I'm considering leaving my biglaw job for an entry-level government job. I'd be leaving at least 80 grand on the table for a better work/life balance. I also can't even get loan forgiveness because I refinanced. Am I crazy?

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Not crazy but maybe jumping the gun. Various considerations should be factored into your decision.

How old are you?
Do you have dependents?
How much are you in debt?
How many years have you practiced?

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I like this mindset. What’s a bit of debt to pay off when you’ve reclaimed your time and are doing something you feel good about?

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It’s better to leave biglaw too early than too late. If you’ve been in for five years, that’s more than enough to know you don’t like it and want to move on. You only get one life - use it.

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Thanks, totally agree

I plan to do this as well in the next year or so, if I can get a gov job that I feel good about.

I feel crazy staying in biglaw, so no, you aren’t.

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You can! Where are you looking?

I am looking forward to doing the same in the next year or so. I don’t think this is crazy at all and I wish you the best. Please let us know how it goes!

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Is it federal government? If so, may be able to work with you on student loan repayment even if refinanced. At least that was how it was at the agency I was at. Are you taking into account pension and 401k/TSP match? That makes up some of the difference. I worked for the government and loved it. Left a lot of $ on the table, but returned to biglaw because it was time to move on. Would go back to gov one day though. I was in it largely for the public service aspect which helps when thinking about leaving money on the table.

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They were willing to look to the original loan and bc that was a gov loan that was enough. It was not forgiveness. They give $ to put towards the payment of the loan.

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