How many people do you supervise? How’s that working out for you?

[Anonymous]

I supervise 12 and am also doing the boss's job since that position is open. (I'm supposed to be the deputy.) It's tough. I don't know if it's the supervising or doing the boss's job but I have no time to do my own cases. When I took this job (as a promotion from within) I was assured that I'd be able to devote about 25% of my time to actual cases, ie do what I used to do, but that has not proved true. I spend all my time assigning and reviewing work, consulting on issues, and attending endless meetings. The meetings are the worst.

It's only been a year and it's certainly more of a challenge than my old line attorney job, but I am seriously considering applying for a downgrade in a couple years. I have some people who are retirement eligible. If they retire in a couple years I could apply to take their spot, go back to doing what I used to do, and let someone else do this crap. Only trouble is that person will likely be one of the go-getters I hired and it would be so odd to report to them!