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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Another voice of support. Like you, I couldn't afford to quit immediately, so I found that mentally pacing myself helped. I told myself that I'd wait 3 months before asking to go 80%, and in the meantime I would strive for "good enough" rather than perfect. That obviously will get you fired from a big law job eventually, but was ok for a few months. Things got easier after about 6 months, and I lasted a total of 3 years before I switched to in-house because I couldn't take the stress any more. Those three years were critical though--I was strategic about what I worked on a shifted my practice a little to make myself a more attractive in-house candidate. It also meant I could further cut expenses and pay down more of my debt.

I have other friends who were at friendlier big-law firms, and they were able to negotiate 80% schedules (which I think actually wasn't good for them because they still have to do 100% as a practical matter but then the firm has an excuse to cut bonuses, delay partnership, but it gave them some peace of mind). Others just make it clear that they would be in the office for core work hours, and would otherwise arrange their schedules around dropoff/pickup and make up the hours in the evening. I found the first year of my son's life was the hardest, and like you didn't want to "throw away" all of the time that I'd put in at my firm.

Best of luck to you![/quote]

Honestly after I came back from baby I did 80% without permission. And I didn’t stress because I promised myself I would leave. The firm didn’t fire me, though my performance review was tepid, and then I lateraled when I was ready to go 100% again. [/quote]

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