If you're happy with your life and career, please comment on this post. We need some success stories and proof that happy lawyers exist.

What do you do for work? Do you have any tips for finding happiness?

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Hey there, happy lawyer checking in! I am in patent prosecution, and bill 1700 a year in a fully remote position. I have young kids, and am heavily involved in their lives. I spend nearly as much time with them as I do billing.

I’ve always been a happy person, and being a lawyer hasn’t really taken that away from me.

Best tips I can think of:
Read books. Listen to audiobooks while doing chores if you don’t have the time to sit down with a book. I prefer fantasy (shameless plug for Brandon Sanderson!)
Live for others. Obviously this is a balancing act, but I (in theory, still struggle in practice) lean quite heavily on the side of trying to look outward instead of inward, and questioning the good that my selfish tendencies are doing for me (and others).
Find little moments of joy in the work. For me, it’s getting to use an iPad when reading pdfs. I like the way the pen flows on the screen, and the way it mimics a fountain pen with its variable thickness.

Good luck to you! Getting an ADHD diagnosis and medication made a massive difference in my life, so I can’t discount the effect that has had as well.

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Those are great tips, and the lifestyle you described is something I’m really hoping to achieve too! Can I ask how you found your remote patent pros position? Patent agent here, looking to make a switch to remote work. Currently not too happy with my split between work (biglaw hours + in-person requirement) and family time.

Happy here! In house counsel for nonprofit. Generalist. Fully remote. Awesome colleagues.

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Large or small nonprofit? Do you mind sharing your ballpark salary and years of experience? No worries if not

Happy here! Big Law 7th year on a long-term secondment in Japan.

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I just recently transitioned to government work after years of private practice and I can’t believe how happy I am.

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