So, the life of a small town lawyer is often very interesting. It does take some time to get to know people. But, as my practice grows, I get to know more and more people. I am finding this to be a very small world and I love it more and more each day.
For over 10 years, I worked in Clayton, Missouri and I always had a commute of at least 30 minutes one way. More recently, my commute was a solid hour on a perfect weather day one way. Now, I work closer to home and my commute is only 15 to 20 minutes. That is so wonderful. There are no traffic jams and when it rains, no big deal, everyone keeps driving! So much of my life was spent wasted commuting to a job that I hated. My commute alone is enough to make me blissfully happy now.
I feel that I am very lucky to be able to start my own practice and that I have my husband to support me through this...and by support, I mean financial and emotional. I am trying to make this a success so that someday, he can quit his awful one hour commute each way and find something closer to home. It's amazing how much your outlook on life changes when you are doing something you enjoy AND it is close to home. Life becomes so much easier and you have so much more time. I now have more time to do anything I choose....whether it be working late, playing with the dogs, spending time with family, getting household chores done in the middle of the week, doing volunteer work....anything.
Sometimes, you have to weigh doing something you enjoy (or, at least, don't hate) closer to home and making a smaller salary against all of the negatives of working at that high paying job in the big city. Consider your quality of life. Cut down on material things. Take the time to enjoy your life instead of being constantly focused on the almighty dollar and material possessions. I firmly believe that if you do this, your life will improve in so many ways.
Starting and maintaining a law practice is stressful. But, I try to remember all of the positives to this small town practice and all of the reasons I wanted to have this type of practice. It warms my heart every day that I'm able to help someone through a difficult time. I love working in a small town where I'm able to walk not only to the courthouse, but also to the post office, the hairdresser, the flower shop, the post office, the bank and many other stores. People are friendly and nice. It's refreshing. I love it.
Sometimes, when I think about it, it does seem a little odd to me...I love my job, where I work, the people around me...I guess I'm still adjusting to it since I spent so long disliking all of those very same things. This is such an improvement and I encourage everyone who has the chance to make a positive change such a this to just do it. You won't regret it!
Letisha
www.letishalueckingorlet.com
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