Has anyone left big law without a job lined up? How did you land on your feet again? (For context: I’m a 2nd/3rd at a v10 firm and from a T5 law school; no family money and have loans. I’m having anxiety/panic attacks because of work and just don’t want to live like this anymore. No time to search for job while working.) I already took a health leave and feel like I can’t again. I searched for a job during this leave - but didn’t give it enough time/had too high standards/economy sucked/. (Cont)

likehelpful
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I am in a similar position to you. I resigned last week. I have nothing lined up but the balance has changed for me so much recently that the idea of not having a job or anything else lined up is less anxiety-inducing than staying in a job that is actively destroying every single bit of my physical and mental health. I will be using my savings and also think I’ll have around 8 months. That is plenty of time to find something else and also to rest, recover and most importantly, live rather than just barely survive. You will absolutely land on your feet. Life is far too short to be so miserable, especially for a job that would so easily replace you.

likeupliftinghelpful

A4 How bad was this job A4? What class year? practice group?

likesmart

OP, take these comments with a grain of salt. These people are incapable of an objective assessment; they are clearly blinded by their golden handcuffs and learned helplessness. Yes, by resigning with nothing lined up, you may be risking an easy path to making 200/300k+ for the rest of your life, or at least may be taking a detour. Is that what you want from life — at any cost? If yes, then listen to these comments. If you’re ok with taking risks, comfortable networking, and/or open to other opportunities (gov’t, smaller firms, etc), then follow your intuition. There is literally nothing forcing us to stay in this industry. You need to take control of your life.

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A recruiter can help OP find a job outside of BL.

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Recent IconRecent

You shouldn’t feel bad about taking medical leave again. Your firm wouldn’t feel bad for letting you go with no notice if their numbers weren’t good.

likesmart

Thank you

I came on here to ask the same question. But I’m a 6th yr at an AM200. I took two months off in between my last two laterals. I disagree wholeheartedly with people telling you that a little bit more leave will help you feel better. It won’t. A slightly less hard version of what you’re doing now probably won’t help either. Get out. I will too. Life is so so so short.

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I lateraled to a new firm promising better balance and work culture. Second month in—it’s not even over—I’m already at 220 hours. Not by choice.

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I agree if you can take leave again and work on feeling better that’s the most important first step. Biglaw is hard and stressful. Firms are starting to get that and maybe adjustments can be made. If not, your law degree will be attractive and marketable elsewhere. But don’t quit without a job if you don’t have to. Good luck!

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Thank you!

How much have you got saved up? Is it equivalent to 10-12 months of expenses?

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If you have that much saved you can bounce without anything lined up, I think. But you’ll have to be mindful of your expenses while you job hunt. Given today’s market, it may take some time to land another gig.

Your career is long and you and your health come first, nobody else is going to do that for you except you.

If it comes up during an interview later down the line why there’s a gap, just say you have been interviewing and have been very careful and mindful of finding the role that is the right fit for you. Or you can say you took a break to refresh and traveled or whatever lol. Up to you.

Best of luck.

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What’s a T5 law school?

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