I’ve always been impressed by those who can recognize something isn’t working for them and have the courage to take the leap. When musician Robbie Robertson died recently, I took a deep dive into his career and realized he was one of these people. I read several retrospective articles including this poignant article by The New Yorker: Robbie Robertson and The Greatest Songs Never Finished. The article starts with this:

 The wounded sense of what might have been that’s hovered over the story of The Band since Robbie Robertson walked away from the group in 1976 swelled miserably this month with the surprising news that Robertson had died, at age eighty. It was a sombre moment even for those who had long since come to resent the guitarist-songwriter for his role in dissolving what  some believe was one of the greatest ensembles of the rock era, a kind of North American Beatles. (Although the Band has been credited with helping forge the sound now known as Americana, four of its five members were from Canada.)

But from what I’ve read, Robertson was tired of touring and wanted to explore other creative outlets. So he did. He acted, he composed scores for Martin Scorsese movies, and he released several outstanding solo albums. There is no hint that he regretted his decision to leave The Band.

I’ve managed to take a few leaps and have structured my legal career in a way that is truly satisfying. I took inspiration from folks like Robbie Robertson and found helpful advice from those who either found alternate careers within the legal profession or left it altogether. One of the most helpful websites for those considering a change is by blogger Legal Nomads: Thrillable Hours: Alternative Careers for Lawyers, Fear, and Life After Law.

This “life after law’ series provides extremely useful information about taking the leap from law to an alternative career including:

• Case studies from former lawyers;
• Questions to ask yourself before making a leap; and
•  Numerous book and articles on alternative careers, career change and finding creativity, and fear and resilience.

There are alternatives and help out there if you are feeling the weight in your current position.