Avoid Getting Stuck in a Rut

Pulling yourself out before it derails your career

Sometimes attorneys will tell me they feel like they’re in a professional rut.  It’s always better to begin exploring the market before you’re in a deep rut, but how do you know you’re headed into a rut before you’re there?

"Habit is necessary.  It is the habit of having habits, of turning a trail into a rut, that must be incessantly fought against if one is to remain alive."- Edith Wharton

A rut is a pattern of behavior which previously provided a benefit but no longer does.

The standing coffee order which you used to love, and now you drink just because that’s what the barista knows you order.  The boxing class you take that used to challenge you, but now you attend just to get through.  The firm which fulfilled you at first but hasn’t allowed you to continue to grow and develop.

All these ruts used to be great for you.  They provided a “forward benefit” – something to keep you motivated or increase your productivity.  Now they are “dead-end benefits” – a benefit without passion.  You still get to have your coffee.  You still get to exercise.  You still get a paycheck.  But the drive forward is missing.​

The great thing is that if we pay attention, we can see when our “forward benefits” start turning into "dead-end benefits,” and that allows us to jump the track and avoid the rut.​

I encourage everyone to take a look at their patterns.  Which ones still serve you?  Which ones don’t?  If you’re not sure if you’re headed toward a professional rut, schedule a time to talk with a trusted advisor (like your friendly neighborhood recruiter) and have a confidential, no pressure conversation about the current market and what options you have.