Feeling Stuck, burned out, and don’t know what to do

Question

I’ve worked in the legal field as a legal assistant for 13 years, with the vast majority of that time dealing with family law matters (divorces, custody, support, etc.). While I absolutely love the people I work with, I’ve grown tired and burned out of what I do. I’m the type of person that needs a challenge to stay interested/motivated/focused, and I’ve gotten to a point where everything I do is repetitive and easy. I previously expressed an interest to our firm’s management in becoming a full-fledged paralegal once our “domestic section” paralegal retires in the next couple of years; however, since I’ve taken on more of a hybrid position, I don’t know if that’s what I want to do anymore since it’s not entirely different than what I’m doing now. I’m not even sure if I want to continue within the legal field anymore because of how I feel currently. I have three attorneys that I assist, and I’ve asked my appellate attorney if there’s anything I can help with to learn new things and I never get anything from him outside of the “normal” things I handle. I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place: loving the people I work with, but borderline hating what I do. I don’t know if I need a change of scenery of a completely new work environment, different aspects of the law to focus on, or a complete overhaul of my career. I’ve noticed myself becoming very cynical of the issues that arise in our cases, and I don’t like it. Anyone feel this way and how did you “get past it”?

Barb Hansen · Answer

I was in a very similar place after (strangely enough) 13 years in the health care field.

I loved the actual technical work but I didn't love the repetitiveness of it all.   I wasn't not happy in my job but I could see the unhappiness looming in my future.

I pivoted out of healthcare and into a job with a healthcare-related start-up (in the early days of the internet).

I was using my healthcare knowledge in a different way and I luckily fell into a job that was a great fit for me. It's been 25 years since I leapt into tech startups and I am still excited to go to work every day (well almost every day :) ) so my pivot worked out well for me.

I don't know if taking your legal knowledge to another type of job is a fit for you but it worked for me ;)

Mindy Green · Answer

I think it’s natural to get in a rut after doing the same job for years. For me, I usually have to find a new job or take on a new skill every 3-5 years so I don’t get bored.

You are attempting to learn new things, but sounds like you don’t really have a work environment supporting your growth.

I would take a good look at what it is you love about what you do now, and explore what jobs allow you to do it. Maybe it’s not being a paralegal, but being a lawyer. Or, maybe it’s social work or family counseling that might be your next move.

Consider getting a mentor in the industry. Someone outside of that firm to reawaken your love of the law.  Like Barb said, using what you do in a different way could be the key to your new found happiness.

Kristyn Parker-Meyer · Answer

It's definitely a stressful career to be in. I would be sure to take some time to reflect on your hearts desires for the future. <3

Feeling Stuck, burned out, and don’t know what to do

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