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Possible career change, thoughts?
You may have noticed in my WTF Wed post that if all things go according to our new gov's plan, State employees salaries (i.e., ME) will be reduced by 5%. Keep in mind that because we're govt. employees, we're already paid well below market value for others in our field.
This got me thinking, and talking, with DH about possibly looking for a job w/ a firm in another type of law. In criminal law, generally people are solo practitioners and do not hire associates -- this is especially true right now in this market. I don't want to go out into my own practice, so basically my only options are stay w/ the public defender, or seek out a different legal field altogether.
When I went to law school, I went with the intentions of doing criminal law. I really enjoy it, and I'm good at it. However the downsides are large -- #1 being pay (which could continually go down) and #2 being a lack of respect from my clients and sometimes other attorneys. Unfortunately people do view govt. workers as being lazy and having cushy jobs, so I don't get the same professional respect as I would in a different job. And, my clients don't think pd's are "real lawyers".
Any advice is welcome, though I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking! Where I'm at is "safe" and I know I'm happy doing what I do, but there isn't much room for growth (the last promotion I got is pretty much where it ends) and I don't want to end up stuck in the same job 10 years from now. On the other hand, I am scared I won't be happy doing anything else -- although Family Law and Estate Planning do interest me a lot.
Sorry this was so long....I obviously can't talk to anyone at work about this and I guess I needed to get it out to someone other than DH. If you read this far thanks for listening!
Re: Possible career change, thoughts?
Well as someone who works in the legal field as a peon, I'll give you my two cents.
The attorney I work for used to work for the DA's office, and then another law firm and is now on his own. He does criminal, personal injury, family, and worker's compensation. Family law is pretty stressful. Lots of damaged relationships, lots of complaining and bickering. Takes a very strong mentality to deal with it. Thank God I only have to pass messages along!
Since you can't see yourself where you are in 10 years, I would test the waters. Submit your resume to other law firms and see where it gets you. It won't hurt anything!
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I would go the divorce lawyer route, just because I'm nosy and like to know everyone's business...ahahahahahah!
Corporate law would be so boring, but it might be the best option in today's market. And they are the firms that usually seem to hire on a group of people rather than just one.
Or, option 3, move to Nebraska, start your own firm here! : ) We are in desperate need of good lawyers SO bad! The ones we have here are completely overbooked, and the criminal-ness would be majority DUI's and such, so you don't extremely hate your clients, you just pity their stupidity. Plus, the cops here are friggin' dumb azzes, so you could probably win every single case! Plus, you're hott, so you would get TONS of business from the men... ; )
I have no useful knowledge of the law field, but as someone who changed careers (from accounting to education) I just wanted to tell you that I understand how scary it can be to leave something you know, for something you don't know. But, with that said, you have to do what makes you happy and fits your lifestyle best. Better money is great, but not if you have to sacrifice your time or happiness.
You have to decide what's important to you (the money, the hours, the work itself, etc) and make your decision in the context according to your current priorities and future priorities (like children?)
I hope that helps a little!!! No matter what, I'm sure you will be successful because you are bright and compassionate and it sounds like you are great at what you do !!!!!
Haha Danie sorry but I'm not giving up my Florida winters!
Family Law I agree is emotionally draining, but I'm used to that in my current job (dealing with families seeing their people off to prison for years is tough!). It's also one of the harder fields to get into b/c there aren't many firms in my town. There are a few real estate litigation positions available which is not my ideal, but not the end of the world either.
Sigh. Lots of thinking to do this weekend!
@ Paula -- I've only had a couple cases go up for appeal so idk if you've seen me, but I've certainly seen your work haha
@ Allison -- That is really good advice and I appreciate it. My conflict comes from not knowing what's best for me haha! Great hours and fun at work is awesome, but at some point I feel that I need a little more of a challenge and respect as well. I just don't know if that point has come for me.
This! It doesn't hurt to test the waters and see what positions would be available for you. You don't want to regret NOT doing this later. . . but it doesn't mean that you have to accept any other position either.
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Do you know anyone in the fields of law you are thinking about to talk to? I think talking to someone about the pros and cons of each area will help you make a decision.
I'm all in favor of changing careers if it will make you happier. I know someone who made megabucks at Citibank for years, and then quit to become a math teacher in the Bronx; she's like my hero. I will caution you though to make sure that you're not just switching jobs for money reasons, and that you really like what you'll be doing. You'll be working for many years to come, you have to do something you enjoy.
How is the legal field in FL? I know up here it's awful, a lot of lawyers are unemployed or underemployed. But I agree, it can't hurt to see what's out there.
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