So, you’re gearing up for the bar exam, and you know it’s going to take some serious study time. But here’s the catch—your work life is too demanding, and you need to figure out how to take time off without your employer thinking you can't handle lawyer life or reacting negatively to your absence. Sounds daunting?
It doesn’t have to be.
Learn how to have the best conversation with your employer about this.
Can You Study While Working Full-Time?
It is possible to prepare for the bar exam while working full-time. If you give yourself enough time to study and focus only on the most effective study methods, you can make it work. But if balancing work and study feels like too much, and you need to talk to your employer about taking time off, let’s get into how to make that conversation go smoothly.
Internal Work: The Key to Confidence
A lot of the fear around asking for time off is internal. In my mentorship program, people make internal changes in how they see themselves, their world, and their future. This mindset helps them approach their employers with confidence. They don’t just ask for time off—they give their boss a heads-up, and it’s fine.
How to Prepare for the Conversation
Assess Your Work-Life Balance: Log what work you’re doing and when. Are you working late nights or weekends? Why? Understanding this can help you see if your workload can be managed better, leaving you more time to study without taking time off.
Identify Key Assignments: Pay attention to the types of assignments your boss gives you. This will show you where they need you the most. Can someone else handle these tasks while you’re away? Have a list of suggestions ready when you talk to your boss.
Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems: When you approach your boss, come armed with hypothetical solutions for covering your workload. This shows you’re proactive and understand the business’s needs. As a boss myself, I appreciate when someone brings me solutions, not just problems.
Train Others: If appropriate, start training a legal assistant or a colleague to handle some of your tasks. This not only helps while you’re away but also makes them more valuable to the team.
The Fear of Being Dispensable
Worried that training someone to do your job means there won’t be a job for you when you return? It’s a valid concern, but consider this: A proactive approach shows your value. If your boss can’t see that, maybe it’s a sign you’re in the wrong workplace. Sometimes, moving to a job with better work-life balance is the answer.
Scarcity Mindset: A Red Flag
If your company has a scarcity mindset—constantly scraping by, squeezing employees for every ounce of energy—that’s a red flag. Scarcity mindset affects everything, making you feel like opportunities are limited. If that’s the case, start looking for other job opportunities now. This gives you confidence when you talk to your boss because you know you have options.
The Easy Way: Mindset Work
If all these steps feel like the hard way, there’s an easier path. Working on your mindset can make a huge difference. Lack of confidence, low self-worth, and feeling indispensable are all mindset issues. Address these, and you’ll approach your employer with the confidence and clarity you need.
Preparing for the bar exam is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If this article resonated with you, consider joining my mentorship program to work on both your study strategies and mindset.
And remember, growth doesn’t have to be hard—it can be easy with the right approach.