RMN'S Blog

What to Do When Unemployed and In-Between Jobs

Date: April 02, 2014

Being in between jobs and unemployed can be overwhelming for some people.You can become distracted, frustrated, and exhausted searching for employment. The legal market has seen its share of unemployed lawyers who are unable to find another job as an attorney. If you are an unemployed lawyer, here are some tips to help you become more successful during this down time:

Relaxation.

This is a good time to relax, rest, and catch up on things you didn’t have time to do when you had a job. Lawyers are notorious for being stressed, ALONG WITH HAVING anxiety and depression. Using this time to catch up on some rest is beneficial. You will be more relaxed when going to interviews and starting a new career.

Organization.

With extra time and less stress, make things in your life more organized. Go through your bills, organize your home, and go over your resume. It’s a good time to do the things you have been wanting to do but didn’t have the time for. You can also read more, and learn about small details about your practice area or legal industry that you normally wouldn’t have time for.

Keep up with your network.

Maintaining (KEEPING…if you’re using “strong”) your relationships (strong) is an important part of finding a job. They can keep you up to date with the legal industry, inside news and exclusive job offers. Check in with them on a regular basis until you find a new position. This is also a good time to expand your network. One way you can gain more from networking is by contacting a recruiter. They have the inside scope of the legal industry, available jobs, and can introduce you to other people who might be able to help you with your career search, or come in contact with your future employer.

Come up with personal and professional goals. 

Being unemployed can give you the chance to analyze your career options and your past positions. Did you enjoy what you did? Do you want to find a new legal practice area to explore? Do you want to retire by a certain time? This is an excellent time to reorganize what you want to do with your legal career and personal life. It can remain the same or you can change it to a new path.
Finding your way back into the legal industry can be a challenge. However, being an unemployed attorney can help you start something new with your legal career, or become a different attorney than you were before. It is also a time to look at yourself and analyze what should be implemented and  WHAT SHOULD BE taken out. You can start new hobbies, such as exercising, meetING new people, and becomING a happier person once you find the position you want. In the end, don’t look at being in between jobs as such a negative experience, and embrace the extra time you will have for your self, your family, and your career.