to be the “general counsel of a new cool company” or some other urban lawyer legend. It is impossible to live up to the expectations. Well, I have good news. You are normal. This is what everyone who has ever left the law has thought at one time or another in their lives.

So, how do you figure out what your dream job is, anyway? The first thing you have to do is ask yourself some hard questions. I know many of you are thinking, oh no, this is going to be one of those touchy-feely parts where someone is going to cry. This is not a giant group hug! What I want you to do is observe yourself. Pretend you are a scientist studying your own behaviors. What are your likes and dislikes? What are you good at? What are your passions? What do you do in your spare time? What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail, but if you tried you would be a huge success? Forget about what you think you can’t do. Today, the sky is the limit. Anything is possible. Allow yourself to dream!

Here are the top 6 tips for figuring out what the heck your dream job is anyway!

1. Look at your life clues:
   1. Life speaks in whispers, listen.
   2. What are you drawn to?
   3. Look at your bedroom. What books and magazines do you read? What hobbies are you interested in? What are your passions?
2. Meet non-lawyers:
   1. Talk to everyone you meet about what they do and how they got there.
   2. Talk to people about their interests.
   3. Observe what interests you about other people.
3. Keep a notebook:
   1. Brainstorm job titles.
   2. Think of all the careers and industries you might be interested in.
   3. Allow yourself to dream big.
4. Be patient:
   1. It takes time, keep moving forward.
   2. Take action, propel yourself into momentum.
5. Expose yourself to new things:
   1. Read a “how to” book.
   2. Attend a conference.
   3. Join toastmasters and practice public speaking.
   4. Ask for new responsibilities in a part time job.
   5. Join committees.
   6. Volunteer for responsibilities you have never tried.
   7. Try something new and crazy.
6. Be open to all possibilities.
   1. There is nothing silly about pursuing your dreams.
   2. Stop thinking this is a “silly pipe dream” and go for it.

Life is too short to give up on your dreams. May you discover, land and excel at your life’s career!

© Work in Progress, Inc. 2008-2009