How do you overcome the general malaise of practice? After a decade or so I just kind of lost the burn in my belly. I still do the work, and do it to the best of my ability, but for me it’s just a job that I leave at the end of the day. I see other lawyers who seem to take every deal like it’s an incredible adventure or opportunity or whatever and I’m just wondering if maybe I’m missing something?

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I’m just focused on building a good life. In my early 30’s so still relatively early in my career, but am in house now doing exactly the type of work I always wanted and just try to let the rest of my life grow as well as my practice.

Over the past 5 years I’ve got married, launched my career, welcomed 3 beautiful sons, changed jobs more than once to advance my career, quit drinking, and found God.

I love the work I do but it’s the other stuff that gives me the burn in my belly. Providing for and loving my wife. Raising my sons and being a good example of what a man should be to them. Taking care of my body including what I eat, how I make it move, and how I look. And growing in and practicing my faith in God/Jesus.

Basically just trying to live a good life aligned with God’s will for me, and being a good attorney is a part of that.

likeuplifting

Technically 3 in under 3 (oldest turn 3 next month).

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I just think of work as the thing that funds the stuff I actually care about— family, hobbies, travel, etc. Once I made that shift, I stopped stressing about not having some big “passion” for my job.

likesmarthelpful

The need to have your job be a passion is definitely a millennial thing. I think the vast majority of generations before us viewed jobs at simply that, and as a means to an end.

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I think there’s some power and real realizing it’s just a job. At least that’s what I’m trying to tell myself…

likesmart

“It’s just a job that I leave at the end of the day.” Then you have finally matured and realized that there is more to life. This is a feature not a bug. Be proud.

likeuplifting

The grass is not always greener. The people you describe likely carry significantly more stress. Between the two options, I'd choose what you have.

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Do you actually WANT to be passionate about your career or do you want to earn good money and then go home? Nothing wrong with either way of looking at it. If you want to reignite the passion then probably you are in the wrong type of law or the wrong firm. But if you want to make good money and then have a good life at home focus on finding the best partner and live well with them having fun. Your life is YOURS. Choose what is right for you and who cares what other people have to say about it? Good luck to you!!!

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On your next payday, look at your paycheck. Then laugh at how much those suckers are paying you for the work you actually do.

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I feel this. While at lunch I listen to my colleagues talk about their cases like they’ve never experienced anything more interesting and I could not be less interested in the cases or types of issues we handle. I’ve definitely gotten more cynical due to my work, but it makes me focus on what I enjoy in life outside of work

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No. You are a sensible human being who has boundaries.

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Find what you love at work and do more of it—if you like people, do more client development. Keep in touch with those who leave to go in-house. Make it fun. If you absolutely hate the billable hour, get out bc you can’t escape it completely. If you love learning, delve into new practice areas to stay challenged. Practicing for 35-40 years is a slog. Keep it interesting. And if that doesn’t help—move into firm management—-innovation or pricing or marketing or operations or talent. Plenty to do here!!

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Are there particular types of case that remind you of the fire you had for it previously? Have you observed an avenue that speaks to you more now that you have more experience?

Quit.

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