I’m a first year litigation associate and have felt depressed for the past six months largely due to work. I landed what has been my dream job for years - a position at a music law firm - despite having no experience in the industry and no transactional background. My parents think I am committing career suicide by leaving Big Law so soon and working with non Ivy Leaguers. I think I’ve landed a once in a lifetime opportunity and can swing the pay cut since I have no student debt. Thoughts?

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Posting as :
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I’m sorry you’ve been experiencing depression. It’s the pits. The good news is, we have great treatments for this now. For me, it was Zoloft. Talk to a doctor — they’re happy to help.

If I were in your shoes, I’d take the job that made me happy.

Respectfully, I think your parents have an inflated sense of the status conferred by attending a school in the Ivy League.

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Those positions are coveted. It may not be big law, but this is a hell of an opportunity. Take it and be happy!

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Take the job. Kick some ass.

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I would tend to agree with associate. Unless you are gunning for a seat on SCOTUS, I'm just not sure that the ivy league is the be-all end-all. And frankly Even an associate justice seat may not require an Ivy League background anymore in the Trump years. Life is short and your parents do not have to do the job -- you do. Unless they are paying your bills and you are working for free at a start up I'm just not sure that what they say should have that much bearing on how you choose to live your life as a grown-up attorney at this point in life my friend.

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Lmao “hope he sees this bro” @ A3

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I couldn’t tell you where anyone I work with went to law school and it doesn’t matter in any event. Do what makes you happy.

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the only reason i know where my colleagues went to school is because of the diplomas that hang in their office, and even then i don't remember all of them. no diploma, no clue!

I don't think the lack of references is an issue. If you are concerned though, take some time to chat with attorneys that worked there and left (generally you can find some on LinkedIn).

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Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. I am probably going to take the job, though it’s difficult to make a choice that I know makes my parents so unhappy. Another concern they had was that the music law firm didn’t ask for + check references. Is that a red flag to any one?

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As a practical matter, it may not be feasible for the music law firm to check references. This has to do with all the cloak and dagger that goes along with lateral hiring. For example, if the only references that would matter are from people at the firm you currently work for, the music law firm isn’t going to bother asking for them because it would tip them off that you’re considering leaving and potentially blow up your lateral move.

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Not a reg flag. My Big law firm didn't ask for any!

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Ivy leaguers are depressing. Congrats on the new role. Live your life!

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