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?

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I’m in the same boat. Fake it til you make it, I guess.

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Sorry to hear you’re in the same boat - hope you’re able to get out soon.

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Remember that it’s hugely important to leave on as good terms as possible. And that whatever toxicity you have to endure you still have a professional duty to your clients. Hopefully focusing on those things will help you keep your head high until you find a better opportunity.

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That’s really helpful - thank you!

I respectfully disagree with SA1 about 110%. People remember the last thing you did for them. And it’s pretty likely that some day, somewhere, someone from Toxic Firm will be in a position to recommend or judge you. Maybe they will be in house with a client. Or maybe they will be a judge. You don’t want to be remembered for mailing it in. Work your butt off straight through the finish line and leave everything in perfect shape. That’s what pros do and it will earn you respect that may benefit you some day.

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Actually, I habitually create opportunities for associates and have an amazing group of protégés. As one of many examples I could offer, in a recent jury trial involving more than $100m I went way out of my way and way out on a limb to persuade the client to let me put a first year associate on her feet with a significant witness examination, but first I taught her how to do it and then I and others practiced with her on our own time (that is, nonbillable) to get the examination just right. And she crushed it. In return for things like that you bet I expect 110% from her and everyone else who works with me. And I expect more of myself than I do of any of them. To do well what we do, we can’t leave anything in the tank, ever.

And BTW I speak from experience on the how to leave issue. I once followed your advice. I was young and dumb and did EXACTLY what you suggested to OP. It cost me dearly not to long after. Just sayin’

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I had a friend who thought he had an offer and stop caring. The offer vanished and then he ended up trying to play catch-up on his hours. To make matters worse he didn’t give it his all and ended up losing some work from some partners.

likehelpful

I’m in same boat. Faking it till I make it. Exceeding all billable goals and giving 100 percent effort in work quality.

smartlike

Focus on the light at the end of the tunnel and continue being a good professional, but feel free to not give them 110%.

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Still give it your all. You never know how long it’s gonna take until you get your next job or if you even get another job. And more importantly you’ll feel better doing a great job then doing a lousy job and that in itself is rewarding. Moving onto the next chapter of your life is better when you left the last one on a high note. Positive vibes accumulate and you should try to stay within that positive zone.

likesmart

Write a empty recipient email “love letter”. Often times, getting that noise to stop bouncing around between your ears is a great reset. I had to deal with one such co-worker this past summer. It was a weekly practice that somehow kept me alive.

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Consider this a learning opportunity. It may be quite awhile before you get a new job, so learn as much as you can while you're there--anything that will benefit you in your future career. Volunteer to help on marketing and business-development projects. Help draft some new-business proposals. Network like crazy. Make a good impression with your peers and partners; you may want to get referrals from this toxic place later. And always depart with grace and class--Law is a very small community, and people have long memories. Good luck to you in your future career. Ross Fishman

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