Reply to If you went from the federal govt to a law firm, do you regret it? Or are you relieved

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Reply to "If you went from the federal govt to a law firm, do you regret it? Or are you relieved"

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[quote=Anonymous]I made the move.  In a nutshell, my advice is:

- I think it is VERY VERY hard to comprehend how much harder/more stressful law firm (at least Big Law) life is compared to government.  Looking back, my job was insanely easy in comparison.  It is not just the hours (although there are many more).  It is the expectations and multiple levels of stress, plus very little long term job security.  Really think long and hard if you are truly ready for that change.  Talk to people and really understand why firm lfe is so very hard.  Again, much much more challenging than I ever realized it would be.

- On the other hand, the learning curve has been amazing.  I am certainly working at my highest level, which I didn't need to and didn't do, in government.  As a result, I have learned so much.  The environment is tough, but everything (work, management, professionalism) is top notch, whereas I found often the opposite in my old agency.  Obviously the money is great  And yes, if you want to ever go to a firm, you really need to do so before the window closes for a variety of reasons.  So if you ever want this experience, you sort of have to take the leap.

Without going into more detail, it ultimate is a choice of: do you want a safer, lower stress work-life that will always sort of bumble along at the same pace/trajectory offered by government or do you want a stressful work-situation with more rewards and potential for upside (money, opportunities) but lots of risk and stress.  Perhaps factor in the meaningfulness of government work versus private clien work.  Who are you as a person?  Also, in either, what are your exit strategies: can you think of other ways to move in government (to other agencies?  to non-profits? in house)?  Same question for post-firm life since most people don't make partner anymore.
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