What are you leading with?

Many attorneys I speak with are exploring new jobs and lifestyles.  Some want to continue to practice the law, but just need to leave their current, negative situation.  Others want to explore non-legal roles that may be more in line with their skill sets.  And still others desire a leave of absence or some time off in order to take stock and plan next steps. Many jump in right away and shift their mind set towards these new jobs, visiting career sites, enlisting recruiters and polishing resumes. It’s essential to realize that the most important part of leaving law and getting a job you like and enjoy and are good at is not the actual job.  Rather, it’s the criteria you use to select and prioritize this job. There are many elements to consider when looking at a job:  salary, bonuses, lifestyle, stature, skills required, daily enjoyment.  And of course for many of us, money (specifically, that initial, advertised salary) always forces it way to the top of the list.  And that is fine.  We all need money, there is not much more stressful than having no money. But there are more elements to a job than money. We wouldn’t be thinking of leaving the law if money was all there was. The criteria you lead with, you will likely get.