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 solicitor who’s reflecting on the realities of their role and wondering whether the balance between the demands of their job and the rewards they get from it still makes sense.
“I’ve been qualified for a number of years and generally enjoy being a solicitor, but recently I’ve started questioning whether the job is still worth it. The hours can be long, the responsibility is huge, and sometimes the pressure feels relentless.
How can I work out whether this role is still right for me, or whether something needs to change?”
This is a really honest question, and one that more lawyers ask themselves than you might think.
The legal profession can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Over time, it’s natural to reassess whether the trade-offs you’re making – time, energy, pressure – are still balanced by the rewards you’re getting from your role.
The key is to take a step back and look at your situation objectively.
Here’s how I’d suggest approaching it.
1. Identify What You’re Getting From the Role
Start by listing the positives your current job gives you. For many lawyers, these might include:
- A competitive salary
- Intellectual challenge and stimulating work
- A strong team or supportive colleagues
- Clear progression opportunities
- Flexibility or hybrid working
- A sense of purpose helping clients through difficult situations
These benefits are often easy to overlook when you’re feeling overwhelmed, so writing them down can help you see the bigger picture.
2. Acknowledge the Costs
Next, be honest about the downsides.
Every legal role has trade-offs, but some are easier to live with than others. Ask yourself:
- Are the working hours sustainable long-term?
- Is the emotional pressure manageable?
- Do you feel constantly stressed or simply challenged?
- Is the workload affecting your personal life?
Sometimes the issue isn’t the profession itself – it’s the environment you’re working in.
3. Ask Whether the Balance Still Works for You
What you were happy to accept earlier in your career might not work anymore.
Your priorities may have changed. Perhaps you value flexibility more now, or you’re looking for more meaningful work, better work-life balance, or a clearer progression pathway.
The real question isn’t “Is this job hard?” – most legal roles are.
It’s “Are the rewards still worth the effort I’m putting in?”
4. Consider Whether a Different Firm Could Tip the Balance
If you still enjoy the work itself, but the trade-offs feel too heavy, the solution might not be leaving the profession – it might simply be finding a different environment.
Some firms offer:
- More manageable caseloads
- Better support structures
- Stronger team cultures
- Greater flexibility
- Clearer career progression
The same type of work can feel completely different depending on the firm you’re doing it in.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Reassess
Lawyers are often very resilient and committed people, which can sometimes make them feel like they should just keep pushing through.
But regularly reassessing your career isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign that you care about doing work that’s sustainable and fulfilling.
You don’t have to make a dramatic change straight away. Sometimes just reflecting on what you want more (or less) of in your working life is enough to start moving things in the right direction.
If you’ve started asking whether your legal job is still worth it, it’s probably time to pause and take stock.
You may find that small changes within your current role make a big difference. Or you might discover that another firm could offer a better balance between challenge, reward and quality of life.
Either way, having that conversation – with yourself or with someone who understands the legal market – can be incredibly valuable.
If you’d like a confidential chat about how your role compares with others in the Yorkshire market, I’d be very happy to help. You can also explore our latest opportunities or take our Career Clarity Quiz to help you reflect on what you want next from your legal career.
