In July 2008, I left my job as general counsel to a school district without having another one lined up. It was impossible to look for another job because I worked very long days and couldn’t simply disappear for a few hours in the highly visible role I had.

But, I wasn’t worried. Over many years, I had built a reputation as a skilled education lawyer with expertise in a niche practice. I was networked, optimistic and confident I would get a new job quickly. There were some irons in the fire and before long, I even got an offer from an education law firm.