4th year associate, V20 NYC, have been with the same firm since graduation. it is clear to me that i will not make partner (which is what my goal is).
the group is very favoritism based, favoritism is based most of the time on associates' personalities than quality of work. partners pick favorites and stick to them. i am introverted, so definitely struggle to make connections and honestly just do not care to do so anymore.
so far, my feedback and reviews have been great. all positive, no negatives. i thought doing great work will get me where i want to be, but it clearly is not the case.
my dillemma is when should i look to leave. i have a lot of goodwill so can definitely get away with things that i would not be able to do at a new place. work is generally slower this year, so have more free time, which i would hate to give away at a new place. that being said, am i shooting myself in a foot by not leaving sooner?
how do i pick a new place to go to?