Career Lessons I’ve Learned From My Senior Rescue Dog

Write down your goals, celebrate your progress, and boost your own confidence.

In May 2006, I adopted a 1-year-old shih tzu, Riley, and became a first-time dog owner. Over the past 15-and-1/2 years as my own career has shifted (from lawyer to writer and executive career coach), Riley has been there every step of the way. At over 16 now, he is at the end stages of his life, and while it is incredibly hard to witness (and even more challenging to accept), I’ve learned many career lessons from watching him mature through life.

Find The Work Environment And Career Path That Suits Your Personality

When I initially met Riley, he was sitting by himself among a group of other dogs. You could say he was a loner. He had been badly abused and required someone who could give him a lot of love as well as speak to him in a gentle, calm manner. As I approached him and sat down next to him, he rested his head on my leg. It was kismet. What I didn’t know was how incredible yet challenging the journey would be. I had to acknowledge his needs as well as acclimate him to an environment that worked best for him — this meant socializing him with other dogs, teaching him that he could trust and rely on me, and adapting to his personality.

Understand that you can go in many different directions in your legal career. Personality fit is key for career happiness and fulfillment as it impacts your performance. Think about the type of firm/company (Biglaw, midsize, corporate, etc.) that aligns with your short- and long-term goals. Do you see yourself being a partner in a law firm? Do you prefer to be a corporate counsel and focus more on the business side as opposed to strictly legal advisory? Do you aspire to work for a publicly traded company, startup, or private equity company? Do you want to transition into a nonlegal career?

Write down the type of work environment that would best suit you. Think about the needs you have and what work culture will help you embrace your assets and personality style. Most importantly, don’t let the negative experiences in your earlier career dictate the future opportunities that await you.

Go Where You’re Appreciated And Valued

Sometimes it’s hard to find a place where you’re valued and appreciated (especially in law), but when you do, you feel it in your soul. No matter the challenges you may face along the way, hold on to that peer or boss who truly “gets you” and embraces your best leadership assets and work ethic. Make sure to have those open conversations and increase dialogue between your boss/partner. Consider your six-month and annual performance reviews as good indicators for listing examples where you’ve excelled in your work and discuss long-range projects and plans. Offer ideas that challenge the status quo and see if your boss or partner is receptive to new methods of change. Find out what the firm or company has in store for you in the long term. Listen carefully. Actions speak louder than words. Just as giving a rescue dog his/her forever home is the greatest act of kindness, finding that place where you fit in and feel valued is truly worth waiting for.

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Take Naps And Walks

As Riley has taught me, rest and relaxation are important to heal our bodies, give us longevity, and increase our mental health. I force myself to get to bed early because a rested mind is a better functioning one. A weekend nap is a terrific way to recharge, unplug, and refresh. A daily walk enables us to calm our minds while appreciating our surroundings and smelling the fresh, crisp air. Just as Riley is never afraid to tell me when he needs more care in the form of a treat, a cuddle (hug), a nap, or a walk, I embrace the need for his self-care and my own. His senior years have taught me to slow down, take more walks and naps, and truly enjoy every moment together.

Celebrate Your Wins, Even The Small Ones

In the early stages of Riley’s life, I used to celebrate when he didn’t shred paper on the floor after being alone all day while I was at work. I would reward him with a quick car ride or put extra chicken in his food bowl. In the later stages of his life, I celebrate every walk he takes (he patiently stands in front of his food bowl for a small treat after every potty break), every meal he eats (he’s lost several pounds due to degenerative kidney disease), and each holiday he’s here to enjoy. Write down your goals, celebrate your progress, and boost your own confidence. Remember, the small wins add up to big ones.


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Wendi Weiner is an attorney, career expert, and founder of The Writing Guru, an award-winning executive resume writing services company. Wendi creates powerful career and personal brands for attorneys, executives, and C-suite/Board leaders for their job search and digital footprint. She also writes for major publications about alternative careers for lawyers, personal branding, LinkedIn storytelling, career strategy, and the job search process. You can reach her by email at wendi@writingguru.net, connect with her on LinkedIn, and follow her on Twitter @thewritingguru.