How many of us are running on fumes but pretending everything’s fine? I’ve been snapping at people, forgetting things, and waking up at 3am to check email, but I still paste on the “I’ve got this” face at work. The pressure to seem unshakeable is so strong that admitting burnout feels like career suicide.

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Admitting burnout is hard, but silence just makes it worse. If not at work, find a trusted mentor, doctor, or therapist to get support.

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I updated my resume.

Absolutely- I have a toddler and I go to bed every night having no idea how I got everything done that day and no idea how I’ll get everything done the next day.

Therapy and anxiety meds have helped. I also try to avoid doing anything work-related on weekends/holidays unless absolutely necessary, though I know that’s not possible for everyone.

I do not check emails after 8pm - my phone goes on the charger and stays there. Your employer is not entitled to your sleeping time. Setting reasonable boundaries helps.

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I hear you! Within the last three months, I’ve procrastinated at times on cases because I had no desire to finish the work and prepare the court filings! I wanted to take several days and just rest but I felt like I couldn’t! I did not want to get behind. So I just pushed through!

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As we all have in the past. After time to think about this, I question how many times in my career I have just "pushed through." My guess (as I have practiced for some time) is hundreds. Which direction now?

I feel you. Having to work on my vacations has exacerbated my feelings.

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We are still required to follow and respond to emails on vacation where I am currently employed.

I worked as a legal assistant for 40 years and took on temping roles for the last 7 of those to give more work/life balance - often I would be on the end of that snapping because of pressures lawyers were under. No job is worth your peace and mental health. Many times I have gone into someone’s office and asked what I could do to help because is it is worth their health? When you need help please seek it. I know we all feel like it will be portrayed as an inability to be competent and I have watched good people leave the industry rather than seek the help to share the load or when they are on the receiving end of the snapping by someone under pressure. Yes keep the client advised and say no - you are allowed to. Be prepared to delegate more and say no to unrealistic deadlines. We can all thrive under pressure but the line is a thin one when that pressure Is constant. Life is too short and at the end of the day it’s a job and should not define you. No-one ever said they wished they had worked more when It comes to the end of their life. I am retired and I know I worked hard at times and pulled some hours. The need for instant communication adds to the pressure. This is your life, your career and know your boundaries and limits. Talk to your LA - usually you’ll find they have your back and see where they can help. Family is so important so remember to thank your parents, your partner and children as you know they will have missed out on you and decide what is important. Be a great lawyer but be a great person who is also an excellent lawyer. I would be bringing you in a coffee and saying “breath” but you get to decide your career progression. It doesn’t have to be all in.

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Very recent vacation has me asking, and now answering, this question: as one human being, I can only do so much.

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Would it be wrong to try a different way to managing that bad burn?

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Partners, when you identified a minor error from a deliverable that was reviewed by SA and manager. Do you mostly get upset/disappointed at the manager, SA or the associate?

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