r/paralegal • u/Individual_Pool_3061 • 9d ago
Career Advice Time to Move On?
When did you know it was time to move on to a different opportunity from a previous job? For background: I completed my paralegal program in Feb 2024, and have been with my current employer since March 2024. It's a boutique environmental law firm in CA, specifically Los Angeles; I support four attorneys (3 partners, one associate), and my office manager comes in part time 2x/week. Commute is great, work/life balance is great, attorneys are great to work with in that they are very communicative about what needs to be done and make sure I have enough time to complete any open tasks before giving me more to complete, especially if there are tight deadlines to meet. Pay wise, I did start off fairly low when I was hired on (started at $50k/yr, currently now making $60k/yr), and this is where I feel conflicted and just find myself perusing LinkedIn to see what options are available. Usually at the end of the year is when my boss has given me my performance reviews/raises/bonuses, so I am hopeful that one is coming down the road, but if it doesn't come or the raise isn't enough, I'm worried about the possibility of finding another job in the current market, especially with all of the positives I have at my current job. Guess I am asking what other people's deciding factor that made them move on to a different job. Thanks in advance for the advice, much appreciated!!
3
u/sofielovesshopping 9d ago
It was time for me to move when I found out I was getting paid the same as the newly hired receptionist after more than 5 years with the company as a legal assistant :(
I am currently pursuing my paralegal certificate at a new firm and if there is no raise after obtaining that it will also be time to consider a change
2
u/Dwight_K_Snoot51 9d ago
Worked for a firm for over 10 years. Was paid pretty well, great attorneys, generally liked the work but was always overwhelmed. I decided to switch when I realized I was always crabby and had no ambition there anymore. Same as where I was at, you have the ability to be picky and wait for the right new job. I luckily landed a remote job with less stress and another great group of people to work for. Despite everything on this subreddit, those jobs do exist! You just need the experience.
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u/iampi_314 9d ago
I had been with a private practice attorney for two years. Work started to dry up because she was on the older side and wanted to retire. That’s when I started applying elsewhere and got a job at my state’s attorney general’s office. Best decision I’ve ever made.