Reflect on going solo in philosophical terms

GOING SOLO

To go solo, or not to go solo, that is the question. In fact I often urge those who are playing with the idea of starting a solo practice to reflect on the issue in philosophical terms. You can figure out the practical side of things fairly quickly. It's not too difficult to put together a business plan, find an office space and hang a small shingle. I find being solo to be more than that. I have found that finding the right state of mind is more important than finding the right office, or clients or anything else. It is a philosophical choice, one that can only be answered by you.

Know yourself, and what you want. Do you want to be your own boss? Sure, who wouldn't? But would you make a good employee for yourself? This answer is not always so cut and dry. In other words, how accountable are you to the goals you set for yourself? Can you hold yourself accountable when no one else is watching? Can you work in an unstructured environment? For some people the answer to these questions can be a resounding yes. For others it's not so clear. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. But once you are your own boss the buck will really stop with you, and you have to be ready for that mindset.

This philosophical choice extends to your decision-making process on a day-to-day level. Are you used to bouncing ideas off of a team, or a manager, before pulling the trigger? Can you get through the day with minimal hand holding? More often than not you will feel a sense of isolation as a solo. The reality will set in that you are ultimately responsible for everything. If there is a mistake you will have to accept responsibility. The pressure is real, and so is the stress. It's not so easy to take a day off when you're the CEO, manager and employee.

But what if you really do care about what you are doing? What if the practice of law is more than just a means to an end? Do you want a legal practice that is more than just a salary, or a paycheck or a career opportunity. You might just find yourself no long dreading Mondays because you find the work you do rewarding, stimulating and fulfilling. Do you long to serve others while also treating them fairly - something which you never could quite do at your last gig? If the answer is yes -- going solo might be for you.

The existential question for me was whether I wanted to view work as simply an economic transaction, or the opportunity to find fulfilment in life on a broader level and in a deeper sense. Could I make the law work for me instead of simply working for the law? Going solo for me was more than just a career choice, but a decision to try to find a work life that allowed me to feel like I was in control of who I was and how I lived.

Some of us can thrive in flexible environment, while multitasking and learning new things. Other's require stability and routine. That's not to say that the solo life is only for a certain group of people, but the reality is that it can be a much easier transition and a much more rewarding experience for certain individuals. I for one enjoy the flexibility afforded to me, and feel empowered by freedoms that may make others feel anxious or unsettled.

Now all of this may sound a bit trite, and I don't mean to oversell the solo life. It isn't easy, and it will always depend on your own personal situation, the economy and a little bit of luck. There are also those who find incredibly fulfilling careers in firms and in-house positions. But as far as the philosophical question goes, I think it's one worth contemplating. You may surprise yourself with the answers you find.