Had a kid this past year and it’s insane how much it has shifted my perspective on biglaw. Before I was at my firm sort of begrudgingly and constantly trying to get away with the bare minimum to get a passing review and not be fired. Now, I’ve got a reason to try hard for. I want to give my kid a good future. I’m billing more efficiently, in the office by 8am, and doing my all to make sure I hit bonus.
Our new billable year started on November 1st and submitting those final hours through Halloween that confirmed that I made bonus was so mentally satisfying. Now we’re on Day 3 of the new year, I’m tracking slightly above my goals and it feels good to be alive. If my whole life becomes just work, family dinner and playtime, and 30 minutes at the gym, I’ll die happy. Do other parents feel this way?