Darling Hill

Guest blogger and Lawyer/Mom, Amy Epstein Gluck, concludes that the Grass is Always Greener (on the other side, of course!), as she tells Darling Hill readers about her experience trying to launch her own legal services company.

My own business. No more reviews where I have to write the same thing about myself and my work in a different way each year for my senior partner to sign. No more commute in D.C. traffic, and no more last minute hearing dates that leave me scrambling to reschedule my entire family's day at 9 p.m.

But, after taking the summer off to get some much needed time to breathe, getting a handle on what will turn out to be a lifelong illness, and then starting my own business, I have found that the old adage can be true...the grass is always greener on the other side.

I incorporated, and I emailed a large group of friends and family about starting my own business as an independent contractor. Inquiries poured in, but nothing concrete until this fall. Now, three months later, I have worked for two solos on a very sporadic basis, and I'm finding, to my surprise, I don't like it. I don't like feeling that if I don't take a much discounted offer for my hourly rate, I might not get the work. I don't like not knowing when I'll have a big project due or the results of a motion I drafted. I don't like not knowing the clients. I am the daughter of an accountant - I like having a schedule. I like structure. The regular paychecks don't hurt either. I miss working for my senior partner, who knows my value and appreciates my work.

As my friend Whitney put it...I want regular, steady part-time work that I enjoy and that is not overwhelming. Work that will help my family financially and nurture my need to contribute intellectually and help people at the same time while allowing me to be fully present to raise my three children and meet their needs.

This new year reminds me that I need to determine which side of the fence I want to be on...and then stay on it.

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Amy Epstein Gluck is a mom and practicing attorney living and working, as a contract attorney, in Bethesda, MD. She can be reached at aegluck2 [*at*] aol [*dot*] com.

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Related Reading:

Check out The Contract Lawyer's Conundrum at MyShingle, which tackles the problems mentioned here.

Also check out Staying at Home, Staying in the Law for ways to get involved with the law (and get paid) on your own terms.

Want to contribute your perspective to Darling Hill's Parent Track? Email ink [*at*] darlinghill [*dot*] com.

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