Thursday, January 7, 2010

Why Are Lawyers So Unhappy?

A friend of mine just referred me to a book titled "Authentic Happiness" by Martin E.P. Seligman, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. The author devotes a section to discussing the three main causes of the demoralization among lawyers, which he identifies as pessimism, low decision latitude in high stress situations, and the adversarial nature of the profession.

I found the discussion about pessimism particularly interesting. Essentially, Seligman says that lawyers have a tendency to anticipate all worst case scenarios, which is helpful professionally but detrimental personally. Law firms train you to be prepared for any problems that may arise so you are forced to anticipate them. According to Seligman, this translates into thinking negatively in all aspects of life which can lead to severe depression.

I'm not sure if I would characterize it as pessimism, but among law students, there is a certain level of over analysis, an inability to take anything at face value, and a constant prediction of consequences that just makes us a different breed of people. In a majority of classes, questions posed by the professor begin with "what if..." followed by a hypothetical in which the student is forced to improvise a new approach. We see it as training. I guess the question, according to Seligman, is whether we will be able to constrain this mentality to the job. But, is it really the legal profession that makes people this way? Or do certain types of people choose the legal profession because their personalities are already more inclined towards it?

Either way, I don't think he gives lawyers enough credit. Maybe I'm biased, but the idea, as Seligman proposes, that lawyers sit around thinking, "I bet my husband is unfaithful" or "I'm never going to make partner" just isn't that convincing to me. Lawyers may over analyze, but from my experience, they also have a high level of confidence, and they like to be challenged. They may assume the worst, but they rarely go down without a fight.

Even more than his discussion of low decision making power and the zero sum nature of law, maybe lawyers are unhappy because they can't leave the fight at work. Maybe everything becomes a fight. Confidence and aggression make an emotionally rocky personal life because lawyers are always riled up about something. They are trained to debate an issue even if they don't believe in it, and they see it as a skill, or sometimes even an enjoyable practice, but it's still exhausting.

I don't know why lawyers are unhappy, but for the sake of optimism, I hope our generation can turn these studies around. Then again, you do have to anticipate deferrals, and pay cuts, and less substantive work, and...

Just kidding :)

30 comments:

  1. I think it's about perspective. I work a ton, don't always get enough sleep and am pretty much always on call with my crackberry. I've had to cancel plans with friends and don't exactly have weekends off. With all of this, am I happy? Yes. Before law school, I had a pretty cushy job - good pay, 40 hrs a week and very steady and predictable. I may have been comfortable but I was not happy. I found it boring and unfulfilling. My law firm job may be demanding and unpredictable, and I may often be exhausted, but I also realize I've learned a lot just in the short period of time I've been there. I get to spend my days (and nights) working on things that I enjoy reading about in my free time. Making an effort to keep the big picture in mind goes a long way. And so does having a hobby, even if only for an hour or two a week - it reminds me that my job isn't my life.

    What I wonder is, given that so many people go to law school not wanting to be lawyers, and then go on to work at law firms just to pay off debt, how many of the "unhappy" lawyers in these surveys are people who are in the legal profession but do not actually want to practice law. Of all the professions, law is really the only one that people can decide to enter on a whim; no formal pre-law training or specialized knowledge (e.g., science or math skills) is needed. Maybe the level of unhappiness among lawyers wouldn't be so depressing if those people weren't counted.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think it boils down to one concept: attention to detail. Lawyers can never rest. When you have a project, you always want to insure that it is the best it can be.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree with Anonymous that the attention to detail required is such that it can make you a bit crazy. But in the end, I think it comes to practice area and firm culture. I am not a litigator or a "deals" lawyer, and while I often work 10 or 11 hour days during the week, I nearly always have my weekends free, I get to take vacations, and I haven't had to break plans [yet].

    Hi, I am Juliet. I am an attorney and neophyte blogger and I recently found your website. Please pay me a visit me sometime if you find yourself with a few free moments. Thanks for the read!

    http://neverbeenlivedbefore.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. I drop a comment each time I appreciate a post on a site or if I have something to
    valuable to contribute to the conversation.
    Usually it is triggered by the passion displayed in the
    post I read. And after this post "Why Are Lawyers So Unhappy?".
    I was moved enough to post a commenta response :) I do have 2 questions
    for you if it's allright. Could it be simply me or does it look like like a few of these remarks look as if they are written by brain dead visitors? :-P And, if you are posting on additional places, I would like to follow everything new you have to post. Could you list every one of all your public sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?
    Also visit my web-site - symbol of canada

    ReplyDelete
  5. I seriously love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did
    you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back
    as I'm trying to create my own personal site and would like to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Cheers!
    Here is my blog ... newcanadagoosejacketca.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm curious to find out what blog system you are using? I'm having
    some minor security problems with my latest blog and
    I'd like to find something more safe. Do you have any suggestions?
    My webpage - canada goose jakke

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello friends, pleasant post and nice urging commented at this place, I am in fact enjoying by these.
    my page - http://www.canadagoosejackets-vip.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. You made some really good points there. I checked on the internet to find
    out more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on
    this site.
    Here is my web page ; canada goose uk

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. That is a
    really neatly written article. I'll make sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I'll definitely return.
    Feel free to surf my blog post ... buycanadagooseoutlet.info

    ReplyDelete
  10. whoah this weblog is magnificent i really like studying your posts.
    Stay up the good work! You recognize, many people are searching round for this information, you could help them greatly.
    Here is my web page ; cheap christian louboutin

    ReplyDelete
  11. What i don't understood is actually how you're not really a lot
    more neatly-favored than you may be now. You are very intelligent.
    You realize therefore considerably when it comes to this subject, produced me for my part consider it from a lot of varied angles.
    Its like men and women are not interested until it's something to do with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. At all times handle it up!
    Review my weblog custom nfl jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you
    have here on this post. I'll be coming back to your site for more soon.
    my web site: nfl jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi there, after reading this awesome paragraph i am also glad to share
    my know-how here with friends.
    Have a look at my page nfl jerseys outlet

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great site. Lots of helpful information here. I am sending
    it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious.
    And of course, thank you on your sweat!
    Here is my page - christian louboutin sale

    ReplyDelete
  15. Howdy superb blog! Does running a blog such as this take a massive amount
    work? I have very little knowledge of coding however I was hoping to
    start my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, if you have any
    suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.

    I know this is off subject nevertheless I simply wanted to ask.
    Thanks a lot!
    Also visit my site : nfljerseyswhosalevip.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your
    further post thank you once again.
    My page ... cheap christian louboutin

    ReplyDelete
  17. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog website?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I were a little bit acquainted of this
    your broadcast offered brilliant clear concept
    Also visit my website :: Cheap nike nfl jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  18. Very nice blog post. I definitely appreciate this site.
    Continue the good work!

    Check out my site - calories burnt walking
    My page > Activity calorie calculator

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am now not positive where you are getting your info, however good
    topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or understanding
    more. Thanks for excellent information I used to
    be searching for this information for my mission.

    My webpage - コーチ

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've read a few good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you put to create any such great informative web site.

    Stop by my site get dating advice

    ReplyDelete
  21. It is actually a nice and helpful piece of info.
    I'm happy that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

    my web blog - online dating system

    ReplyDelete
  22. Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe
    that this site needs a great deal more attention. I'll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!

    Feel free to surf to my page ... christian louboutin outlet

    ReplyDelete
  23. Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe that this site needs a great deal more attention.
    I'll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!

    Here is my homepage - christian louboutin outlet

    ReplyDelete
  24. May I simply just say what a relief to uncover someone that actually understands what they're discussing online. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people really need to look at this and understand this side of the story. I can't believe you're not more popular given that you definitely possess the gift.

    my site; Christian Louboutin shoes

    ReplyDelete
  25. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and
    I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.


    Also visit my page www.christianlouboutinbuycl.com/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Right here is the right site for everyone who really wants to
    find out about this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that
    I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand
    new spin on a topic that's been discussed for many years. Wonderful stuff, just great!

    Here is my blog - cheap red bottoms

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the good writeup. It in reality was once a enjoyment account it.

    Look complicated to more delivered agreeable
    from you! By the way, how could we keep in touch?


    Here is my web blog cheap red bottoms

    ReplyDelete
  28. Amazing issues here. I'm very happy to peer your post. Thanks a lot and I'm
    having a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?


    My homepage - Louboutin Shoes Sale

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello to every body, it's my first pay a visit of this weblog; this weblog contains awesome and truly excellent information in support of visitors.

    Feel free to surf to my website - Cheap Nike Air Max

    ReplyDelete
  30. The human body already has a system for removing wastes and toxins.
    An overnight colon cleanse is the use of the pills with good chemical content.
    Hopefully this brief article has given you a starting
    point in performing your first body easy detox. There are several
    proven methods of easy detoxifying the body also needs easy detoxification
    naturally.

    Also visit my web blog; site

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.