Not going to offer details obviously but I spent years as a federal lawyer before going to BigLaw. I lasted less than two years there. The firm was supportive, everyone was pleasant, but it was nightmarish. Time-tracking and billing hours in six minute increments was torture. That and being expected to be available 24/7 took an enormous toll on my mental health to the point that I contemplated some dark things. I took an ENORMOUS pay cut to transition to an in-house role in higher ed but it’s been so worth it it’s not even funny. I’m home to my kids by 5:30 every day. I don’t bill hours and I don’t have to build a book. It’s amazing. It feels like hitting the lottery.
Just to say I really think that the firm life is unnatural. It’s just not a way to live. I know people who have done it for 30 years and thrive and it seems like a magic trick to me. If you’re struggling and feel like it’s not for you, I’m telling you, there are ways out. Even if it takes a while. I’ve been practicing for 20 years and I now make half of what I used to make and I report to people 10 years younger than me, but I’ve never been happier. I’ll never be rich but yknow what I’m doing this weekend? Not working. It’s priceless.