Resilience Beyond the Offer

“That’s a really nice colour on you Victoria!”

I smiled instinctively—but a second later my heart sank. Was this the sweet before the sour? My vision blurred and everything seemed to slow down. This was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my career—where all the hard work of law school, on-campus interviews (“OCIs”), and articles would pay off. Where did I go wrong?

Then came the words that would haunt me: “The firm is unable to offer you a position after articles due to market conditions.”

I was devastated. I had earned positive reviews from colleagues, built relationships, worked hard, and learnt a lot within the various areas of business law—where was my misstep? I asked for feedback on what I could have done better. I was met with compassion, kindness, and reassurances that the rejection was simply a business decision due to market conditions. None of the articled students from my cohort were offered an associate position in the Vancouver office.

I reached out to my peers from Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and asked about their job offers—and for some, the lack thereof. Those without offers had a similar story. They worked hard and earned great reviews, but there was simply no room for a junior associate. What a disappointment—they certainly didn’t print this in the glossy law school brochures.

I couldn’t sleep. Thoughts about my life choices raced through my exhausted, restless mind. Did I choose the right firm during OCIs? Did I do everything I could during my articles? Should I have even gone to law school?

I am “more seasoned” than the average law graduate. Before law, I enjoyed careers in both the public and private sectors in sales and communications. It wasn’t the first time I met career disappointment—and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. I reflected on those past disappointments and the chapters that came thereafter. While I couldn’t control the market or the circumstances that led to those past challenges, there was one thing I could always control: my attitude.

I could choose to have a “woe is me” pity party for myself—but what would that accomplish?

Or I could choose to take hold of my future, with all the possibilities and opportunities before me. I committed to that choice.

I repeated mantras that night: “this is only temporary… this too shall pass… I am successful… I am abundant… positive opportunities are coming to me… I am lucky to have so many possibilities before me.” I pulled out my phone and booked a power yoga class for the next morning. I needed to move the stagnant energy out of me.

At the end of my yoga class, as I was lying in Savasana (the final resting pose), I decided I needed to expand my network. I’d have to meet some new people, shake some hands, and hear some stories. I figured this would be the best way to explore the possibilities.

I was still working at the firm for another couple of months, so I used this opportunity to knock on every door I could at the firm to express gratitude for the lawyers’ assistance during my articles. It was also a great segue to ask about their journey as junior lawyers and if they could introduce me to someone in their network who had a business law practice. I was never met with a “no.”

Over the next five or so months, I met over 100 people near and far, in-person and online, both practicing and non-practicing lawyers, as well as recruiters from around the world. I explored possibilities in North America, Europe, and other jurisdictions. I explored private practice, the public sector, in-house roles, offshore, and academic opportunities. I was overwhelmed by the kindness shown and all of the possibilities.

I truly enjoyed learning about what this abundant profession has to offer and meeting with the extraordinary people who made time for me, shared their story, and provided encouragement. I also enjoyed daytime yoga classes, the odd solo weekday brunch, and afternoon hikes where I reflected on my past and hopes for the future. I meditated on my values and what was important to me in my next chapter, and I realized I was becoming more open to the various possibilities. I knew this chapter wasn’t going to last forever, so I intended to make the most out of it—professionally and personally.

I will admit it was not all “sunshine and rainbows.” I grew impatient, often wondering when it was finally going to happen and where I would land. There were some unpleasant experiences during my job search—I was unintentionally stood up a few times, re-booked dozens of times, ghosted, and I had to force my way through some awkward encounters. In those more challenging moments, I was grateful to have the support of Michael Lederman of the Lawyers Assistance Program. His unwavering support, kindness, and honesty was exactly what I needed to navigate this chapter. My TRU career advisor, Christi McAuley, was also a helpful resource, and I am incredibly grateful that her support extends to alumni. Moreover, my friends (legal and non-legal), TRU peers, and family were all vital in helping me through this challenging chapter of my life.

I’m pleased to say that I eventually received multiple job offers and was also accepted to complete my LLM. With a huge grin, I sat peacefully with all the opportunities before me. I weighed the options with my head, my heart, against my values, and with those supporting me—and I selected what was best for me.

If you’re navigating a similar chapter—facing rejection, uncertainty, or are simply unsure of what’s next—know that you have options. You have the option to choose your attitude, discover what’s possible, be open, find the support you need, and pursue what you truly want because, after all, it’s your career—and your life!