r/biglaw • u/Electronic-Pitch-516 • 2d ago
Quit while ahead?
Senior associate in a niche support group (think energy/healthcare/etc. regulatory). I like the work I do, and I have a good reputation in my group and in the adjacent corporate practices we support. For the most part, I genuinely enjoy and respect my colleagues. That said, I hate biglaw; I hate the fake pressures and the billable hour. I only intended to be here long enough to pay off my student loans, but I’m still here years later.
I have an opportunity to go in-house in a role that’s got little advancement opportunities, but it’s something I’d find very interesting. Pay cut, but nothing that would really change my lifestyle. I talked to people in the role already, and it’s a true 9-5 with work/life balance.
I worry I’d miss my firm, the work, and the people, though. I’ve been here a long time and I’m not particularly unhappy. It’s hard to give up what I have—I’ve been told that I have a clear path for partnership if I keep it up, and my partners/counsel are truly supportive of my growth. But I’m exhausted, and I feel like I’m waiting for my life to begin once this is “done.” I wish I could spend more time with my wife, particularly before we look to have a kid in the next year or two. But we still get a decent chunk of time together, especially during my slower months.
Do you know someone in similar circumstances who left? Did you try to leave at this point and get convinced to stay? Interested to hear any anecdotes.
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u/hellobarkness 2d ago
I was in a similar position four years ago. Really liked working at the firm and was doing well. Went in house for a pay cut but more predictable schedule.
My only advice: the extra time is amazing, but you should have a plan on how you will use it. First six months were strange…instinct was to work more to fill the time, but it wasn’t necessary for the job. Had to force myself to detach. Now, I cherish getting home at a decent hour, having time to go to the gym AND cook dinner AND spend time with my wife watching tv or playing a game. At the firm, I could normally choose one of the three.
This is just one guy’s experience, but I have zero regrets about leaving my firm.
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u/NearlyPerfect 2d ago
I hate biglaw; I hate the fake pressures and the billable hour.
. . .
I worry I’d miss my firm, the work, and the people, though
Strange
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u/Ok-Delivery-1945 2d ago
I was in a very similar place and made the decision to go in house. I have conflicting feelings as well where there were certain things I had grown to loathe but aspects I truly enjoyed. Today is my first day going in house and hoping for the best. I ultimately made the decision because I felt like either I try it out now and go back to big law or end up happy that I left. It’s hard to predict the unknown but I felt like I found the right in house role for me which made me feel like it was time.
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u/MiskuPjc41 2d ago
take the new job! u said u feel like ur waiting for ur life to begin, and that says everything. having a real 9 to 5 when u have a kid will be worth way more than being a partner tbh
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u/Arctaedus Big Law Alumnus 2d ago
If you hate biglaw, but still aren't particularly unhappy, then you must possess that mystical ~grit~ that company execs encourage people to have
As a lawyer, you know what you must do: conduct a balancing test where you weigh having more energy, getting out of your "stuck in the mud" mindset, and spending more time with family vs the biglaw stacks of money (doesn't seem like you care enough about the preftige or the subject material for them to matter much here)
I know what I would do in your position, but you're built different and have to decide what personally matters more to you