Corporate law off ramp?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If money is not an issue then why are you in such a soul sucking job where you are making the world worse and not better

+1. Quite and take care of your family. Cant have it both ways

[Anonymous]

I’d quit. You can always go back. I did, after 10 years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chiming in to secure your access to half in the event that the relationship ends. I don't know if that is a post-nump or what. Other than that, the choice to suffer when you would still be rich without it curious. I could see if you were curing cancer or helping people in dire need. This is an emotionally costly ego trip. I have similar tendencies and I promise I get it. Just trying to be straight with it.

She's not wanting to suffer. She wants a different job where she can remain working while raising a family. There are many jobs like this -- you just have to look. I'd check in with your law school placement office to get some leads, because some of us who recruit young lawyers could share advice about job transitions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a corporate/M&A lawyer who had a baby two years ago, and I’m currently pregnant with our second. I was at a big firm for 10 years, then moved in house when I got pregnant. I’m still struggling to figure out how to balance a career and motherhood, and I’m starting to wonder if it’s even possible in corporate law. My husband has an intense job that requires frequent travel and late nights, and I don’t want my kids raised by nannies. We’ve been managing (barely) so far, but I’m worried that a second kid will make the whole house of cards fall down and I’m wondering if I should start looking at an alternative career. Has anyone here made a transition to a truly parent-friendly career? I’m open to non-legal jobs and even going back to school or retraining. We’re very fortunate that money is not an issue, it’s more about personal fulfillment. I had a long maternity leave with my first and I’m certain that being a SAHM is not for me (but no judgment if you love it!). I have such a specialized career at this point that I’m a little lost as I’m trying to consider my options. I’d love any advice from others who have been in this position.

Yes, I was able to join a small firm and retained my former in house employer as my client. I negotiated a low salary and billable hour/collections requirement with the firm, but with plenty of upside baked in for exceeding expectations, which is nice because there were a couple of years when I billed a lot, and I was well compensated for it; whereas, in slow years, I get paid less, but no one is on my case. I also work from my home office 4 days a week. It's worked for almost a decade now.

[Anonymous]

You really should have been a SAHM after the first child.

[Anonymous]

Even if you shift to a parent-friendly job, will you still be working full-time? I’m in a mommy-track federal job and my DH works like yours with the long nights and frequent travel. Even in my fed job, I’m still exhausted after work caring for 2 kids (a lot of times on my own) in the evenings. I’ll likely be hiring a part-time helper for the evenings. My kids are 6 and 3.5. One in Kindergarten and the other in pre-school. The kindergartener goes to before and after care. I think a different job will still be a lot to juggle and recommend hiring help.

[Anonymous]

Just because you decide to hire a nanny doesn't mean a nanny will raise your kids. You'll still raise them. Our nanny frees up time for me to spend with my kids because I use her for errands, light housework, putting away groceries, kids' laundry, and meal prep, and we divide and conquer on driving to kids' activities.