I’m sure you’re familiar with the Benjamin Franklin quote: “…in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” However, there’s another certainty we all must eventually face: “change”. Change means “to make (someone or something) different; or to replace (something) with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better; substitute one thing for (another).” As a legal recruiter, I deal with “change” every day. What I find too often is if you don’t make the change when the time is right, someone will eventually make it for you.
How many of you have experienced those dreaded words of change from your employer, such as: “I’m sorry, we’ve decided to downsize,” or “We’re merging with another firm, and we don’t need your position,” or “We’re cutting expenses and only need you part-time or for less pay.” When a recruiter contacts you with an opportunity, that’s your notice to reflect: “Is this the right time to change what I’m doing?” or “Should I stay where I am?”
What typically makes us stay where we are is fear. Fear reminds you how painful it was when you were looking for a job. Questions like “Will I ever find a job?” or “Why would someone want me?” or “Do I have enough experience?” or “How much money should I ask for?” can be paralyzing. This fear of the unknown keeps many from seizing opportunities that could lead to greater fulfillment and success.
Working with a recruiter typically means you don’t have to give up your current job until you’ve secured another one. Recruiters have access to employers who are looking for the exact skills you’ve acquired based on your past experience. Moreover, recruiters help you negotiate better pay, leveraging their knowledge of the market and your value.
Consider the career of LeBron James. He changed teams multiple times, each time facing the fear of whether he was making the right decision. However, he had an agent working behind the scenes, negotiating his next move and ensuring his career continued to thrive. In much the same way, a recruiter acts as your agent, helping you navigate the complexities of job transitions.
Change is inevitable, but how you handle it can make all the difference. Embracing change rather than fearing it can lead to new opportunities and growth. When you receive that call from a recruiter, see it as an opportunity to reassess your current position and consider if it’s time to make a change. The support of a recruiter can provide the guidance and confidence needed to take that leap.
In my experience as a legal recruiter, I’ve seen firsthand the positive outcomes of those who embrace change. They move on to roles that better align with their skills and aspirations, often finding increased job satisfaction and compensation. The key is to remain open to opportunities and to trust in the process of change.
In conclusion, while death and taxes are certainties, change is also an inevitable part of life. By facing change head-on and with the right support, you can turn potential upheaval into a stepping stone for greater success. So, the next time a recruiter reaches out, take a moment to reflect and consider if it’s your time for change.
P Darrel Harrison
Darrel Harrison is a legal recruiter that has been passionate about training and placing legal professionals for over 30 years.
As an entrepreneur, he founded the San Diego Paralegal Institute, the first private paralegal program in San Diego County. After selling the Institute to a national private school, Darrel was hired as a professor to start and direct the San Diego Community College District’s Paralegal Program, which became the first college degree- granting program in San Diego County and was San Diego’s first community college program approved by the American Bar Association.
As an attorney, professor and recruiter, he has developed a national connection with legal professionals that provides him access to some of the top law firms in the country granting him intricate knowledge of the legal landscape that leads to successful and sustained legal placements. Darrel is a member of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC). On weekends, you’ll find him out on his boat, just having a good ole time!
Reach out to Darrel at: Darrel@EstrinLegalStaffing.com
Office: 310-846-9040