When you think of a lawyer, you might imagine someone with unshakeable confidence and meticulous attention to detail. However, many lawyers step into the legal world carrying a different kind of baggage: an insecure attachment style, often characterised by anxiety.
The Roots of Insecurity in Law
Many of us who venture into law come from a background where external accolades—like high exam results and prestigious awards—were not just encouraged but were the cornerstone of our self-esteem. We were the “bright kids” in school, constantly praised for our achievements. This external validation became a cornerstone of our identity, leaving us vulnerable to insecurity when these accolades are not as forthcoming.
In the high-stakes world of law, this insecurity can be exacerbated by the relentless chargeable time system. It often feels like being a hamster on a wheel—constantly striving for the next target, the next billable hour. The constant push for more can make it incredibly difficult to settle and find contentment. Instead of a fulfilling career, we find ourselves chasing an elusive sense of accomplishment that rarely feels sufficient.
The Professional Worrywarts
Lawyers, by the nature of their work, are professional worriers. The demands of the job, the responsibility for clients, and the pressure to meet targets contribute to a chronic state of anxiety. But how do we manage this anxiety, especially when our brains are wired to focus on negative biases?
Turning off this worry isn’t just about managing stress; it involves rewiring how we process and react to anxiety. Learning to shift focus from what might go wrong to what is within our control can be transformative. Mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioural strategies, and developing a healthier work-life balance (where possible!) can help in reprogramming our thought patterns.
Anxiety in Young People: An Unfolding Crisis?
The rates of anxiety among young people are alarmingly high and seem to be rising. But how much of this increase is due to genuine mental health issues versus a shifting baseline for what we consider anxiety?
It’s worth noting that today’s younger generations are less likely to turn to alcohol as a solution for their stress. Historically, alcohol served as a pressure release for many of us in the older generations, providing a temporary escape from anxiety. Today’s youth, however, are more likely to turn to more structured and regulated coping mechanisms—or they might avoid risk altogether.
Social media and the internet have replaced societal structures that once acted as natural “guard rails.” In response, younger generations are crafting their own structures, often by becoming more cautious and sensible. But is this approach truly helping, or is it contributing to a different kind of anxiety? By avoiding risk and not testing their limits, younger people might be inadvertently exacerbating their anxiety, rather than addressing it.
Work Addiction: The Disease of More
Work addiction is another facet of this broader issue. Work addiction is rife in the legal profession. And why wouldn’t it be, given our attachment to praise and accolades as mentioned earlier?
What are the signs of work addiction? Well, they include an inability to disconnect from work, using work as a way to avoid dealing with personal issues (e.g. staying in the office cos it’s easier than dealing with kids’ tantrums at bathtime!), and a constant need to achieve more – to bill more next month or next year. We use work as a means to self-soothe, to feel a sense of control and accomplishment amidst underlying anxiety.
To break free from this cycle, it’s crucial to recognise the signs and take proactive steps to address them. Setting boundaries, making sure self-care (whatever that means to you) is at least in the picture somewhere, and developing and maintaining interests outside of work can help.
In summary, insecure attachment and anxiety are prevalent issues in the legal profession, often exacerbated by systemic pressures and personal habits. Understanding these dynamics is the first step toward addressing them. By learning to manage our anxieties and recognising the pitfalls of work addiction, we can pave the way for a slightly more balanced and fulfilling professional and personal life.