In this month’s Careers Clinic, we’re handing over to Bill Szajna-Hopgood, Associate Consultant at Realm and specialist in recruiting private client, Court of Protection and contentious probate lawyers across Yorkshire.
Bill is answering a question from a busy working parent who’s feeling ready for a career move but is struggling to prioritise their job search after a hectic summer.
Q: I’m a private client solicitor and a working parent. I’ve been thinking about making a move for a while now – I know I’m ready for something new – but between home life, work demands and everything that comes with the summer holidays, I just haven’t been able to focus on a job search.
How do I start to prioritise myself and my next step, now that things are calming down?
A: First things first – it’s completely normal to have parked your job search over the summer.
As a lawyer with a busy home life, your time and energy are constantly being pulled in different directions. It’s easy to put your own career needs on hold when you’re in the thick of school runs, summer childcare, and staying on top of your caseload.
But the fact that you’re craving change tells me it’s time to listen to that instinct. And the good news is, now – as the summer holidays wind down – is a brilliant time to act on it.
September tends to bring a renewed sense of focus for law firms and individuals alike. Recruitment activity picks up, decision-makers are back from annual leave, and there’s often a push to get new hires in place before the end of the year. In short: you’re not behind – you’re actually right on time.
Here’s how to take control of your next step, in a way that fits around everything else in your life:
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Start With Self-Reflection (15 mins)
What’s driving your desire for change? Is it a lack of flexibility? Feeling undervalued? A ceiling on progression? Pinpointing what isn’t working is just as important as defining what you want next.
You don’t need to have it all figured out – but setting your intentions will help guide your decisions and keep your search purposeful.
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Break It Down Into Bite-Sized Tasks
You don’t need to dedicate hours a day to job hunting. Instead, give yourself one manageable task a week. For example:
- Week 1: Jot down your career goals and ideal next role
- Week 2: Update your CV or LinkedIn
- Week 3: Research potential firms or roles
- Week 4: Have a chat with a recruiter
These micro-steps create momentum without overwhelming your already busy schedule.
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Book a Chat With a Legal Recruiter (15 mins)
Even if you’re not quite ready to apply, a quick, confidential chat can help you explore your options and sense-check what’s realistic. A good recruiter will:
- Save you time by identifying firms that align with your needs
- Give you market insight (including salary benchmarks)
- Support you when you’re ready to apply – on your terms
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Give Yourself Permission to Prioritise You
Often, working parents feel guilty about putting their own needs first. But your career deserves attention, too – especially if it’s no longer fulfilling you. Making a change doesn’t mean you’re being selfish; it means you’re investing in your long-term happiness and success, both in and outside of work.
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Get Ahead of the Curve
Most people will only start thinking about their next move in the run-up to Christmas or in the new year. If you start now, you’ll have more options to choose from and can make a thoughtful, intentional move – not a rushed one made out of frustration later down the line.
Wanting more from your career doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful for what you have. It simply means you’re ready to grow – and your next opportunity should support that.
At Realm, we work with lawyers every day who are balancing demanding roles and family life, and we know how important it is that your next move fits your whole life – not just your job title.
If you’re feeling ready to take that first step, we’re here to help.
Reach out for a confidential chat or browse our latest roles to see what’s out there. You can also take our Career Clarity Quiz to help guide your next move.
