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“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
– John F. Kennedy
A few months ago, I left a friendly, value-driven, modern work environment with exciting cases and great people. Making the decision to switch jobs is not easy, and the experience has inspired me to share a few insights I gathered along the way.
Lesson 1: Embracing change: It’s hard, it’s inevitable, and you can do hard things
Change is an ever-present force in the legal profession, and as a younger attorney, I have learned it is both challenging and necessary. The transition from one job to another is a daunting endeavor, but it is also an incredible opportunity for growth. When I made the decision to change firms, I had to confront not only the uncertainty of the future, but also the fear of stepping out of my comfort zone.
Change, whether by choice or circumstance, pushes us to confront the unknown, adapt and thrive in new environments.
Expanding horizons: Change is good for the soul: Change introduces us to new experiences and challenges that expand our horizons. It pushes us to learn, adapt and develop new skills. As the legal field evolves constantly, our personal and professional lives benefit from embracing change. This willingness to embrace change helps us to grow as individuals and professionals.
Pushing your comfort zone: Stepping out of our comfort zone can be incredibly intimidating. However, it is precisely this process that enables us to discover our full potential. Change encourages us to confront our fears, make decisions and adapt to new circumstances, ultimately helping us become more resilient and versatile attorneys.
You can do hard things: Change often demands perseverance and resilience. As an attorney, you have already demonstrated your ability to tackle complex legal issues. Embracing change, too, is a challenge you can overcome. Remind yourself that you possess the skills and determination required to navigate such transitions successfully.
Lesson 2: Gaining perspective on stress and anxiety
Before making the transition, I was mired in the billable hours, cases, clients, partners, deadlines and legal issues that seemed all-consuming. The stress and anxiety were at times overwhelming. However, as soon as I committed to the new job, a surprising transformation occurred: These sources of stress and anxiety vanished.
The transient nature of stress: Stress and anxiety often are tied to specific circumstances. When you change firms or alter your professional path, you can experience the temporary relief of shedding old stressors. This is not to say that new challenges won’t arise, but it underscores the dynamic nature of our emotional responses.
The power of perspective: Experiencing this abrupt shift in stressors made me realize the importance of perspective. What felt insurmountable in one situation may not hold the same weight in another. It’s essential to maintain a healthy perspective to better manage the stressors that come our way.
Strategies for managing stress: It is crucial for young attorneys to develop early strategies for managing stress and anxiety, whether through mindfulness practices, time management techniques or seeking support from mentors and colleagues. Understanding the impermanence of stressors can help in adopting a more balanced and effective approach to stress management.
Lesson 3: Self-care and self-discovery
I was initially apprehensive about having time off work between my old job and my new one. The idea of a hiatus — even a brief one — from the fast-paced legal world was intimidating. However, the time off proved to be an unexpected gift that allowed me to develop new healthy habits and adjust my focus. I started exercising daily. I ate healthier. I finished two books and I played video games with my sisters. I took my dog on long walks and I made dinner for my husband.
At the end of a long day at the office, the thought of undertaking these additional “tasks” is daunting and can even be its own source of stress. But they also made me feel really good about myself, and when I did go back to work, it was easier to incorporate them into my new routine.
The importance of self-care: Self-care is an often-overlooked aspect of a legal career. The demands of the profession can be relentless, and it is easy to neglect one’s physical and mental well-being. During my time off, I found the space to focus on self-care, incorporating healthier habits into my daily routine.
Balancing professional and personal life: The time off also served as a period of reflection, allowing me to strike a better balance between the professional and personal aspects of my life. I later realized that taking time for myself, my family and activities I enjoy not only enhances my overall well-being, but also makes me a more effective attorney.
Self-discovery and refocusing: The break between jobs gave me the opportunity to discover new interests, spend quality time with loved ones and explore passions outside the legal field. The refocus provided me with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose as I embarked on my new journey.
Conclusion
As I start to feel settled in my new role (which I already love), I am grateful for the experiences and insights my recent transition offered. As you continue on your own journey, remember that you have the capacity to adapt, to learn and to thrive in the face of change. Embrace it, and you will find that it can be a powerful catalyst for both personal and professional development.•
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Katherine Tapp is an attorney at the national law firm Wilson Elser, where she practices civil defense litigation in Indiana and Kentucky. She currently serves on the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Advisory Committee, focusing on attorney mental health and well-being. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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