Not every career path is a straight line to success. It’s easy to feel isolated when things don’t go according to plan – whether you’re struggling to secure a training contract, facing setbacks or simply feel like you’re in the wrong role. However, you’re not alone! Many successful legal professionals have faced setbacks before finding the right fit. If you’re needing a little guidance, we’ve got some tips to try for getting back on track…
What’s not working?
Before making any big decisions, it’s important to take a step back and assess what isn’t working. Ask yourself;
- Am I feeling stuck progression wise?
- Is my practice area no longer a good fit?
- Is this coming from a lack of confidence or imposter syndrome?
- Am I unhappy in my team or current firm?
Taking time for honest reflection can help you decide what your next steps will be. If you’re still feeling unsure and need more guidance, you can check out our blogs on things to consider before looking for a new job or knowing when the time is right to move on.
Take practical next steps
Once you understand what’s not working, you can start to explore some practical next steps. You might;
- Think about what type of firm would be a good fit for you.
- Explore your career options in more detail. There are many different avenues to take, and the traditional route may not be the right way for you!
- Dig in to your career goals. Having a better understanding of a longer term plan can help you identify achievable next steps to get you there.
It may feel overwhelming to think about next steps, but try to approach it with excitement. We spend so much of our lives working, there should be some joy in your day-to-day!
Upskill or pivot
If your career isn’t where you’d like it to be, it may be time to up-skill or retrain. This doesn’t have to mean lots of studying or taking a step backwards.
Whether through short or free courses, or on-the-job learning – you can gain valuable new skills in so many ways. Check out our blog on up-skilling to learn more about ways to expand your career choices.
Retraining in a new practice area might be the best option for you. It’s not impossible, but it will take some persistence! Check out our blog on retraining for useful tips to help you along the way.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
One of the best things you can do in this time is lean on others for support. You may want to chat things through with a trusted colleague or mentor who can offer you some external insights.
You might find that attending networking events and sharing with likeminded people in your field gives you a fresh perspective or opens doors to opportunities that you hadn’t considered.
Or, you can chat to a recruiter! We’re here to help you navigate transitions, find roles that align with your ambitions, and offer honest advice. If you’ve never worked with a recruiter before, check out our blog post on what recruiters do.
Remember, careers aren’t made – or broken – on a single job or interview. If you’re feeling frustrated or lost, know that you’re not starting from scratch. You have skills and experience behind you. Each step, even the unexpected ones, add to your professional growth. Stay open to opportunities, keep learning and reassessing, and trust that the right step is just around the corner.
Ready for the right step? Check out our vacancies
Want a little guidance? Contact us
