I have been thinking and talking a lot lately about reinventing oneself. Many of my clients seem to want to change careers or other aspects of themselves after going through a divorce. I am not a therapist but it seems like a natural progression to me.

A good friend-who has not gone through a divorce-has seemed to reinvent herself as a very talented blogger. I have been following her blog online and am truly enjoying her topic choices and writing style. Other friends, who chose to be stay at home mothers, are looking for ways to reinvent themselves after the children have left for college.

Changing one’s career choice or perception of oneself is hard. I reinvented myself about thirteen years ago. At that time I was a commercial litigator working for a large firm that let me work in part on Long Island but, mostly, in the city. In looking for a way to work on Long Island full time, I found the best way to do so would be to totally change my career path and start again as a matrimonial lawyer.

My decision to reinvent myself was difficult and I continued to question it even after I gave notice at my firm. What solidified my decision was the fact that I was unable to attend my own farewell party. My farewell party was scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2003 in the city. The day before, however, a massive power outage struck the Northeast and there was no way for me to get to my own party. The Long Island Rail Road was not running and most traffic lights were still out making driving into the city too hazardous. While I heard my farewell party was fun, I took my inability to attend as a sign that I had made the right decision.

Have you ever changed paths?