8: Have a Three- to Five-Year Horizon

Whatever job you take out of law school, we'd like you to consider this a paid post-doctorate program. Someone is paying you to continue your education. When you are frustrated, tired, anxious, mad, sad, or burned out, just tell yourself you have an opportunity to learn, and someone is paying you to do it.

Take a three- to five-year look at your position. It doesn't mean you'll be there that long, but we find that people who take this mindset have a better chance of success in their job. If you plan for the mid- and long-term, you'll develop skills that senior people in your organization have.

One of the areas to constantly focus on is, how do you add value? Always ask yourself, “If I was my client, would I appreciate what I'm doing and think that it adds value?” If the answer is no, then, Houston, we have a problem. That should be a red flag to either engage a senior attorney to see if your project is on course, on scope, and on budget, or could reflect the larger issue that your employer is not helping you build a career. It could also reflect that you've taken nothing away from this book and aren't taking responsibility for your own career.

You should also consider creating an “interesting” practice for yourself. This means doing things that you find interesting and are intellectually and emotionally uplifting. If you aren't getting it at work, consider pro bono or community opportunities. Even if these opportunities are in a different practice area, it will still build your experience level. Follow your interests and invest time in you becoming an expert in your interests. It's a lot easier than becoming an expert in what you don't care for, and these days, experts in niche areas are more valuable than ever.