High-Achieving Women - Share, Vent, Live, Love, Laugh
Stress in the City - High-Achieving Women in Law
The practice of law creates serious risk for professional burnout for both male and female attorneys, in large part, because of its demanding nature. The roller coaster-like highs and lows, an emphasis on wins and losses, and mind-numbing monotony intertwined with intermittently reinforcing moments of excitement and exhilaration make the practice of law a challenge unlike any other profession. However, for women in law, the dynamics of legal practice are not the only demands they face. Regardless of the number of hours they work, most women also assume primary responsibility for their homes and their families. Juggling so many balls added to an act that is stressul by its nature is what places women in law at very high risks for burnout. Below are some of the most common occupational hazard associated with legal practice and ways women can better navigate these hazards.
Occupational Hazards * Lawyers often are ethically required to represent people or issues that oftentimes conflict with their personal values and morals.
* Lawyers see and hear things that most people will never see or hear in their lifetimes - gruesome crime scenes, the inner working of disturbed minds, and all forms of himan tragedy.
* Lawyers usually have low peer support and work in a profession where there is a high percentage of aggressive, competitive, and critical colleagues lurking to file ineffective assistance claims or question their decisions or handling of a case.
* Lawyers generally receive disrespect from the public and clients.
* 50 to 90 hour work weeks have become the norm in many law firms and even among sole practitioners. In fact, many lawyers boast about the long hours they work as if it was a badge of courage.
* Lawyers and the firms they work tend to put a lot of emphasis on making money.
Combined, these factors set the stage for eventual disaster for even the best and the brightest if they are not cognizant of the risks for burnout and take steps to prevent it.
* Don't force yourself to do something because others do it to relax. Different activities are relaxing to different people. The key is to discover what relaxes you and do it. * Manage your time more effectively. Some things are more important to do than others. Prioritize what must be handled immediately or that day and let things that can wait wait.
* Get as much sleep as possible. Everyone says it. And yes, it's hard to do when you work 80 hour weeks, but the more rested you are, the more productive you will be.
* Avoid food and drinks known to interfere with sleep, such as coffee and alcohol.
* Keep a pencil and paper by your bedside. Many high-achieving women find it hard to fall asleep quickly. By writing your thoughts down, you can clear your mind so all those new ideas won't keep you awake.
* Don't skip meals if at all possible. Skipping meals deprives your body of what it needs to work effectively.
* If you can find the time and you enjoy it, exercise. If you don't have the time or don't enjoy it, find ways to put some physical activity in your work routine, such as taking the stairs or walking to the courthouse instead of driving (if the distance is reasonable).
* Say no. It's a simple word, but one high-achieving women don't use very often.
* Schedule non-negotiable (short, if necessary) blocks of time to do things unrelated to work.
* Reframe negative thoughts into positive thoughts whenever possible.
* Don't catastrophize. The difference between a catastrophe and an opportunity to grow or change is often in the mind of the beholder.
* Laugh. Laughter is great preventative medicine.
