Q: My question is not about a clinical problem, per se -- I
function pretty well, have a good marriage and don't drink much --
but about how to address an abrupt interruption in my career,
which, now that I think of it, has certainly increased my anxiety
level. I have been working at the same nonprofit (funded by grants)
for over 20 years, having worked my way up and gotten my law degree
along the way. Because of a shakeup that amounted to the ousting of
my boss, my position has been eliminated and I'm a bit rusty on the
kinds of legal skills that have not been relevant to my
administrative role. Certainly I am networking, but I'm not even
sure what I am looking for at this point and I find myself going in
circles. One colleague suggested a career counselor; another
suggested a career coach. Does LCL help with this kind of
situation?
A: At LCL (which has the advantage of being free to you as a
Massachusetts lawyer), we would begin with a wide-ranging review
and do some clarifying and brainstorming with you. Then, in a
circumstance like yours, we might well refer you to a career coach
or a career counselor, either of which might be useful. It turns
out that there is considerable variation in approaches, both
between and within these two categories of career assistance
providers.
To generalize quite broadly, career counselors are more likely
to use standardized tests (e.g., of aptitude, interest or style)
for assessment, and might help you identify available career paths,
optimize your resume and prepare for job interviews. Career coaches
might be more likely to help you look inward to reconnect with your
personal needs, values and sense of mission; identify obstacles
toward moving forward; and offer the kind of encouragement or push
that, say, an athletic coach provides.
Some career coaches do a fairly brief interview and follow-up,
while others continue with their clients for months. Some begin to
resemble therapists, with a series of sessions that respond to
where the client finds him or herself; others apply more structured
techniques and sequential exercises. We have encountered coaches
with particular emphasis on mid-life career change, for example,
and others who are more oriented toward younger or more
entrepreneurial individuals. Some coaches are geared toward
telephonic sessions that can last as little as 15 minutes.
Most of the career consultants to whom LCL refers are well
acquainted with careers in law (including via their own former work
lives). There is, of course, no guarantee of successful results,
but most people will put forth a more persistent effort in finding
a job or reconfiguring their careers if they don't go it alone.
Counselors and coaches also vary in how much they charge and how
much is paid in advance. While we find it reasonable when they
request prepayment for several hours as a kind of retainer, we have
not been inclined to refer to those who ask for large sums in
advance.
Either burnout or unanticipated changes in work status like
yours can lead to a kind of stunned inertia or immobilizing
anxiety. Connecting with LCL and with a good career coach or
counselor can be an important part of getting back in motion and
developing a new career plan.
Dr. Jeff Fortgang is a licensed psychologist and
licensed alcohol and drug counselor on staff at Lawyers Concerned
for Lawyers of Massachusetts, where he and his colleagues provide
confidential consultation to lawyers and law students, and offer
presentations on subjects related to the lives of lawyers. Q&A
questions are either actual letters/emails or paraphrased and
disguised concerns expressed by individuals seeking LCL's
assistance.