I’ll be giving my resignation notice next week. Not sure if my (small-mid size) firm is expecting it. I’m nervous. Has anyone felt bad or scared to give their notice? Felt bad for letting them down? Or feel nervous for how they may react? Any advice?

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

I’ve done it and I’ve had it done to me. Here’s the real truth: you are replaceable. I don’t say that to be mean or harsh or to trivialize your worth. I say it to remind you that businesses and relationships are always fluid. The firm will survive. So will you. (And here’s to hoping you thrive as well!)

like

It will be okay. The fact that you care puts you leagues ahead of most. Well done.

I think it’s normal to feel bad or scared about it, especially if there are people there you respect or like working with. However, people resign and move around for all sorts of reasons, and it is not a let down or some sort of character flaw if you to want to do so. If the people you work with are professionals, then they will cheer you on as you exit and wish you the best in your future endeavors. If they react with hostility, then that is a reflection on them and not on you. I would not worry about it too much.

like

As someone who has done it before, it’s absolutely terrifying, but something that you just need to get out and in the open. The longer you wait, the more you’ll let the anxiety build, and the worse off you’ll be. The reality is that if they liked you, they will hope you don’t like your new job and want to come back soon anyways.

like

I had incredible mentors and sponsors fighting to promote me to partnership and I walked away from it, so felt terrible. I dreaded giving notice, but once I did and the shock of it was over after a few days, people literally moved on. I was the “rock star” young attorney, but as someone else said we are all still replaceable. Be appreciative to the people who were good to you, but the guilt will go away quickly because the “pain” to them will go away quickly.

like

Incredible opportunity in house at a unicorn. Felt more exciting than making partner since I know exactly what partnership looked like and was already doing it to a certain extent and wasn’t happy. Being good at the job and enjoying the money, but still miserable is fine if you have no other options you’re interested in, but once my dream job was offered it made no sense to stay.

Employment is purely transactional.

If this firm wanted a lasting relationship with you they would have either paid you more than your market value or made you partner.

like

I’m also about to do this in the next couple of weeks. It’s going to be devastating to them on a number of levels, from morale to simply being able to absorb my caseload. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for you. They’ll survive or they won’t, and if they can’t survive without a single associate the outlook for them was not f—ing good anyway. It’s their responsibility to deal with associates coming and going. It’s a part of the business. If they can’t deal with it, they’re not running their business well.

like

They’ll survive.

Related Posts

Someone please tell me that I can get a rear facing child seat in the back of a mustang… otherwise it looks like I’ll have to buy a new family car to drive the little one around (wife doesn’t drive unfortunately).

Could be a good excuse to get a Taycan but was hoping I could just stick with my mustang. We said next car will be an EV didn’t think it would be so soon though!

like

Hello Pals - I have 8+ years of exp as business analyst, and consultant. No coding experience, but good in data & reporting. Planning to take a course from Learnbay after reading a lot of reviews in the internet. Its for Data Science Master program - can anyone suggest if they are good and help me make the transition I'm looking for (Feel free to share your choices if any)

like

hello all,
I have joined CTS on dec-2021 ,I have been assigned to a support project i had 2 years of java development experience before joining CTS ,i have asked my reporting manager to provide release from the project but he is denying it now whom should I approach plz provide me your valuable suggestion

What can I expect in a final round, virtual interview? It’ll be with the person who interviewed me during the second round which was technical.

likehelpful

I have 150k miles available in United, would you suggest to use it for next flight to Asia (15hr) or keep it and exchange for something else??

like

Okay, so I have pretty bad cystic acne, clogged pores and enlarged pores. I’ve been using curology and a mild dermatologist recommended soap. I have seen some improvement, however I was curious if anyone was struggling with it and has tried the “Flo Vitamin gummy’s “ on top of my fertility struggle this really has kinda killed my confidence. I know it’s not specifically fertility related but Was hoping to get some feedback on similar situations

like

What is the salary range of a Tech Writer with 5.6 years of experience? Need help.

Thanks in advance.

like

Currently in Atlanta, GA. Looking for management role in wealth management, corporate and institutional solutions, business strategy and consulting. I have an MBA from non-target school, about 5 years in management from financial services, business strategy and development and I’m looking for a great company (whether in finance, business strategy or tech) with salary range around $150k or above. A referral would be highly appreciated!!

like

Folks, does Morgan Stanley pay signon/ joining bonus for VP/ Associate level position in London, UK? If so, how much?

Looking for a career opportunity that I can make $100k+. I have been in dental for about 10 years and held a ton of roles ranging from front desk to operations and training. I feel like I have so much experience and an amazing skillset to bring to an organization but struggling to know where to go, HELP! **open to leaving dental

like

Quantum computing. Can someone through some light. Best place to learn more on this

like

How do y’all deal with people at work who are stuck on stupid? Like they have no idea what they’re talking about and they REFUSE to learn. It’s like they have a god complex or something even with proof, maybe bc of their tenure at the company? Even if there’s valid data backing up that they’re wrong. Maybe it’s bc I’m a type 8 enneagram, but it frustrates the hell out of me!
So any advice would be lovely :)

like

What sort of equity stakes do management teams at PE-backed companies typically get?

like

Fellow MBBers, any of you think the banking raises will trickle over to us (110k starting) or nah?

like

Hi Fishes,

If anyone is looking to buy Life/Health insurance product please connect, we can avail good deals and discounts.

like

When is external hire IBD recruiting season?

like

I’m studying for the SHRM-CP with the Mometrix (study guides, online course, and flash cards), however I’m super overwhelmed with all of the information. What are some best practices to ensure I grasp all of the concept ? Any advice would be much appreciated!!!

What do you do to fight burnout? Got a raise yesterday and will get another in September, for dealing with a lot of stuff, but I can't shake the burnout.

like

Anyone interview at Culture Amp and had to do a presentation?

like

Additional Posts in Law Exit Opportunities

How soon did you know the practice of law was not for you, and when did you start acting on it? Approaching my second year and have felt this in some form since my six month mark.

like

Big law for 8 years (litigation/antitrust) and have never enjoyed the work. It’s too late to try a new practice area and am thinking about either leaving the law or going in house. Any non law ideas?

like

Are there recruiters who specialize in or have opportunities in non practicing attorney or jd preferred roles? I don’t want to litigate anymore but I really need help finding a non practicing role. I wonder if there are recruiters who do this.

like

I’m interviewing for a GC role at a company that’s never had in-house counsel before. I’ve never been a GC - what questions should I be asking?

like

Any Knowledge Attorneys or Professional Support Attorneys out there? Or know any? Wondering if it would be a good life choice. (I like the sound of it from the little I’ve found.)

likehelpful

I’ve been practicing in both big law (many yrs ago) and now in-house for over 10 years. Quite often I struggle because I don’t find work fulfilling. I’ve been in industries that allegedly have greater cause (healthcare) but was eventually disappointed by the corporate bureaucracy and went to a cutting-edge tech company for intellectual stimulation. Still I struggle. Should I try public interest? Not that I don’t need the money but it’s hard to work when I am so detached and find it meaningless

like

I’m a fifth year associate who is ready to get out of litigation (and private practice altogether). I’ve only ever done professional malpractice (legal, med mal, etc) and feel like those skills will not transfer as well if I had done transactional work. Ideally I would like to transition to something in-house. Any suggestions as to what jobs/industries I could transfer into with only litigation experience?

like

Almost 30 years after graduating law school, I am now following my joy. 2022 will be our year to expand our legal resource brokerage nationwide and into the provinces of Canada. If your pivot includes helping underserved communities while maintaining your level of freedom, we should speak.

Post Photo
like

Giving my notice this week. It’s going to seem very out of the blue as I am a first year associate. I’m leaving to go into a different career path completely. The people are great but I’m just looking for something different. Any advice?

likehelpful

I have been overworked and overwhelmed at my current job for quite a while. This is my first position out of law school, small firm with large caseload, and in my second year of practice. I often think I should look for another opportunity elsewhere but I don't know that any other firms would give me the potential for growth and experience that I am getting here. What are other 2nd year associates doing at other firms? Trying to gauge if I really am getting more opportunities here

like

Has anyone here left their job due to burnout?

If yes, what are you doing now or what do you plan to do? How has the experience been?

like

Cross-posting: What was your narrative in interviews for wanting to leave biglaw? Presumably you didn't just say I hate working 60+ hours per week in a disgustingly inefficient, top-heavy organization.

likefunny

Has anyone pivoted to a fed gov job in the intelligence space? Such as a civilian intelligence specialist, etc. would be curious to hear your path! Thanks.

like

I can’t get out. I’m a barred attorney looking to move into a JD preferred role. I don’t like being at a firm. I’ve applied to hundreds (literally) of contract, compliance, regulatory, etc. sort of jobs. I’m not looking for a crazy salary either. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. How do I make the switch? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

like

I work with great people. Really can’t say anything bad about my firm in general either. But…I still dislike the entire premise of law firm life, the billable hour, etc.. I’d love to work in a law school setting as a counselor or something but I can’t afford the pay cut. *sigh* Does anyone feel like being a lawyer is just doing homework all day? First world problems I suppose. I’m very thankful to have a job ❤️

like

What exit opportunities exist for international arbitration? I don’t want to litigate, and am a non-American so government jobs (which seem to be what my colleagues are exiting into) aren’t an option for me. I don’t ever see myself making partner (nor do I want to), and I feel totally stuck.

like

I found out that I can make more money starting, buying and running businesses than I can in law. Plus I'm home at 6pm every night. Did anyone find that out?

likeuplifting

I'm looking to leave the legal field. Its really toxic for my ADHD and I feel miserable everyday here. How can I pivot my career towards government/policy roles without having to take a huge step down in income?

like

I’ve decided to leave a toxic work environment and have begun applying elsewhere. It’s now very difficult to motivate myself at work. Any advice for how to survive until I have an offer in hand?

like

3rd year work comp attorney, trying to transition to different non-litigation practice or law exit opportunity. Any ideas?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal