Feeling heavy career guilt. Out of full-time law for a year after mental/physical health struggles, a miscarriage, and depression. Currently in IVF doing brutal PIO shots, and honestly grateful not to be working. But I see women powering through IVF while billing, and I feel weak. I’m doing occasional contract work to stay sharp, but I'm terrified of the gap.
Has anyone taken a break for IVF/health? How long is "too long" before it hurts hiring prospects?

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Your journey is not their journey.

Stop comparing.

likesmartuplifting

This profession is demented

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I cannot overstate the truth in the saying comparison is the thief of joy.

Please focus on your health, wellness and success. What other women are doing and seemingly succeeding at are not factors in your own journey. Give yourself grace, you matter and your experiences are yours.

likehelpful

Wow! Give yourself a break. It’s not weak to take care of yourself. It’s so so wonderful that you don’t have to waste time and energy billing when you have more important healing/ life goal stuff to do. Have you heard of the mom project? That might be a good resource for finding part time work if and when you want/need to.

likehelpful

I know women who have taken 20+ year breaks from their legal careers and have been able to return to law.

It takes only about 3 months to get back into the swing of things, even after years away. The real challenge is dealing with the personalities in this profession, not the substance of the law.

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Sometimes people power through and hold on by a string because their financial situation does not permit them to step away from generating income. So when you see someone sort of “doing it all” don’t assume they’re doing it willingly or well. It might be literal survival. I’m so happy for you that you get to take the time you need and focus on what’s important. I wouldn’t feel jealous at all- just grateful! A lot of women probably envy you, too.

likesmart

Doing IVF right now with a physical injury I’m in PT weekly for too and working part time (FMLA) in biglaw and truly barely holding on.

Everyone says they don’t know how I do it, but I do it because I don’t have another choice. This is very much the answer.

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Girl! Give yourself some grace!

I went through 13+ IVF cycles over 12 or so years. Plus all the other treatments they thought might help. I finally have my two miracle kids (now almost 6 and 10).

You are NOT weak for needing time to go through fertility treatment. I white knuckled working through all of it, and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the best call. The treatments are mentally and physically exhausting.

It sounds like being a mom matters a lot to you. It is perfectly reasonable for you to prioritize yourself during this time. The more relaxed you are, the better your odds of success. Please do not feel bad for taking time for this purpose. If you had cancer or some other major medical issue, you probably wouldn’t blink at taking time to address it. This is a medical condition and it is tied to a very important life/family choice that you are allowed to (and should) prioritize.

Baby dust! I wish you the pink line ASAP. The law will always be there. Your chance to become a mommy will not. You are doing just fine making this choice. Feel free to DM me if it would help to talk through anything re your treatment. It’s been a minute, but I’ve seen and done about all there is in that regard.

And pro tip: For PiO shots, put the vial in your bra or someplace adjacent to your body for 15 minutes or so to warm the solution. Ice the injection site for 5 minutes or so before injecting. Massage the site immediately after and sit on a heating pad with intermittent massage for 10-15 minutes after. This helps prevent those painful knots and makes it a lot more manageable. Until I read your post, I forgot all about the PiO nightmare. And you will too once you hold your baby 🥰

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