I genuinely think I’m on the brink of quitting. Nope, I have no exit plan, no job searches started, not even an updated resume. But I do have three 4:00 AM-ers in the last 8 days, partners telling me to *increase* my hours, and anxiety that’s so high I can barely eat or sleep. My body is physically breaking down from a year of high stress and I’ve been on the brink of a panic attack for the last four days. I don’t want to do anything stupid, but I don’t know how much longer I can last. Thoughts?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Before you quit, take a vacation ASAP to clear your head and make sure you are not doing anything rash. I know vacations can be difficult but if you're toying with quitting without an exit strategy, atleast pivot to a vaca so you can regroup yourself.

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Agree with this. I’m actually in the same boat myself (minus the 4am-ers) and I just scheduled a 2 week vacation to at least have a clear enough head to decide if quitting is the right move. In the meantime, take frequent deliberate breaks (i.e., not scrolling on your phone) and ignore their pushes for more hours.

I would take some time today to get your resume together. Then reach out to a recruiter. It is a lot easier to get a job while employed and that will prevent a lot of heartburn down the road

likesmart

I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. I would be happy to talk you through some options outside of BigLaw and recommend a coach if you decide to leave law altogether. Please feel free the dm me.

Don’t quit. Take a leave of absence. Go talk to attorney development and/or HR about how you’re feeling. You might still quit, but this might be a way to see if you need a recharge or really want to leave.

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Where do you work?

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Take a vacation and rest for the first few days and then start applying for new jobs during the rest of time.

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Ask for reduced hours? Depending on the firm, this may be an option. Good luck with everything, I’m so sorry for all the anxiety and stress you’re dealing with.

How often do you have to pull this off? I understand that for a week before closing things get very hectic but that should not be all the time. Unfortunately big law is like that…. The hours come in waves: sometimes you can go to bed at 10/11. Other times at 12. And rarely at 4am every day (closings). So maybe right now you are overwhelmed but maybe after this deal is done, you will be less busy.
Again: that is big law culture unfortunately.

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