THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

FINDING BALANCE IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE

“ There is a profound causal relation between the height of a man’s ambition and the depth of his possible fall.”   Hammarskjold

It is important to balance the gains and losses of the profession.  Lawyers have high profile images—media, sports, government, business, politics, and front page stories.  Lawyers are involved in intimate aspects of people’s lives—birth, death, marriage, and divorce. In their practice lawyers often see the impact of addiction, mental health and social issues on the lives of individuals.  It is a challenge to keep perspective and maintain a healthy balance in both personal and professional lives.

There are many positives in the practice of law. Aside from money, some of the personal gains are: 

• Belonging —Lawyers practice law compassionately and ethically.  Being a lawyer gives an identity for peers, clients, and family and becomes part of who you are.
• Living for the Highs —Successful litigation, complex cases involving well known public figures, and opportunities to influence policies.  When a deal is completed there is a high that wipes out the late nights and the bad food.  These highs last only until the next case, but their memory compensates for some of the dull and routine daily work.
• Mastery —There are many skills developed as part of the legal craft—writing, negotiating, and setting up agreements.  These skills can be used in many other areas (such as volunteering, participating on boards, consulting).
• Service —Some small matters produce a large personal reward. Providing good advice and being a compassionate listener sometimes offers a service beyond the task at hand.

There are many kinds of losses—they will be different for everyone, but it is important to think about job related losses and how they affect your personal life.

1. Something compromised or given up.  A hobby or an interest that means a lot to you but that you felt did not have time or energy for.

2. Something you were not able to get—a vacation, support, help for family duties or responsibilities

3. Opportunity—an event you were unable to attend, a family milestone, a child’s birthday party or achievement.

4. Relationship—sometimes the demands of work compromise personal relationships.

5. Self/values and beliefs—we can get so involved in work demands that we overlook or do not take time to keep in touch with our values and forget what we believed to be important.

Recommended for further information and strategies:   The Lawyer’s Guide to Balancing Life and Work: Taking the Stress out of Success a publication of Law Practice Management Section, American Bar Association 1999.

If you are struggling to find balance in your personal and professional life—to evaluate the losses and gains--confidential help is available for lawyers and members of their families.

Call OLAP.

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