Need some words of encouragement. I finally decided to take FMLA leave after months of anxiety, depression, severe physical symptoms of burnout. Started letting the team know on very short notice (without disclosing the details). Still very nervous about the impact even though people are nice on the surface, particularly because I already took a shorter, last-minute ooo a while ago. I think this is the right decision for me, but I can’t help but think I’m throwing my career away step by step.

Deep breath. After a decade of being very leaned in, I took off in July after a pregnancy loss. One day notice, no return date, although I did let HR know what was going on and gave permission for them to share.

My partners and team were amazing at supporting me through the very fast transition of ongoing matters and then giving me space. I’ve been back for about a month and no ramifications for my time away. Even clients are just asking if I’m doing better (we told them I was out for a medical situation to the extent we needed to explain).

Take the time you need. Practice will be there when you get back, and if it’s not, it probably was no longer the right fit. Wishing you the best.

Having had a few friends and one junior go on FMLA, it’s almost always very sudden. It happens, people hit a breaking point, and you need to take care of yourself first. Your matters can survive without you, your loved ones, much less so

If you were in an accident that required you to be out for a few weeks you wouldn't give notice in advance! Would you feel bad about last minute notice? Of course not! It is very, very common for people to suddenly need it, it's not just for having babies or a planned surgery.

You are doing the right thing! Your mental health is part of your overall health and it matters. Don’t second guess prioritizing your well being. If you suddenly found out you had a physical medical issue and you needed immediate surgery, you would take leave and take care of it. This is the same thing. Sending hugs and best wishes the time off helps you feel much better and that you’re refreshed and back to yourself when you return. A brief leave, even if unexpected, is a rounding error in the marathon that is a legal career. Please don’t give it another thought and focus on yourself and what you need to be ok.

Thank you all, really appreciate it ❤️

Taking care of yourself is #1 and more important than your career. You will come back stronger and with more clarity after you give yourself some space to feel better. Good luck! 🩷

Good for you. You dont have to let anyone know the why. Just that you had a medical emergency.

Disability can affect any one of us. It can take significant time and effort to untangle illness’s root causes and best treatments.

You are entitled to the time and pay that your job permits to recover. Consider long term disability leave if you signed up for that insurance (called income protection insurance).

Your career will blossom when you are at your best. Invest in yourself with good mental health therapy and medical care. Adjust your diet, exercise, and living environment. Work on your mindset — rehearse successful outcomes and believe you deserve them.

Surround yourself with positive, caring people. Law firm culture can be draining and it takes time to unlearn its toxicity.

Take care of yourself. The rest will fall in place.