Success on Your Own Terms
For Women Lawyers

Answer "True" or "False" to each statement based on how you have felt most of the time during the past few weeks.

1. My work is as intellectually challenging as I'd expected/hoped it would be. T F
2. I have enough time to spend with my family. T F
3. My work is financially rewarding. T F
4. My work provides sufficient opportunities for professional development. T F
5. I have enough time to devote to my personal needs (e.g., relationships, health-related behavior, other interests, etc.) T F
6. I am satisfied with the amount of control I have over the selection of cases and other projects. T F
7. The stress level of my work is manageable. T F
8. My superiors treat me with respect. T F
9. The atmosphere at work is personable and supportive. T F
10. I am satisfied with the collegial relationships among my peers at work. T F
11. My work environment is free of politics and backbiting. T F
12. The pressure at work is at an acceptable level. T F
13. I'm satisfied that my advancement is determined by the quality of my work. T F
14. I feel sufficiently in control of my career. T F
15. I am able to enjoy the money I earn. T F
16. My work is recognized and valued. T F
17. I am familiar with the full range of employment opportunities for lawyers. T F
18. The work I do is consistent with my values. T F
19. I feel like I'm helping people as much as I expected/wanted to when I chose law as my profession. T F
20. I am satisfied with the amount of client exposure in my work. T F
21. I approach my work with enthusiasm. T F
22. I feel proud of my work accomplishments. T F
23. I am free of guilt about time spent away from my family. T F
24. I am optimistic about finding someone with whom to share my life. T F
25. I am free of damaging habits (e.g., excessive alcohol use, overeating). T F
26. I am angry or irritable fewer than twice a month. T F
27. I rarely have unexplained headaches or stomaches. T F
28. I have felt excited, proud or pleased at some point during the past few weeks. T F
29. In most ways my life is close to my ideal. T F
30. So far I have gotten the important things I want in life. T F

If you answered True to most of these statements, you're probably pretty satisfied with your current work situation.

The number of False responses may be an indicator of the degree of your work/life dissatisfaction.

If the percentage of times you answered False is relatively high, you may want to go back and examine your specific areas of dissatisfaction.

• Are you unhappy with your current work environment?
• Is your life feeling unbalanced and out of control?
• Do you need to learn more effective ways to manage stress?
• Are you disappointed with your legal career?
• Do you need more information about career alternatives?

If you'd like to discuss whether coaching might be helpful you can contact Ellen Ostrow, Ph.D. at Ellen@LawyersLifeCoach.com or (301)-578-8686 to schedule a free 30-minute telephone consultation.

Note: The psychometric properties of this inventory have not been assessed and no claims are made for its validity or reliability. It is intended as a self-assessment instrument to facilitate self-examination and problem-solving.