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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here.  Did not expect a four page thread on this but I should have known better ;)

So to answer some questions, first off DH hasn’t been making 7 figures as partner for five years, just for the last one.  He was 500K, then 650, 800, etc.  He worked his way up.

Yes, our savings are our retirement as well, hence why I’m anxious.

For the PP who asked why he’s miserable- I think most people who have been in big law or know someone married to Big law know the answer, but it’s relentless.  You’re either crazy busy and stressed or not busy and stressed because you’re worrying about billable hours.  You’re at the mercy of the clients anytime day or night.  But most of all it’s cutthroat and money and clients are power and DH just doesn’t like to operate that way.

And yes, he’s had a government job before.  This is his second firm, and he did five years in govt between them.  He loved every second and was so happy, but we then had a third child and our oldest was starting school and we needed to leave DC for better schools and a bigger house so he took one for the team.

And I have never said I’m not open to going back to work once my youngest is in school full day.  But as I said I’m a teacher and even if I go back, while it would help, I’m not going to be bringing in anything significant.

Our spending is primarily mortgage, household bills, and food.  He’s often not home for dinner and I have three young kids so we eat out or order in more than we would if he switched jobs.  His law school loans are paid off, and we have no other debt.  I think like a lot of people out discretionary spending is Amazon purchases and target runs and yes it all adds up.  We would 100% be willing to rein that in.  My concern stems just from the basics- food, mortgage, bills, etc.  Our older two kids do a lot of sports (not summer camps because I’m
Home with them and they don’t need to) but we aren’t willing to budge in spending for their activities.  We are also committed to 100% financing their undergraduate educations.  Neither DH nor I had any undergraduate student loans and we feel very strongly about starting off kids off without debt.  If they decide to go to med school or  law school or what have you, if we are able to help we will but no guarantees in that front.  [/quote]

I am the poster who asked why your husband is miserable.

I know many biglaw partners who are quite happy and have been for decades.

OP: Maybe it is because this is a DC based website, but the responses are unusual in my experience for one in your situation. I wonder how many posters are actually in biglaw based on the responses.

Your husband wants to quit after his most financially successful year. Of course, there is stress for one with a family of 5 to support and for one generating over a million dollars in annual income. In my opinion, he should tough it out for a few more years to see how he adjusts. If unwilling to do so, then there are more options than just government work.  However, SEC attorneys can make about $250,000 while other US government attorneys at the GS-15 level are earning in the $160s to low $180s.

Anyone in biglaw should be aware of at least two other options--going in-house or making an "Of Counsel" agreement instead of being a partner.[/quote]

I have worked in big law. You haven't. And it's bizarre that you, who only 'knows' people who work in big law, claim to know better.

You also don't know the legal market all that well. Depending on speciality, in house can mean just as long of hours as big law, but at far less pay.

A young partner going to 'of counsel' will not be well received. [/quote]

You don't know much.

Of counsel arrangements can--and are--tailor made based on individual needs & circumstances. If OP's husband is an expert in a particular area, he can negotiate an of counsel agreement with his current firm or with another firm. Whether or not his desire will be well received is largely dependent upon his specialty & the current market for that special knowledge.

LOL at your generalization of in-house counsel. I doubt that you have much experience. Clearly, you know little about in-house compensation arrangements and hours and lifestyle and clearly you are unfamiliar with the flexibility and use of of counsel arrangements.

Your angry tone and silly accusations do nothing to enhance your craving for credibility and superiority. The fact that you have posted without discussing the options of going in-house or of counsel speaks volumes.

If I may make a suggestion based on the tone & content of your posts in this thread, please see a proctologist ASAP.[/quote]

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