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If you're asking the question there's a good chance you're there.
Different for everyone.
I know people who have exactly what you indicated and have said they’re “about to quit,” for about two years now.
Only you know your capacity for pain. All I’ll say is that money isn’t everything and you really should think how much you need. Most people just keep on wanting more and more without ever wondering what it will go to.
So somehow I ended up reading the law Reddit thread for the past 5 years…just been a bystander and it’s quite a ride over here. I can’t help but chime in as a mental health therapist and say a really good therapist or life coach can be super helpful if you’re struggling. Not just any therapist, but one with experience with people in high-demand jobs. Just an idea friend.
Go into government. There's a lot of stupid HR bullshit they care about over performance and a ton of ridiculous leftist bullshit to navigate, but if that doesn't bother you the work/life balance is good and honestly you're doing good work even if it is for petty tyrants sometimes.
If a house is falling over and endangering the neighborhood, you're doing good work getting it condemned even if the mayor sucks. If someone isn't paying their taxes and everyone else is burdened by that, you're doing good work collecting those taxes even if you don't terribly much like what it's spent on. Government lawyers (especially local govt workers) do a lot of important meaningful and impactful work.
Pay sucks, life's good. Try it out. I don't cry in my bathroom at 3 am. I don't do anything at 3 am except sleep the sleep of the just.
Is it the work itself or the people you’re working with that are upsetting you so much? Especially if you’ve only ever worked at one firm, you could just be in an unhealthy environment. I’d look to lateral and see how it goes elsewhere before throwing in the towel.
It's different for everyone, but don't be like the masses that drag it out until they have a health emergency. If you feel like you can't tolerate it anymore, you shouldn't. If you're not sure what your exit strategy is, talk to a career coach. I can refer one to anyone who needs one, but what you described is not sustainable for long. You know your health (mental and physical) better than anyone else. No job is worth your health. There are many ways to practice law, and even more ways to use your law degree that has nothing to do with the practice of law. This isn't the only path.
Sure. I'll DM you.