Career Bucket Lists:7 Things you should Consider Adding to yours

Most people have a bucket list – a physical or mental one that details all the things they want to do in their lives before they kick the bucket. Generally, bucket lists can help you put your life goals in perspective and help you find fulfillment.

A career is a huge part of people’s lives and therefore a career bucket list is absolutely important. It would inspire you to think big and take risks while you still can in your career.

Different people want different things from their careers, but here are 7 things that every lawyer should consider adding to their career bucket list:

1. Serve on the Board of a Company

This is a solid bucket list item because a lawyer on the board is an asset to any company. However, board appointments do not come easily. This is why you need to leverage your expertise, network and connections to achieve this goal.

2. Practice as an International Lawyer

How does one make this bucket list item happen though? One way is through an overseas job assignment or an overseas internship/attachment. The world is increasingly global today, and where there is a will, there will be a way.

3. Be an Expert/Mentor in your Field

 Become so good at what you do that people seek you out for expert advice and mentorship. Asides from being personally rewarding, this can also be profitable for you in the long run.

4. Speak at Regional and Global Law Conferences

This could be a nightmare for some people. It is said that public speaking is more feared than death. However, if public speaking is your thing and you have something worth listening to, then by all means start working your way into the speakers lists of conferences that matter to you.

5. Hold Political Office

Working as a lawyer is still one of the most common paths to political office. If this interests you, put it on your list and start working your way up to the office you want.

6. Quit a Good Job for a Great One

If you are not all the way up there on the job happiness scale, then you should experiment going outside your comfort zone and finding more satisfying work (bearing in mind that no job is perfect).

The phrases YOLO—you only live once—and FOMO—fear of missing out—should apply to your career too.

7. Take a Mini-Retirement to Travel for 6 or 12 Months

Having to work 40 or 50 years and only taking a month’s vacation every year does not seem like the best way to live. You wake up at 65 and realise it is harder to travel and you have too much free time on your hands. If you have the opportunity ( and you can create it),a  better way is to take a few mini retirements throughout your career, and see all of the places and do all of the things you have always wanted to while you are still relatively young.

What’s on your career bucket list ? Do share in the comments section. Will love to hear from you!