Podcast Episode 10: Why are Lawyers so Unhappy?

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are trying to answer an important question: Are lawyers actually more unhappy than other professionals, or do they just like to complain a lot?

Studies have shown that 52% of practicing lawyers are dissatisfied in their careers. They suffer from depression rates 3.6 times higher than other professions. The divorce rate is higher among lawyers and especially among female lawyers.

Are you doomed to misery as a lawyer?
In this episode, we discuss why the profession is so messed up, and what you can do to shield yourself against the worst aspects of the legal profession.

We talk about:

• Why lawyers are so unhappy
• Whether there’s a link between pay and job satisfaction
• What intrinsic factors in the profession contribute to the widespread misery?
• “Phantom Blackberry syndrome” after leaving BigLaw
• Has technology made these problems worse?
• Perfectionism in the legal profession
• Is this all law schools’ fault?
• What can you do to avoid or respond to these problems?
• How can you make your life better as a law student or lawyer?

The good news – not all lawyers are unhappy. The trick is to find a happy medium that works for you.

Listen Now

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Resources:

• Why Are Lawyers So Unhappy? 
• Lawyers With Lower Pay Report More Happiness
• Law School Quadruples the Chance of Depression: Some Changes That May Help
• The Lawyer Who Became a Clown
• Dave Nee Foundation
• Warrior One – Mindfulness for Lawyers

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Thanks for listening!