I left Big Law for a government agency about a year ago, hoping for more purpose and a saner lifestyle. And while the hours are better, I feel like I completely dropped off the map. No one from my old firm reaches out, I get awkward silences when I mention where I work now, and part of me feels embarrassed like I couldn’t hack it. I know this is probably in my head, but it’s been harder than I expected to feel proud of the change. Anyone else deal with this? How did you reframe the move so it didn’t feel like failure?

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Big Law brainwashed you. The prestige cult is so strong it makes people think leaving is weakness—when really it’s the sanest choice you could make.

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If you like your own decision about your own life. They have no position to judge.
JUST DO IT!

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You should legitimately never care about what any other person thinks about you other than your spouse and kids.

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Are YOU happy with your decision? That’s what matters! If you’re in a better position and feel better, keep remembering that and push forward.

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I respect you more out of big law 😂

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It’s a matter of perspective and after what was likely years of the “prestige” oriented thinking it took to get you into biglaw (and that you were likely surrounded by) it will take time to acclimate. Also another way of thinking about the non-responsiveness from former colleagues - if you went to a governmental agency that does not or cannot send your former firm / colleagues work, they often won’t go out of their way to stay in touch like they would if you went to a client.

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Whenever you leave a firm you realize who your real friends are and it’s not that many people. Doesn’t matter if u went to another big law or not.

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Very true

I hope your job is okay in light of the BBB

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Who cares what others think. If you need a prestige flex, join a private club, they need members

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Spend more time with your family. If you don’t have a spouse and kids, focus on getting them.

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