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Watch out for those up North 😂😂
Any o y'all finna hook me up with a job?
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Coach
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Watch out for those up North 😂😂
Any o y'all finna hook me up with a job?
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Read the last sentence you wrote. I think that answers it.
Stockholm syndrome.
Leave before you think the cage is protection.
First, congratulations! It’s a sign that you are doing something right to have good options!
Second, most humans have some negative valence against change. It’s a part of our hard-wiring as far as I can tell. It’s important not to let default valences rule your life - they developed for a species and society so alien to our modern life that they’re completely irrelevant.
Finally, I think people tend to over-index on making the “right” decision, and subsequently miss out on the most important part of any change, which is not the decision itself, but what you do after the decision. You’re in a good spot - you have lots of good decisions (stay or go, job A or job B). Don’t focus on the “right” decision because they’re probably all good choices. Focus on life post-decision. Choose the path where you can be fully engaged and committed, where you’ll be most excited about the work, the people, the opportunities. Then, whatever you choose, dive in and embrace it with all your might. I’ve noticed people who embrace their new roles the most tend to feel that they made the right decision.
Good luck!
Ditto to A1. It’s ok to realize the dream you had at law school or a first year isn’t what you actually want. Also if you’re worried about missing people, anyone you actually care about you can still keep in touch with.
With respect, they won’t miss you - not as a cog in the big law machine. If you’ve built friendships with them, those friendships will last through the transition.
I agree. I felt the same way but leaving was the best decision and I’m still friends with my old big law coworkers and we hang out.
This seems like a cry for help. Just leave
You are not the same person you were in law school. You won’t be the same person you are in a year. It’s always good to periodically reassess what’s important to you currently. More money? Free time? Less stress? Practice area change? Location move? Different career? No commute?
Use these parameters to guide your decisions. Drop the preconceived notion of “success” and find your stride. I’ve done some internal tinkering on a much needed vacation and feel like I’ve really turned a corner in my career satisfaction!
Also keep in mind that no decision is permanent. If you have what seems to be a good offer and you take it, even if for some reason you don’t like it, you can switch jobs again in a year or two. Including going back to biglaw in the unlikely event that’s what you want to do. People go through many jobs in their long careers. This is just one step along the way. You aren’t “failing” by quitting biglaw and your time in biglaw was not a waste. You worked in biglaw to get that experience and it set you up for a nice in-house gig.
You should feel excited about the new opportunities though. Is there some reason you’re not getting excited about them?
Thank you for the support everyone. There are times I waiver because the deals are still interesting and I’m sure there’s much to learn still. But I have been unhappy and my lifestyle has been unhealthy in order to accommodate my work. I am so used to saying yes to everything and going after things that are tough and challenging and “getting through them” that I feel like a failure now for “throwing in the towel.” But I think over time, once I finally enjoy space and energy to engage with people and be able to live a hes their life again, it won’t matter as much anymore (or so I hope)! There’s also the dreaded “I’m leaving” conversations, which I really do dread lol
They’ll offer you a retention bonus. Plan how you’ll respond.
I had the same feeling after I rejected my first offer while I was at a las firm. I didn’t think of it twice when I had another shoot at leaving
How are you liking your experience so far? Are you in house or at another firm now?
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You need to get a life outside of work. Your coworkers shouldn’t be your social lifeline.
I echo some of the other comments. It’s okay for your goals to evolve. In reality, they should, because the circumstances around them have certainly changed and you’ve matured from who you were when you began. You know when it’s time to go (your body will tell you if your mind won’t listen), and it sounds like you’re experiencing the feelings many of us do before making a move. If you move on, you’ll be more equipped than you think for your next role. Give yourself some grace, make the decision that has the potential to align with your personal goals (WLB, health, etc.), and try to step into the next role with the intention to align them. Best of luck!
If your dreams changed, then that’s fine to pursue new ones. If your dreams haven’t changed you can always get another biglaw gig and define your practice in a way that suits you better.
Make the move. You can always return to firm life. Don’t burn the bridge, most firms would take a good attorney they’ve worked with previously over an untested new lateral hire. And in house experience will give you perspective that your firm-only colleagues lack. You may or may not slot in with your original class upon return, but who cares, a year or two is minor in the big picture of your whole career.
I think I fear leaving as a junior associate means less chance of being able to go back as opposed to someone having more experience.