Leaving The Law -- Part 5/6

Strategy #5
The Power of Exploration

Once you’ve identified some exciting career possibilities, it’s time to test them. That can seem impossible when you’ve already got a full-time job. This strategy is all about using your creativity to find ways to test out the jobs of your dreams.

I talk to a lot of dissatisfied lawyers who’d prefer to stay on the brink and just daydream about how wonderful the alternative careers they’ve come up with will be. But if your ideas just stay in your head, you’re going to find yourself still at your law firm next year.

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Hit the library! Or your local bookstore. It’s the first place my clients go to get a wealth of information on the careers that interest them.

Sample it! Scheme your way into spending some time with an individual or organization that does what fascinates you. Curious about being a chiropractor? Ask yours if you can spend a day with her. Maybe personal coaching has piqued your interest. Sign up for a class.

Talk to others! I’m a big fan of informational interviews with folks. There’s nothing like getting the good, the bad, and the ugly from someone who spends their days immersed in work you think you might enjoy. Create a list of questions about the issues that make you curious and go pick someone’s brain.

One more strategy to go!