For those in the paralegal profession, the rewards and accolades are difficult to ignore. Despite the typically strong compensation and other non-monetary benefits that go with being a paralegal, however, there comes a point in time for many in the profession when career burnout can begin to set in.
When this happens, as it does in many professions, the “knee-jerk” reaction is to consider changing positions either within the firm you are currently working with or going to a different firm or even switching professions altogether. For those who have a love for being a paralegal but are experiencing symptoms of burnout, there are ways to reignite what can seem like a stalled career that don’t call for such dramatic life changes.
One of the best ways to inject some needed life into a paralegal career that has become a little less fulfilling is to join a paralegal association. There are dozens of such organizations all over the country that exist on the local, state, and national levels. Joining a paralegal association serves to put you in direct contact with others in the profession who are equally passionate about their work and about the field in general, which can revitalize your own passion and interest.
Another option is to enroll in continuing legal education courses. Doing so can have the same or similar results as joining an association but can have the added effect of building confidence in your paralegal skills, improving your knowledge base, and boosting your overall experience with and exposure to the many and varied elements of the paralegal profession.
The key to working through feelings of paralegal career burnout is to understand that it is something that many paralegals go though and knowing that you’re not alone in how you feel. Revitalizing your career depends on getting the right support from the right people in the profession who understand what you’re going through and who can encourage you through the challenges and help put your career back on track.
