I used to feel pretty clear on where I was going... climb the ladder, make partner, build a name. Now I’m five years in, technically thriving, and feeling nothing. I’m good at the work, but the spark’s gone. I keep wondering if I should take a step back to reimagine things or if this is just the mid-career slump everyone hits. Has anyone actually paused to reevaluate their path? Or do you just keep grinding and hope clarity eventually shows up?

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I’m in my sixth year and feel the same. In my case, I feel the spark is gone because the work is just not meaningful (I’m management side). However, the money is good and allows me to give my family a good life. So my focus is on advancement while maintaining balance and focusing on my family and hobbies. One partner I recently spoke with gave me a friendly reprimand after I responded to a late night client email that “no one is going to die if you wait until the morning to respond.” I’m sure what you can and can’t do varies by client and situation, but there are many partners at my current firm who seem to lead decently balanced lives—which is all I really want out of this job.

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That sounds like a dream. Can’t imagine even one partner at my firm telling me an email can wait.

I can see where you’re coming from but don’t share the feeling. My advice FWIW is that you should try to appreciate your growth and the benefits that you earned like having more balance or freedom to run things or flexibility to manage your time. Sometimes I reflect after hearing other being demanded to be available and in office and think how nice it is that I can go do random personal things during the day or work from wherever without partners even bunting an eye bc they know they can trust me. Maybe you need to take the next steps of having a bigger role on cases and getting into the business side of the job. I’ve found that to be exciting. Good luck!

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I share the feeling. I’m an 8th year and the spark is definitely gone. Some of the stupid aspects of litigation are annoying me but it’s good pay and steady job so I’m also trying to shift focus to life outside work

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