What’s it like working almost exclusively remotely? Especially where most of the rest of the firm is in-office? I’m worried I’d get left out of stuff or that not having any exposure to a regular office environment for a “normal” law firm wouldn’t be healthy. I’ve been doing this 10 years and I’ve had both. Remote work I just kind of rot at home. But it’s the only way to avoid a nightmarish commute at this firm I’m considering

likehelpfulfunny
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It's amazing. I generally work from a second home across the country, so It's just a totally different environment and day-to-day existence, not to mention COL. Then, I fly in every so often, stay at my primary home, and go into the office.

I think the thing that I appreciate the most about it is that I could never have predicted I'd ever have the opportunity to live/work like this. Pre-2020, law was basically an in-office profession.

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It’s awesome. I’m in my seventh year. No commute time. I can do stuff with my family.

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* seventh year of fully remote

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Extremely lonely if you don’t have a life and friends outside of work. People who love remote work don’t seem to understand that some people really only live to work.

I’d just try and go in, even with the commute. What’s worse, sitting at home and doing nothing, or working alongside your colleagues and actually adding to society? Simple choice in my opinion.

Don’t let the stigma of remote work being better get at you. Having friends and hobbies isn’t for everyone.

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And vice versa.

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Can be very lonely / depressing, at least that’s been my experience

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Second this

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Agree there are pros and cons. You get to know people much more slowly. It can be lonely. But the convenience can’t be beat.

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I am WFH and I love it! No long commute, more time to accomplish goals. I have plenty of on camera time and exposure. Another plus...on days that I have no on camera meetings I get to work in my pajamas!

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1 day in the office and I have breakfast lunch and dinner with my family, it is great. But I would understand that it would be different if you were more junior / do not yet have a family you want to be with.

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Amazing. I see my son growing up. I spend time with my family in the mornings and as soon as I’m done working. If you’re single and lonely, then I can see the social benefit of going in to the office, but otherwise I would never go in if the partners weren’t encouraging me to do so.

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Financially it translates into a 30%-40% raise. That was a big surprise to me as we were really pulling out the stops to save more for retirement. I knew there'd be some savings but not nearly that much. It came from lunches, gas, parking, wear and tear on the car, dry cleaning, go along to get along gifts and fundraisers and even pan handlers. I had no idea how much was going out in a week commuting downtown at the office. There are some drawbacks and it doesn't work for everyone. For instance, it is isolating but as the only Paralegal in my boutique firm for 11 years I was already isolated and was used to it. Additionally there is no upward mobility to my profession that would warrant a lot of face to face interaction with management or building social capital. The whole office thought nothing of taking off to lunch together and leaving me alone in the office on a regular basis. So that wasn't new to me. At least I could be comfortable and work in peace.

I've used the time to revisit my hobbies as we get closer to retirement. I get up early and walk the trails around my neighborhood for 3 miles with a walking group then shower and put on my favorite sweats to start the day while listening to favorite jazz music. I'm not exhausted from the long day and commute at the end of the day. Or walking in the door after dark feeling like I missed out on the whole day. I am actually more productive because I don't mind the extra hour here and there and can immediately logon to take care of a crisis rather than driving into the office to do it. I love it and will never go back.

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How did you calculate this financial increase? That really is surprising!

I love it. Moved across the country, and have friends and family time.

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Is most of the rest of the firm in office by choice or policy? Either way this seems to be the biggest risk to me of getting left out or forgotten. May depend on your level and if you’ll have your own book. If you are looking for work and collaboration I would think you’d be at a disadvantage if everyone else is getting facetime.

Otherwise, remote work has its usual pros and cons. I’m hybrid which I enjoy.

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Agree with others here. I love it, but I have a family I spend time with. I have the flexibility to handle mid-day doctor’s appointments and such without worrying what others think. I was able to move cross-country for my husband’s job. I can set my own work hours, and my vehicle expenses have dropped considerably.

BUT - I am by nature an introvert. If you are an extrovert and have no family/kids, remote may not be for you. I also worked in-office at my current firm for several years before going remote during Covid, and the partnership is very stable here, so I already knew many people. I have a niche practice and I’m the only one who does it at my firm, so I don’t have to worry about colleagues forgetting me, although I do have to affirmatively reach out for updates about deals/closings and such as l don’t get the news all the time unless there’s a firm “pencils down” e-mail. And if there are layoffs, and people don’t know you well, you might be more likely to go if you don’t have your own book.

Frankly, if I still lived locally, I’d probably do hybrid. I do miss seeing my colleagues, even as an introvert. Hybrid you get the best of both worlds. But remote is what you make it.

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I think this is really dependent on whether you have a significant other/children. While that’s the goal someday, as a single person in my 30s, I would not thrive working remotely full time

There is no excuse not to be WFH in 2025. If you are in-person, it is so your employer can try and exploit you more, albeit inefficiently.

Related Posts

Hoping this gets more traction as most are WFH. Also happy I just found this bowl.

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I work for a tech company that pays 100k tc plus 50,000 stock options. I have great work life balance, work 4 days per week on a 32 hour schedule plus it’s remote. Lately, I’ve been feeling like the compensation is on the lower end and just wanted to see if it’s in line with industry standards

Hi Fishes,

What is the scope for a HR job in Singapore. Preferably wfh and what is the salary range?

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Can we get work from home projects in CTS? When is wfh going to end?

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I currently looking for jobs at Point72 Asset Management. Does someone know if the offer remote work? Is it a good place to work at?

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can anyone tell me what is the work policy in S & P Gurgaon ? is it hybrid model or wfh?

Looking to move into remote work, currently have lots of construction management experience. Would anyone know of any remote jobs that they could refer me to that would be interested in me as a new hire?

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Hello, I am currently looking for entry level data analytics roles in Advertising and Marketing in Chicago or remote. I am currently an apprentice in a program that is data analytics focused through which I have completed certifications in Google Data Analytics and Google Analytics. I am also familiar with programming languages like SQL, Python, and R. I would love to see if you guys have any leads, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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I’m location flexible (working mostly remote) and a petite South Asian young woman who is budget conscious. Would you recommend Astoria or Greenpoint / other Brooklyn neighborhoods for me? I don’t care about being super hip, would like to be in a neighborhood where I feel safe living alone (first time doing so).

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Anyone know of a company that would allow me to work remote from Mexico part of the year?

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I am curious how other inclusion teachers are being utilized when the school is doing remote learning. I find that I am sitting in the zoom class and have very little opportunity to contribute. I am having discussions with my teachers on ways that I can better support them and the students when remote.

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Does anyone know of companies in financial services that are only 2 or 3 days in office? I’m doing 4 days in office and one day remote and feel like 4 days is too much.

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Hi Fishes

Need your suggestion. I have 2 offers
Amazon - 15 Fixed (Hybrid)
Synchrony -20 Fixed(WFH)

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The same usual bonus for EY India folks. Doesn't at all add up to the chest thumping we do as a practice during the town halls.
On top of this remote working ki naam pe bijli ka bill 10k per mahina aa rha hain. And the tech salaries pumping inflation in the economy. The same place which was available for a 35k is quoting 50k. I wish atleast the hike is inflation beating :/

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Hi,

Please help me to choose from below two.
1. Valuelabs
2. R Systems
Yoe and tech :- Java Springboot, 3.5 years
Both are providing wfh and same package
Need to join tomorrow.
TIA

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Hi folks! I have 9 YOE in software and project/product management in industry software, I’m based in Europe. I found web 3 is the next area I would like to explore. I would like to take any consulting or full time ( remote/hybrid/on-site) jobs or co founder within web 3, NFT business domain to get my hands dirty. Any advice and opportunities would be highly appreciated!

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Looking for another remote position

Which companies are hiring adjusters that pay 70k plus base salary and allow remote work? Or anything similar that would be a good fit for an experienced adjuster?

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More Posts

Hi, fishes.
A quick query here.

I'm going to move from non IT profile to IT profile. Basically I'll be applying as front end engineer in new company. Previously I was working in a BPO profile.
Just wanted to ask if I'll be provided training in my initial months as a front end engineer or am I expected to work from the very first day.
Your comments will be really helpful.

Thank you.

I have interview scheduled and completed from Commonwealth Bank Bangalore location. All technical rounds cleared.
When I called HR i got a surprise answer..
They mentioned the position which I have intervied is different than the salary rem ranges. And my current salary is higher than position what they have got and asked for approval for rem ranges changes..
Is any one faced this? Ideally HR should know expectation and allocation before scheduling intervjew..

I am bit confused with commonwealt

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Just in time for busy season - latest Facebook watch raffle group win - Ball Engineer M Marvelight NM2128C-S1C-GY, an upgrade from my Tag - have a great afternoon fellow watch lovers!

Post Photo
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Thoughts on brk.b for long term? Thinking of getting in at this point.

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You take 3 days of vacation, when you get back how many emails are in your inbox?

Asking because I genuinely want to know if what I see is common.

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Any Freemasons lurking around here!? Thinking about making a Bowl for my Traveling Brothers. Maybe to talk about how we view this unique Labor (consulting) in a Masonic context, post some inspirational messages, recommend good books, idk stuff like that...

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Headed to Rome, italy in mid September for a wedding and planning on spending 2 weeks in italy. I would like to do Sicily and Positano but i have no itinerary yet so any recommendations are very welcome! Thank you!

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Is it advisable to take the Virtusa Dubai opportunity?? What are the pros and cons ?
YOE :7years

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Hello! Currently struggling with what to do career wise. I have been set on medical school my whole life, but recently I’ve been exploring other careers such as law. Anyone have any advice on how to determine which career would be best for me? I have a 3.77 GPA and am getting a BS in Biology and Psychology. Any insight would be helpful!

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Do you think diversity training actually works? I can't tell if it's just a way to tick a liability box or if it's actually effective.

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I’m sad that instead of showing that there are no differences between human beings, we are advocating for races (what I understand it is very necessary). Just afraid that will create more division.

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Kpi reply krta b h is group me
Techm need NPS account from kotak only
How to open a new one.

Hey Fishes , Need your experts comment's here, May I know why Merck KGaA, life sciences banglore give offer letter on Sigma Adlrich letter head although all communication and email domains shows merck group.

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What are the jobs that pay really well and require the least effort and hours. I don’t want to do this anymore.

likefunnyhelpful

Can anyone provide Facebook/Meta referral?

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Hi all! Looking for some advice please!
I am looking to stir my career into a Project Management role. I have some work experience in managing IT Projects but don't have the title. Is working towards a PMP Certificate worth investing time and money in worth it or should I just apply for a PM role?
Thank you in advance!

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I had a super that would always appear behind me or circling my car late at night. Turns out it was a “me problem” when I reported it

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Does anyone know of any first time homebuyers programs/grants that help with initial costs available in the state of Virginia?
Did a quick Google search but only found one option.

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Does the $20,500 pre-tax 401k contribution limit include employer match? I.e. My contribution + Employer 6% match = $20,500? I know that the combined employer/employee contribution limit is around $60k, but from my understanding that ends up being due to after tax contributions. Apologies if this has been answered before - thanks!

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Additional Posts in Law

Can anyone provide any insight on what it's like working in Sidley Austin's London office? Culture, target hours, work life balance etc

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likeuplifting

What kind of professional development/marketing-focused seminars/webinars/etc. has your firm offered that you found helpful?

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Probably a foolish question: are bonuses based off of raw billable hours or billable hours modified by the partners?

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Last associates committee meeting is coming up. Partners have asked each associate to come up with... not one... but FIVE marketing ideas. Other than reeling out “we offer competitive pay” in job postings, what are some good ones your firm does?

I’m struggling a bit. If I knew how to market well, I certainly wouldn’t be in this position.

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Which one would you choose?

1) Am100 firm with 1900+ billable hour requirement, very reputable in the region
2) Am200 firm with 1750+ billable hour requirement, less reputable in the region because it’s a satellite office, pays $35k less than option 1

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Does anyone know the reputation of the Boston based Morgan and Morgan attorneys? Is it a good working environment?

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What is the expectation at your firms about coming into work after making your billable hours requirement? Asking especially for those who do not get a bonus per extra hour billed over the minimum.

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Does anyone enjoy lender work? If so, what about it did you find appealing? I’ve somehow been saddled with all the lender work at my firm (despite never having expressed an interest in it and having no experience with it) and it’s miserable. Having said that, our other practice areas are slowing down significantly and I don’t know if I want to rock the boat. Any advice would be much appreciated!

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How long did you have to wait from last round interview until offer? (Public sector)

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I have a second interview tomorrow. I already spoke with the partners and now I’ll be speaking with some associates. Any tips on what I should discuss and what questions should I ask?

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Constantly worried I’m going to get fired because I don’t know where I stand at my mid sized law firm (second year associate).

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Any insight on Gordon Rees pay for 2-3 year associate in a non-major market? I know they don’t pay market, but there are no BigLaw firms in my city

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What’s the best way to turn down a 2nd interview? During the 1st interview, I learned that the compensation for the role is not within the range that I am looking for and requires 400 more billable hours a year than what I bill now. I’d basically be laterally for my current salary just to bill 400 more hours. I also wasn’t aware that the local office was strictly ID. Firm website advertises lots of practice areas. Any advice? TIA!

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Has anyone taken  ACAMS Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS)? Any comments/ reviews? How has it enhanced your employability? Why did you take the CGSS?

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We have motion sensor lights in my office and the sensor is far from my desk. Consequently, if I'm on a long WebEx, the lights go out and it's embarrassing. The building won't change the sensor. Anyone find a solution for this (aside from standing up and moving, which would be very awkward)? I can't rearrange my office.

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Negotiating a settlement. I’m at $10k, opposing counsel is at $20k. My client won’t go higher than $15k. OC has come down to 17.5k and says his client won’t budge from that. Do I offer 12.5k so we can hopefully meet in the middle at 15k? Is that how the settlement game is played? Seems dumb we can’t just say let’s meet in the middle now and be done with this. (I’m a first year, first time negotiating a settlement on my own and I don’t want to screw this up!)

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Big Law Dads: How much time do you usually take off when your wife has a baby? And do you actually get to take off, or do you just end up working from home half the time? My wife is due Mid-December, and I’m staffed on 4 M&A deals trying to close by year end, so it’s not looking promising.

likehelpful

Mid-senior level transactional folks: how do you originate deals? The only deals I originate come from when one of my corporate clients randomly decides to sell a business. There has to be another way to land more deals, right?

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Are new associates in your firm eligible for bonuses in their stump year?

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