Practice Management

I found this on Lifehack.  It stands for post-workaholic stress disorder (PWSD).  Now I know this is more of a lay person's off take on other mental illnesses, but I do appreciate the point.  Most lawyers, I think, call it burnout, when they recognize it.  Otherwise, they are tired and just plain beat.

I get that way sometimes, and over my life I have known lawyers that pretty much escape the problem.  These lawyers always seem to be taking a vacation, or going somewhere, or are taking off of work (for more than a day).  They are disconnecting for a while.  And, I think there is something to say for this.

Working at home or in a Third Wave environment helps.  You do not have to deal with the commutes, staff issues, management issues, and the other problems that just exacerbate the problem.  It also probably hurts a little because you are always connected and just have to pry yourself away.

Being self-employed, and needing to earn money to pay tuition, I cannot take off weeks as Lifehack suggests.  But, I can take off some time.  It takes a little planning, which I am not too good at doing.  I also think it is important to know such a relief does not need to be expensive.  Sure you can fly to Europe or go to Disney World, but my wife and I have just rented a cheap car and have taken off to parts unknown, traveling the back roads of Texas, staying in low cost motels, eating a no chain restaurant. $500.00 will get you a long way.

I will not be traveling during the 4th of July holiday.  I just refuse to hit the road when everybody and their dog has decided to do the same thing.  The same for Thanksgiving and other holidays.  Who needs that aggravation?  It is just no fun.  These are disasters waiting to happen.  When Dairy Queen has a line to order, too many people are traveling at one time.  That is my barometer.

But, the point is still relevant.  You just have to get away, get your mind off of it, get unconnected for several days now and then or you will start to not enjoy yourself and you will blame the practice of law.

I think what I have learned watching others is that you need to do this before PWSD or burnout starts, to keep if in check.  It helps afterwards, but then you do not want to go back work and you blame the profession.  It is not the profession's fault.  It is yours.  I have got to start planning a little better to get this done and to quit communicating with Grant Griffiths at 1 o'clock in the morning only to get up early.

Do not plan too much, however. A rigid, structured and well timed time off, filled with expectations that will cause disappointment, can only add to the problem.