Are You Easily Distracted? Maybe You Shouldn't Be a Lawyer

Reasons to Consider NOT Being a Lawyer
 
Whatever your reasons for attending law school, you put in a lot of long hours and hard work to graduate. Then came the bar, and you burned the midnight oil until you passed. You may have even been excited to land your first job. Then something unexpected happened. After all the expense and hard work involved in becoming an attorney, you struggle to find satisfaction in your career.


The problem could be that you haven’t found the right firm for you, but it is possible that your personality type just does not mesh with the practice of law. Some people figure that out about themselves before they invest years in the study of law, but it is not uncommon to only find out after you have your degree. That doesn’t mean that it is too late to change careers, and still benefit from the investment in law school.

Personality types well suited for the practice of law
 

• The assertive extrovert—this person is commonly described as “a people person.” They enjoy social interaction and thrive on establishing relationships. They tend to be goal-oriented, and they do not have a fragile ego.
• The advocate—these people thrive on serving others and are the attorneys you will find in public interest firms or as in-house counsel for non-profit agencies.
• The competitor—the competitor is someone who thrives on logic and rational thinking. Their thought processes are orderly, and they tend to be extremely articulate. Those who fall into this category also have a Type A personality and are driven to succeed. They thrive on rules and enjoy practicing many types of law. These people may be born litigators or successful corporate attorneys.

Personality types not suited for the practice of law

The practice of law is often not the best career choice for those who tend to be creative dreamers, get bored easily, thrive on an adventure, or who want the freedom to explore the world around them. These people are often attracted to the concept of studying law because of the challenge it presents. Still, when the reality of practicing law sets in, they struggle with the repetitiveness.

Creativity frequently goes hand in hand with a short attention span, making the day to day life of being a lawyer painful. If you fall into one of these categories, even if you don’t realize it until after law school, it does not mean you are a failure. There are many ways to put your degree to good use in a career that fits your personality.

The following list is just a few of the career paths available to those with a background in law. Many people find careers unrelated to the study of law and look back on their time spent studying the law as learning what didn’t work for them. Others use their law degrees in creative ways, helping them build successful careers without being attorneys.
 

1. Start, or work for, a non-profit. Whatever your passion for helping, whether it is the planet or the homeless, a non-profit allows you to use your legal education without being tied to the practice of law. Working for a non-profit can provide a deep sense of accomplishment that you are making a difference in the world.
2. Public policy advisor—If you have an interest in politics, and want to help shape the world, you might make a great public policy advisor. You will spend your days researching and writing reports that lawmakers will use to change the laws that govern our country. Working as a public policy advisor can also serve as a launching point to a career in politics if that interests you.
3. Human resource specialist—with your prior studies in employment law, you will be well qualified for this position. If you consider yourself a good judge of character and enjoy getting to know people, you might thrive in a career as a human resource specialist.
4. Lobbyist—are you a natural influencer who thrives on socializing? If so, you might make a great fit as a lobbyist. If you follow current events and can explain complex issues in a way that people genuinely relate to, then this career might deserve serious consideration.
5. Teacher or professor—Can you see yourself teaching political science or government to a group of high school kids? Does it excite you to think of reaching young minds, and challenging them to think in new ways? If you love the prospect of teaching, but prefer more complex topics, then you might make a perfect professor. A career in education can also leave you with free time to explore passions or hobbies and to travel during the summer months.
6. Mediator—If you like problem-solving, and enjoy helping others, then you might want to use your education to become a mediator.Mediators work in a variety of fields, including family law, civil court, employment, and community disputes. If you thrive in an environment where every day presents a different challenge, and you like working with people, then you might want to give this career some serious consideration.
7. Risk assessment—Whether you work for a large multi-national corporation, or a small municipality, assessing programs or proposals for potential risks can offer excitement, flexibility, and the chance to travel. Insurance is the field most common for those who work in risk-assessment, but opportunities exist in everything from technology to environmental studies.
8. Law enforcement—Law enforcement is a broad field, and you could work at the local, state, or federal level. For adventurous types who enjoy a challenge while providing a valuable service to others, law enforcement could be the perfect opportunity.
9. Editor or author—Surviving law school means honing your writing and editing skills. If you enjoyed this part of the process, then why not turn it into a career? You could choose to work for a legal publication or freelance your skills, which would allow you to work from anywhere. Freelance writing or editing makes a terrific vocation for someone who wants to travel or live in a place where there might be limited jobs available.
10. A small business owner—identify a need and open a business to fill the need. You have the skills to save money on legal work and the freedom that comes from working for yourself.If you can start and operate a successful small business, you have the option of selling the business for a profit and moving on to another opportunity.

There are ample opportunities to use a law degree by serving others. Whether you become a mediator, a law enforcement official, or a teacher, you will be doing good in this world while giving yourself a chance at happiness as well. With the fast pace of life today, it is common for people to change careers throughout their lifetime. No rule says you cannot do the same if you are a lawyer.

Do not try to “tough out” a career practicing law if you genuinely feel it is not the right fit for you. It is unfair to you and to clients who depend on you for the best representation possible. Many attorneys feel they have no choice because of the time and money they have invested in a law degree, but numerous careers can provide a return on that investment. Life is too short to spend it in a career that does not bring you a sense of satisfaction.