Started a new job about three months ago and have found the form to be totally different than described. I.e not actually dress for your day, no wfh, very oppressive culture and major mistakes (think not correctly serving defendants, incorrect record keeping of share and correction of ownership of $1+billion company). I’m miserable but don’t want to look like a job hopper. Two years in and this is my third job. Any advice?

This happened to me too. I’m three years out of law school and have been at 5 different firms, all of which were small to mid size firms that literally lied about the work I’d be doing and the culture. I’m now in a role where it’s a little better but I’m still not doing what I originally set out to do. I personally decided to sit tight, write about the work I actually want to do (ie. contribute to the greater legal community), and work well enough to get a good reference because I literally cannot keep jumping around…

I think you still have wiggle room. I suggest you keep applying to jobs, ask very detailed questions in interviews about culture and actual projects you will work on, talk to folks who previously worked or currently work at the places you interview with, and do not leave this job until you find THE job you can stay at for 3-5+ years. Put in the minimum effort to stay employed and put the rest of your efforts into getting the job you want.

It’s not your fault and you were dealt a bad hand, but I think this is what early careers look like for some. Keep clawing your way to where you want to be and don’t let this job tear you down.

I’m so sorry this happened. Talk to a recruiter. Your best option is to happen upon an awesome gig and lean into the narrative that your dream job came along and you had to move.

I would find a new job asap and consider leaving this firm off your resume and LinkedIn.

If you can and want to go back to your previous firm, that can also help gloss over this job. I know lots of folks who have “boomeranged” back to their prior firms, for similar reasons.

If you find something more suitable, after just a few months don’t mention this position on your resume. I would constantly look for something else until I get out of there.

6 years out, 4 jobs, 3 firms in the last 3 years. The worst thing you can do is stay and be miserable. Start looking. If you find one quickly, do what others have said and just leave this one off your resume. The good places will understand why you left and not hold it against you. Candidates that leave for valid reasons are only a red flag to employers that are guilty of the same behavior. Good luck!

I was in a similar situation at the end of last year. I was there for three months and I left. It was the best decision I ever made. My new firm is a dream! I also took that firm off of my LinkedIn and resume. 🤮

Can you go back to your old firm?

Get out it will only get worse no point in suffering you will be fine