I Have Been Crazy-Busy
This past month has been crazy-busy, but busy in a good way. Many new opportunities have come my way and I’m optimistic about what’s ahead. But I’ll be the first to tell you that my practice has not always been this way. I’ve had slow months when I felt frustrated enough about earning the equivalent of ten dollars an hour that I was ready to throw in the towel or stressed over the fear of malpractice or from dealing with difficult clients.
I admit this all publicly for all of you solos out there who are struggling today. Maybe you started your firm, brimming with enthusiasm, but now a year later, you still can’t find a steady stream of business. Maybe you just made what you think is the world’s stupidest mistake in a case and you can’t sleep at night because you’re so afraid of what might happen. I’ve been in that place (as recently as 2 months ago, in fact!), all of us solos have. Yet we keep it secret, never admit our weaknesses to our colleagues or seek out help. To each other, we all look as if we have the perfect practice, which is almost never the case, all the time.
Remember, that we’ve all been in the dark place that you may occupy now, yet one way or another, we’ve gotten through. And also remember that on balance, solo practice is the most optimistic place
on earth, the most addictive, page turning novel ever written, because something
exciting always lies just ahead. As you move through the problems in front of you, try to peek ahead to see the opportunities around the corner. I guarantee that in a few months, like me, you’ll be too crazy-busy, in
a good way, to remember how you’re feeling now.
Thanks for this timely post. I was just sitting here wondering if I should give up my office and work from home to cut overhead, given the slowness, and pondering how to get all my bills paid.
It’s nice to know others are going through it as well sometimes, and I know that just when I think things are slow, something comes up.
I started my firm in Oct., and it’s not where I want it to be yet, but at least I know it’s all my fault! And I mean that in the best way, because it’s all within my control.
So, now I’m going to do some work and get hustling!
Thanks for this timely post. I was just sitting here wondering if I should give up my office and work from home to cut overhead, given the slowness, and pondering how to get all my bills paid.
It’s nice to know others are going through it as well sometimes, and I know that just when I think things are slow, something comes up.
I started my firm in Oct., and it’s not where I want it to be yet, but at least I know it’s all my fault! And I mean that in the best way, because it’s all within my control.
So, now I’m going to do some work and get hustling!
I am a solo as well and know of what you speak. I am fortunate to have a colleage who is a good friend. I am able to share my frustrations and joys as they happen during my day. I think all solo’s need someonw like that for support. Your blog is an excellent source for support and information. Keep up the good work.
I am a solo as well and know of what you speak. I am fortunate to have a colleage who is a good friend. I am able to share my frustrations and joys as they happen during my day. I think all solo’s need someonw like that for support. Your blog is an excellent source for support and information. Keep up the good work.
Great post, thanks Carolyn!
Great post, thanks Carolyn!
I am considering starting a practice and am in the planning stages now. I have convinced a wealthy relative to loan me money at 4% interest which I will use to pay my bills until the money is coming in… but I fear it may not be enough.
I am considering starting a practice and am in the planning stages now. I have convinced a wealthy relative to loan me money at 4% interest which I will use to pay my bills until the money is coming in… but I fear it may not be enough.