How to Have a Happy Holiday in a Miserable Economy

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I am dreading the holidays. I wish I could pull the covers over my head and not come out again until January 2nd.I haven

I am dreading the holidays. I wish I could pull the covers over my head and not come out again until January 2nd. I haven't always been like this. In a normal economy, I charge into the season and charge up my credit card just like everybody else. But now, in the midst of a grave economic crisis, how does one gaily spend and celebrate? (Spending and celebrating having become interchangeable and inextricable concepts in

modern times.)

We all know the drill: for law firms, the holidays are when we take the time to formally thank our secretaries and support staff, our colleagues and business contacts, and we do it with bonuses, lavish gifts, expensive baskets, tickets to the opera, etc etc. It is impossible, and ill-advised, to shirk these social obligations. People expect it; many deserve it. But how to pay it forward when so many are worried about their own job security? About retirement funds that went from lush, green pastures to brittle, desert savannas seemingly overnight? About retaining and attracting new business? About making one's hours? About the lack of one's own bonus, or its much reduced amount? There is no easy answer, but after mulling it over, I have some recommendations.

1) For the associates who will not receive a bonus this year, my sympathies. I'm sure you all worked very hard and are deserving. Alas, in terms of your giving obligations, keep it modest and prioritize. To ensure that your next year is equally productive and smooth, just be sure to take care of your secretary and paralegal. Handwritten cards for the rest. Of course, if there is a particular client, mentor, colleague that you feel indebted to, do present them with something, but make it personal and keep it simple. The thought is more important than the dollar amount.

2) For the associates who did receive a bonus, again, take care of your secretary and paralegal, but make your best effort to spend on others wisely. Rather than splurging on the cashmere throw for a favorite business contact at $300 a pop, consider giving a lift ticket at a local ski resort (savings: around $220.) Along those lines, no need to give Veuve Clicquot at approx $44 a bottle when there are many lovely, less well known sparkling wines that are equally good. Try Chandon at $20 instead. When you make a gift personal, and spend a bit more time on the selection, chances are you will save some coin and enjoy giving it all the more.

3) For the attorneys who are enjoying job security - do more of it. Enjoy and give thanks. Take care of those in your professional inner circle but exercise restraint. This could be the year for the comeback of more personal, thoughtful, and/or humorous gifts. Giving a donation in some one's name to their favorite charity is always an excellent choice. Having people over for a meal is another. Again, the focus should be on doing something that is personal, rather than expensive.

4) Keep perspective. Over the last decade, all of us in the legal industry have been riding a cresting wave flush with economic success. As a result, many of us have become accustomed to a certain standard of living and have blurred the line between "want" and "need". I know I have.

Now the wave has broken and many of us are re-assessing our priorities. We still have a lot and can learn to make due with less. In fact, I know quite a few people who have decided to "adopt" families in need and are giving presents only for that cause. In my own community, I joined the "Christmas Elf" program where we pick the name of a child or elderly person and act as their own personal Santa. There are numerous programs like this all around the country.

5) Have fun on less. We all know that the heart of the holidays is not to be found in the new Balenciaga bag, or the pretty whirring iPhone. The heart of the holidays is what we make it. It's having too much eggnog and watching "A Christmas Story" for the hundredth time, or snuggling in with David Sedaris' wry Holidays on Ice. It's goofing off a bit and taking a longer lunch than normal. It's volunteering to help those in need.

Maybe by shrugging off, or at least loosening, the biting yoke of commerce from our shoulders, we can all experience the holidays more purely, like we did when we were kids. After all, the holidays only come once a year and it would be a pity to miss it. Plus, spending all that time under the covers would get awfully claustrophobic.

Happy Holidays.

Erin

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.

Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays

You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts

You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives

Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.

Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.

To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.

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How to Have a Happy Holiday in a Miserable Economy

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