Working as a legal support professional can be challenging, thought-provoking, and even fulfilling. But if you’re finding it harder and harder to walk into work every day, it may be time to rethink your career approach. Here’s how.
Ask yourself, “Why did I choose this career?”
Start your evaluation by remembering why you chose legal support work in the first place. Did you love legal research? Enjoy the feeling of helping someone resolve a conflict or develop peace of mind with a strong estate plan? Revel in the thrill of lining up the details “just right” for trial?
List three to five “highlights” of your career, as well as three to five things you would change about your current job if you could. These will provide a framework to help you pursue what kind of position you want and avoid what you don’t.
Rethink your goals.
If you haven’t revisited your career goals in a while, it may be time to think about them again. Do you want to take on a larger leadership role? Publish an article in a trade or academic journal? Present at more conferences? Think about your major accomplishments in the past few years, as well as where you want to be in the next five years. These will help you change the path you’re on so that it aims more closely at where you want to be.
Learn a new skill.
Sometimes, finding the passion is your work is as simple as expanding what you can competently do. Consider a continuing education class that allows you to expand your work into a new area. Volunteering your skills with a cause that excites you – even if it’s not related to your current work – can also help you learn new skills and enjoy the process.
Talk to a recruiter.
A staffing firm can help you clarify what you want and find employers who offer it. Don’t hesitate to talk to a recruiter about what you’d like to do and where you can find it.
At Kent Legal, our recruiters specialize in helping experienced legal support professionals find the workplaces in which they can rediscover their passion and thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our legal support job opportunities in Toronto and beyond.