Last month, Jared Correia wrote two excellent posts on why older lawyers are finding it harder to stay employed and the challenges encountered because of certain employer assumptions. Now it’s time to focus on what out-of-work senior lawyers should be doing to rejoin the workforce.
Here are my five to-dos.
1. Count Your Blessings
You have plenty to be grateful for. It may be your family, your health, your friends, and perhaps you even own a house where the mortgage has been paid. Every day, remind yourself of what these things are. You are more than a job; never forget that.
2. Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself
It’s time for some tough love. I am well aware that whatever the circumstances surrounding your job loss, you believe it just doesn’t seem fair. And you know what? You’re probably right. But get over it. Dwelling on the past will not help you find a job. In fact, it will hinder your job search. No one wants to hire someone who complains or whines about their predicament. Do not start your job search until you can start looking forward. Think ahead, not behind.
3. Take Care of Yourself
Being unemployed and looking for work is stressful. Don’t be too hard on yourself. While looking for a job is a full-time job, you still need to take a break. Exercise. Read a novel. Do whatever it takes to relax your mind and body on a regular basis.
4. Take a “Time Out”
Your next job may very well be the last one in your career. Reflect. Do you really still want to do the same old, same old? Perhaps now is the time to explore something new (within or outside of the legal profession) that you were too risk-averse to consider while employed.
5. Be Persistent and Patient
Looking for work is never easy — and it certainly is not when some of your hair is gray. Stay focused on your job-hunting plan and don’t give up. Accept the fact that it will likely take longer than you hope to find a new job. And yes, even though it is against the law, you may even be discriminated against because of your age. The likelihood of proving that, however, is slim to none. (I practiced employment law for 20 years before becoming an attorney coach and know this area all too well.) It is usually best to move on. There are employers who value experience and maturity; you’ll just have to keep searching until you find them. And you will, if you remember the “two P’s” and are persistent and patient.
This Too Shall Pass
You’ve already lived a relatively full life. So being unemployed as a senior lawyer is probably not your first significant setback, be it professional or personal. You’ve bounced back before, and there is no reason to think you can’t do it one more time.
Good luck. A little of that can’t hurt, either!
Roy S. Ginsburg is an attorney coach who works one-to-one in the areas of business development, practice management and career development. He has practiced law for more than 25 years in large to small firms and in a corporate setting. He is currently an active solo with a part-time practice in legal marketing ethics and employment law. Learn more at www.royginsburg.com.
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