If you don’t know your destination, how will you know when you’ve arrived?

Whether you are a languishing associate or a partner who wants a bigger slice of a bigger pie, the decision to leave your current firm should not be taken lightly. A bit of self-reflection, before polishing that resume, will make for a more successful move.

Begin by reviewing both your short- and long-term goals and preferences. Questions to consider:

• Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
• What is the best way to get there?  
• What do you like most about your current situation? What do you like least?
• Do you need additional training in a particular practice area? 
• Is moving now going to help or hurt your career? 
• How have your goals changed since you began with your current firm?

Self-assessment is crucial to determining where you want to go, and will give you the confidence to stay on track.