Tonight, I found myself researching tiny houses to install on plots of land in rural Texas.
Is this what a mid-life crisis looks like? Shouldn't there be a sporty car? A new wardrobe? Or at least a yoga retreat?
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about what's next and where I will find meaning. Since I don't have a family of my own, I typically look to my career for meaning, but big law has nearly run its course. It's time for a change. A change that could be an adjustment as minor as a new lawyer job, as considerable as a new career, or as major as a new career in a new city. Fortunately, I have options. A truly embarrassing array of options. With no children, no spouse, and no student loans, my only constraint is a mortgage, which could be disposed of in short order through the sale of my house.
I can do anything. ANYTHING.
For this, I am grateful, but--let's face it--people with too many options often spend so much time considering them that the opportunities pass them by. Like that guy that never settles down because the BBD (bigger, better deal, for the uninitiated) might be lurking behind his next swipe on the dating apps in his smartphone. Yup, like that.
None of the women in my family were so free of obligation, so flush with resources and so enriched with choice in their mid-thirties. There is no defined path. No template to follow. I am truly fortunate, but I also need to start narrowing my options so I can evaluate and choose.
When you're in a rut, what do you do to break free of the lethargy and move forward?
3 comments:
I am a lawyer too. I am generally risk adverse, so my (unsolicited) advice is try something similar, but a little different before changing everything in your life! Maybe a new law job with fewer billable hours? Or in-house? Something that leaves more time for a meaningful hobby or vacations. Could also rotate the hobby? Just some random thoughts, but hope you find what you are looking for!
inertia is so strong for me. Over and over, I've found that I refuse to leave anything until I'm pretty much forced out. If someone gives you an answer to this, I'm eager to try it myself! I was recently "forced out" of my job--we found out it didn't qualify for PSLF and I had to get out ASAP. I'm loving my new job so far, so I am really excited for your next adventure, whatever shape it takes!
Agree with the in-house advice - I have found in house much more rewarding and fun than being at a firm.
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