Renaissance Souls and Career Change
As part of my research prior to starting this blog, I started reading some law blogs that I had not read before. One that has particularly inspired me is Stephanie West Allen’s idealawg. I was sifting through some of her archives when I came across her very first post about Renaissance Souls by Margaret Lobenstine.
In the first chapter of her book (PDF offered free on her website), author Margaret Lobenstine states:
Renaissance Souls, then, are people whose preference is for variety over concentration; whose process involves widening their options rather than narrowing their choices as they go with their energy flow, and whose success involves moving on to something different rather than going on and doing more of the same. Renaissance Souls are not required to be geniuses, do not necessarily have disorders such as ADD, and are not doomed to a life of poverty or economic insecurity.
My clients and workshop participants always smile knowingly when we get to this summary. They easily relate to the three characteristics identified. They are also relieved that the way they naturally go through life is healthy, not dysfunctional, and does not require them to be geniuses to be successful.
I can see why Renaissance souls do not do well in the law. Traditional law practice seems to require associates to pick a practice area and steadily move up the ladder toward partnership. Also, the way law itself is designed, specialists are rewarded over generalists. Stephanie West Allen does identify some Renaissance Souls who have stuck with the law - it would be interesting to see how they’ve managed to succeed at this. I honestly can’t imagine a Renaissance soul sticking with the law for very long.
By the way, I took the quiz, and answered “yes” to all eight of the questions - I’m a classic Renaissance soul I guess. The book is going on my Christmas list (if I can wait that long to start reading it).
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Comments
I was delighted to hear that The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People With Too Many Passions to Pick Just One is going to be on your Christmas list 
I certainly agree with your points re corporate/partner law, but you may be encouraged to read the description of how lawyer Ric Cherwin wove that training into his multi-faceted life. It’s “‘I Can Do Whatever I Want’: Portrait of a Renaissance Soul” on p.60.
Have a great holiday!
Hi Karen,
It’s always exciting to “meet” new bloggers! I’ve recently learned of Margaret Lobenstine’s work and also consider myself a Renaissance Soul. I left the practice of law in 2006 to pursue my own dreams, it’s been an exciting journey. I look forward to reading more about your path.
Hi, Karen. I tried contacting you through your contact form but ran into problems. I posted about your new blog at my blog idealawg. Thanks for linking to my post. Best of luck with this new venture. I am looking forward to following it.