I have made so work related goals. They are more like guidelines than absolute goals which allows for flexibility.
(i) Another outside counsel does the same managment work I do. He is 20+ years my senior and close to retirement. I want his work when he retires. That will double my management workload.
(ii) My boss is also 20+ years my senior. I am open to a job offer from humongo client - but only if it is at my boss' level. And if humongo client offers the perks that use to be guaranteed with that position. A slot will open up when he retires. (This would involve a reduction in income - but open the door to a different kind of career challenge...)
(iii) I will no longer take on patent drafting work unless someone is willing to pay a premium rate for me to do it myself.
(iv) I will approach European companies for business.
(v) I want to be in a position to hire my assistant by the end of the year.
(vi) I want to be in a position to hire a technical assistant or patent agent by the end of the year to do grunt work. Patent attorneys are too expensive.
(vii) I will consider forming a synergistic R with a patent firm in India. There is idealism - then there is reality. Reality trumps idealism. Just b/c I lean liberal and love my trees/shrubies does not mean I am an fool when it comes to business.
As I get higher paying work - I will drop the lower paying clients.
I want to streamline my workload. I want my life back. I want time for a family. I want time to stress about personal R's. I want to be physically fit again. And yes - I want financial security too. I like my lifestyle and want the means to maintain it.
I allowed my work to dictate my life. I am going to turn it around. I want my life choices to dictate my work choices.
Now it is time to get the last of the grunt work off my desk. There are people depending on me. This isn't about people pleasing - it is about doing my job.
