Why do people rage quit? An Attoney who’s been here less than 60 days just posted a manic resignation letter in a firm wide group chat at 5 am. She just seems nuts.

likefunny
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Relatively new lawyer?

New lawyers aren’t typically well adjusted to the business world - they don’t usually come with a ton of business experience and largely are managed by the same.

Given any volume of employees in any field like that, much less a higher pressure field, no surprise to see some burst

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I dont see where OP said she was new, just that she was at the firm for a couple months. You don't have to be a brand new lawyer to refuse putting up with a law firm's shit. Most of the time when people do this, its because they've already seen some real bullshit at the firm so they're getting out before they're too deep in. I personally wouldn't go scorched earth unless there was some HORRIBLE behavior, but we have no context whatsoever other than OP saying she's "nuts." When I see people saying stuff like that, I automatically assume we're not getting the whole story for a reason. Like when someone says aaallllll their exes are crazy.

likesmart

To add, older generations just developed alcoholism and sucked it up. Younger generations don’t drink as much (that’s good) but social media has normalized and glamorized rage quitting.

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Idk I’ve seen a number of people rage quit and it’s usually blamed on the mental instability of the rage quitter or an inability to deal with “the pressure.” Not that rage quitters are actually trying to promote change in an org they will never work in again anyway, but not sure rage quitting is the best path to change. The most persuasive candidate to facilitate change is probably the person who gives a long notice period and still sticks to their decision to leave after being offered additional comp (or something else) to stay. Then the firm knows culture is to blame.

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Please don’t post the letter. Clearly this person was unwell. No need to drag them through the mud at such a low time.

likeuplifting

I’m not posting. I wouldn’t do that.

likesmarthelpful

lol please post the letter

likefunny

Please

likefunny

Likely a mix of bad work environment (maybe not overall/for everyone - maybe she personally was experiencing harassment or was being unfairly treated), personal issues, and a lack of sleep. A 5 am message would point to lack of rest (I doubt as an attorney she went to bed at 9 pm and got her 8 hours of sleep and was fresh as a daisy at 5 am). Lack of rest messes with our emotional regulation and impulsiveness. Throw in the huge amount of geopolitical and economic uncertainty and angst right now, and it can be a real pressure cooker for someone going through work/personal things.

likehelpful

It sure is rough right now!!

Because sometimes you just get pushed over the edge. She may have had other things going on in her life, and it just became too much, I hope she is okay

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Law firms. Not a great environment for most. Stress. Pressure to do well. Mean people. Pettiness. Gossip. Competition. It’s not for the faint of heart. Hopefully that person is okay.

likesmart

I thought this only happened at the firm I worked for.

likefunny

Maybe the firm is the problem

likesmart

I think it’s the rage…

likefunny

Something something rat in a cage

funnylikehelpful

As much as I’d like to see the letter it wouldn’t be respectful of this person to post it. The reason could be a variety of things, from a severe mental health issue to a very stressful work situation, where somebody reacts in a way that is very out of the ordinary for them.

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That’s also fair. If it is posted, all personally identifying information, including company information, must be redacted

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Goals

likefunny

Everyone thinks they’re the main character and some don’t know how to handle it when they realize the universe is indifferent.

likehelpful

What would make you think that this was the reason why she quit?

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If the firm had a high turnover rate, then it’s a firm problem exacerbated by some merging personal the attorney was going through.

If low turnover, then it’s just a her problem

likefunny

What’d they say?! 🍿

funnylike

The Partner she’s working for

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Yup. 🙄🤔

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Rage quit because rage job perhaps?

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Well she couldn't have sounded more nuts than partners I've worked for. Maybe she was going through a divorce, or her mom died, or she was being harassed by an attorney. How about show compassion for your colleagues.

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Hilarious

Yeah, where's the letter?

Well if we can’t see this one, does anyone have examples to share? I’m trying to find one from way back that my old boss showed me when a junior partner sent one to him (our practice group head) and the chairman of the executive committee. It was absolutely bonkers. The reason he sent it because he thought I was going to abandon a project (I was a junior partner too then) and it came with the preface: “Do you see what I have to deal with?” Of course I stayed on. But god this letter was nuts. Like seriously talking about aliens. (The guy ended up in a psychiatric hospital for a while, from what I heard.)

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