The Silent Career Killer: Why Female Lawyers Must Stop Saying “I’m Fine”

“I’m fine.”

Two words that feel like armor.

I’ve heard it from powerhouse lawyers with top-tier clients, full calendars, and accolades on their walls. I’ve said it myself when I was crumbling behind a confident smile.

Here’s the truth: “I’m fine” is often code for… 

🔹 I’m holding it together with tape and caffeine 

🔹 I don’t feel safe enough to admit I’m not okay 

🔹 I’ve convinced myself that burnout is just part of the deal

But it’s not. And it shouldn’t be.

The Legal Profession Doesn’t Leave Much Room for Honesty

The culture of law rewards over-functioning. It praises the woman who never misses a beat. Who’s never late, never tired, never anything but “on.”

And so we stop telling the truth. We smile through the stress. We say, “I’m fine,” even when our gut says, “Something needs to change.”

But what happens when “fine” becomes the ceiling for your life?

You stop dreaming. You settle. You stay stuck in survival mode.

Real Power Starts with Radical Honesty

Let me tell you—some of the most powerful breakthroughs I’ve witnessed in my coaching practice didn’t start with strategy. 

They started when a woman finally admitted: 

👉 “I’m not fine.” 

👉 “I don’t want to live like this anymore.” 

👉 “I want more.”

That kind of honesty? It’s not weakness. It’s the first step to reclaiming your power.

Because once you tell the truth, you can do something about it.

Here’s Your Permission Slip

You do not have to do this alone. You don’t have to wear the mask. And you don’t have to wait until you hit a breaking point to ask for support.

Saying “I’m not fine” doesn’t make you less of a lawyer. It makes you human.

It makes you ready to grow.

Cheering for you always, E

PS....If something inside you whispered “this is me,” know that you're safe here. Let's talk. No pressure, no pitch—just an honest conversation about where you are and where you want to go.

🔗 DM me or schedule a free connection call today.