Anyone having a horrible time meeting billable targets during quarantine? I haven’t been able to focus at all. Without much contact from my office, I feel like it’s just me, and everyone else is billing just fine. That can’t be true though, can it? I mean maybe some people. I’m so far off my requirement and worried. 🤦🏼‍♀️😭

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I’m feeling the same way. I did push through and make my hours for April but it was such a grind. I think it’s in part due to watching news about the virus and worrying. (And in part due to home schooling a 6 year old). But I also think a big component is that I’m accustomed to working under the gun all the time and with courts closed the feeling of no deadlines is hard. Just bill the best you can. Maybe reach out to your supervisor and explain how you are feeling. At least then the will understand that you are struggling and not slacking off.

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I actually had that conversation with my supervising partner today and it was very reassuring.

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I’ll be honest—for some reason entering my time gives me anxiety, and I’ve been avoiding it.

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The only way I’ve ever found to get by that particular brand of anxiety is to enter my time same day, contemporaneously if possible.

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Talk to the people in your office - silence is the worst thing in this kind of situation. We’re in a pandemic, mental health issues are bound to show up in even the most stable people. If you’re just slow but not missing deadlines then you’ll be able to make it up later. Communication matters though - reach out to others you trust.

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Mixed in the firm as a whole. I am in a specialty area (not employment) and have been crushed the past two months. It is hard to concentrate, though, and that feeling of not enough work can be really tough to deal with.

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It’s really hard right now but the best thing you can do is start planning your week and set priorities for each day. Having specific goals to tackle each day can help your focus. If you need to take a large project say a motion for summary judgement and then break it down into tasks, such as research standard of law, determine my facts, determine opposing facts, etc. have at least three things to do each day. By breaking it down and having the goals for the day you can help your focus. Also, plan out the rest of your year to see what you can make up. You won’t get it all, but you might get some and having a plan can help.

Most importantly, go easy on yourself. This time is hard and we’re all struggling for one reason or another. Good job identifying what you needed and making a change.

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Yes! My April was half what it usually is and should have been

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That's why you create a scope, calender it, chart changes and put it on the next calendaring event while sticking to the current. Create a checklist each morning whole prioritizing for immediacy and then importance.

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AL1, you’ve just encountered the master language mangler of FB. We’ve all tried at least once to understand one of his/her posts. And we’ve all failed.

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I’m in Southern California and we’re designated as essential so I will go into the office at least once a week to get away from the family and all the distractions that come from working at home.

For me, it’s a great situation because there’s only two people in the office and no one on my floor so it’s like working on a weekend.

In honesty, I haven’t had issues with hitting my billable targets (insurance defense). Still doing depositions, mediations and last week did a site inspection. So my situation is unique.

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Feeling the exact same, OP. I started going back into the office this week because if it and I’ve noticed others doing the same as well. It’s been helping.

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OP, serious question. Why do you think you’re having trouble focusing?

Good for you for making a change. I’m glad it’s helped. I obviously don’t know your firm’s culture, practice, or financial position, but I think most people know that people all are doing their best in a weird situation. I suggest just digging in as best you now can. Do whatever you can on the billable side and fill the rest of the day with training and pro bono. And take care of yourself with sleep, food, outdoor exercise, and doing something fun every day — the puzzles and table games in our home are getting heavy use, and we’ve watched a bunch of old favorite movies. None of that is a substitute for our old routines but it’s helped us maintain most of our sanity and productivity.

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Idk, maybe it’s time we bring these engineers and techs down. If my 🧠 links to a 💻 , all of my non-billable work will come to light. 😤

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