Finding your perfect career fit is often like finding the perfect pair of shoes. You likely will have to try a few pairs before you find the right one, and after a few years you might be looking for a new pair.

These days, it is very uncommon for people to stick to one job for their entire working life. I find this to be a positive thing. Self-care = moving on when something no longer works for us. Sometimes we outgrow our roles, other times it never worked in the first place, and sometimes it is simply a case of something better coming along.

Personally, I have moved a few times in my relatively short legal career, and countless other times have explored opportunities I decided not to pursue.

Whether you’re in the midst of your job search, or you have been feeling unfulfilled in your current role, here are some tips for helping you find your perfect career fit.

How do you want to live your life?

Do you prefer living in the city or a smaller town? Do you want to live close to your extended family? Do you want to travel a lot? Do you have another passion that you want to devote a lot of time to outside of work? Are you willing to work long hours and answer calls and emails on your free time in exchange for a higher pay cheque, or do you prefer to be able to leave work at the office?

What are your career goals?

Do you prefer working with a team or solo? Do you aim to be the managing partner of your firm, or would you be content to focus on the practice of law instead of also running a business? Do you want a stable income, or are you comfortable with a variable income? Do you work well with a billable hours structure, or do you prefer fee for service or in-house work? Do you enjoy being in court? What areas of law interest you? 

Can you make the change you desire without leaving your job?

Do you dream of more flexible work hours, a change in your practice area, or more vacation? Before you decide to move on, consider if it is possible to make that change in your current position. Even if you think your employer will not accommodate you, you never know until you ask.

Your career and life goals may change

This can come from a life change – a change in your relationship, a new passion, a baby – or it can come from trying something out and realizing wasn’t for you. What you wanted 6 months ago can be completely different from what you want now – and that’s okay!

Make the decision based on what is right for you

If you have tried something out and it is really not working for you – or if there is simply a better opportunity presented to you – it is okay to move on to something different. You spend most of your day working, so it’s important that you enjoy it! 

It is easy to feel bad about leaving – especially when you enjoy the people you work with. If it’s not right for you though, or if an opportunity that suits you better presents itself, it is important to consider your future and make the decision that makes the most sense for your career. No matter how well you get along with your colleagues and bosses, your workplace is a business and would certainly make the decision to end their business relationship with you if it was no longer beneficial to them.

Give yourself time to determine whether you found the right fit

Maybe family law or a small town truly are not right for you, but maybe you just haven’t gotten comfortable with them yet. Unless it is abundantly clear to you that your area of practice, location, or job in general is not working for you (or a better fit comes along) give it a few months before deciding to move on if you are able to.

Think outside the box

Maybe the firm environment isn’t right for you, or maybe something else is a better fit. If you want to remain practicing, consider in-house positions, government, solo practice, or even the military. 

Recognize also that having a law degree doesn’t mean you have to practice law. Many organizations value the skills obtained from law school and/or working as a lawyer, and even specifically seek employees with those qualifications.

Be open to exploring other opportunities

You never know when an interesting opportunity might come along that would be even better suited for you than your current job – maybe even something you never thought of before. Let yourself explore those opportunities and have conversations – you never know where they might lead.

Personally, exploring opportunities has led to me making changes, but more often has confirmed to me that the position I was already in was a better fit.

Surround yourself with like-minded people

You found a position that matches up with your life and career goals, but the fit still doesn’t feel right? It could be the corporate culture. If your values don’t match those of your colleagues – such as the dress code, involvement in the community, work hours, or billing practices – it may not be the right place for you.