Editor's Column

We work hard to become attorneys. We complete three-plus years of undergraduate school and then another three-plus years of law school. Afterwards, many of us take the bar exam, and upon passing it, complete the journey of becoming an attorney. With that, we jump headfirst into a career in private practice or public service.

Upon entering the profession, we give it our all. We work late nights and weekends. We skip commitments with friends and family. We do what needs to be done. Partners like this. In fact, they encourage it, praising you for being a hard worker. At the same time, your friends and family begin asking about you, commenting that they have not seen you in a while. 

The work we put in to succeed at college, law school, and the legal profession often takes a toll on our personal lives. We sacrifice in that area because of the pressure we put on ourselves and placed on us by our profession. This can sometimes cause us to lose perspective—to forget that our professional lives constitute only one part of who we are. Because spring has sprung, giving us more opportunities to spend time outside, I thought it important to challenge everyone reading this to not let your personal life become an afterthought in pursuit of professional greatness.

Take time for yourself. Whether you find enjoyment spending time with friends, family, or alone, do something other than work on occasion. It will help you stay sane and serve as a reminder that while professional success is rewarding, it is not the only area of your life where you can succeed. Living a life where you take time to enjoy the company of friends and family must also be considered a major win.

            Enjoy the issue,