Burnt-out fourth year lit associate at a V20. I'm on track to bill 2500 this year, the bulk of it in the last six months, and the pressure, responsibilities, and hour expectations keep getting worse. I've genuinely tried to "coast" and it's impossible here. I'm hitting my limit - with biglaw and with my life right now in general. Senior associates at my firm have no life whatsoever and I can't see myself lasting much longer here.
I'm fortunate enough to have graduated with no debt and have saved pretty aggressively over the last few years so I have a decent amount in the bank. My personal life is non-existent, which does not help - No family or support system in my city and my job has prevented me from making friends, finding a partner, etc. But I do have the benefit of decent savings (for my age) and not being tied down to a family or other obligations.
I want out. I'm burnt out and want a career break of at least a few months and probably a change that is a lot more drastic. I have no desire to continue in biglaw. I've been working with recruiters to find another firm job for the past few months and have done a handful of interviews, but the thought of ending up at another firm where it will be more of the same, with probably at most a few weeks off before starting, is not at all appealing.
I'm trying to figure out an escape plan without making a completely irrational decision. Looking for advice. Options I'm considering include:
1 - Just quitting flat out after bonuses with nothing lined up - I fantasize about this but I realize this is not a good idea. I'd obviously come up with something to fill the time to put on my resume, but still.
2 - Continue trying to find a new job - Aim to somehow find one that would permit me to take a few months off before starting
3 - Quitting to pursue an LLM - I know LLMs are rarely a great idea but it might make sense in my situation (i.e., it would permit me to have a career break while staying in law and maybe let me gracefully pivot to a different area)
4 - Stick it out at my current job and hope it somehow gets better / stay until [X point]
I've heard advice to "quiet quit" / take my foot off the gas until I get fired. I'm not sure my ego / work ethic would permit that. I have a good reputation now, which I've worked hard for - The thought of pissing off my colleagues so much that I'm forced out is tough to swallow. Coasting at my firm also isn't an option - I've genuinely tried to do so this in the past but my practice group is so busy and demanding that you simply cannot hide. Another option I've heard is FMLA leave - I don't think I have any legit familial or medical reason, and I have never heard of anyone at my firm doing this (or taking any kind of leave other than maternity / paternity leave). I also don't love the thought of coming back to more of the same after a few months off.
Many thanks if you've read this far. Appreciate any advice.