Would love to hear from those who left law completely and are happy with how things have turned out. I’m currently taking 2 weeks off of my big law job (8 months in, in total been practicing 2 years) and seriously considering resigning when I return with nothing lined up. Also dealing with some pretty major mental health issues right now and this quarter life crisis of feeling I chose the wrong profession.

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I know many people who took a mental health leave before fully leaving Biglaw. It’s happened a ton in the last year and a half especially. Your therapist or doctor can write a letter. Something to consider given where you are. Take care of yourself. ❤️

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I third that and say take a leave of absence. A lot of people have been doing that.

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Don’t resign. If anything just stop doing work and wait for the talk, then you get another 3 months before you have to leave. That gives you 8-12 months to figure out your next move.

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But you will burn bridge. You never know when you might need the connection or recommendation. Even if you leave the law you will need references, I assume.

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I've never been happier. Less stress, actually making more money, and I get to see my family!

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I did this exact thing for these exact reasons a few months ago. I am still trying to figure out what my passion is and what I would be happy doing everyday for work and it can get really scary feeling so uncertain. BUT not for one second have i regretted the decision. Even with this fear and anxiety about what’s next, I’m still 100000x happier and less stressed than I was practicing. To each their own and I’m not in a position to make guarantees yet, but for me it’s been worth it to feel like myself again. Just make sure you’ve really thought about the decision, prepared for the identity crisis feeling of leaving, and are stable financially to take the time off to figure something new out (it may take a while). FWIW, I don’t agree with the other comment about just becoming lazy and letting them fire you. I left on really good terms and it’s been comforting knowing they’d want me back if I really had to go back or that they’d give me good recommendations if I needed them.

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Thanks so much for your insight! I might not leave law completely but I certainly know I can’t stay any longer in my current role. I would rather leave on good terms too. I may send you a private message!

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To me it seems like making a major career decision while in the middle of a mental health crisis is not the best move. I would hope that you're getting help for the mental health crisis right now. I'd advise you to take advantage of whatever support your firm offers and try to overcome that obstacle first. THEN give it like 3-6 months before you revisit your plan to leave the law. Explore your options before making this decision.

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Might I suggest “The happiness lab” or the course for free from Yale on happiness. I still think about leaving the law. But I have no idea what I might do instead. On another note, I had friend who went through a mental health crisis and left big law to be public defender. He is now very happy.

Don’t be ashamed to have mental health crisis. I am middle aged and still struggle
With the same issues. And I am not even in big law.

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I am literally in the same boat, six years in and I’m leaving I’m not big law, so I’m underpaid and overworked so I’m done. If you’re not happy even after realizing everything you sacrificed to get to where you are then you’re not happy quit and figure it out you could even do Uber or small jobs to make some money but put you first

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I left being a public defender after 8 years to teach undergrad and I MIGHT go back after 4yo starts school but maybe not... pros & cons, pros & cons.

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