I need to leave my job

[CoronationChicken]

I can’t cope any more.

I’m a solicitor. I work three days per week. My caseload is the same as a full timers case load. They acknowledge this is “not ideal” but the reality is that we are so under resourced that there is literally nowhere else for the work to go. We are all working at capacity and it just keeps piling on.

I work every night once my children are in bed, often till 1, 2am just trying to keep on top and meet deadlines.

My babies are 4 and 18 months and I can’t enjoy any time with them because I am always worrying about work. Stressed. Snappy. Checking my email for the latest issue that’s kicked off.

I can’t take it any more. But I don’t know what to do next.

I have nowhere else to go. It will be very very difficult to get work at three days. I don’t want to go to another firm. I want out of this game altogether.

On my lunch just now and I am panicky.

Ironic isn’t it

I'm an employment lawyer too, there are definitely part time roles out there!

I agree with a previous poster that it would be a shame to leave the profession because if this. Could you look at your case load and select 40% of cases that you require to hand over? This makes the ‘problem’ (unfairness) tangible to the employer. Or do you feel the working relationship is beyond retrieval? Can you explore recruitment consultants in your area to have a chat with?

In my experience, full time is easier when the kids are at nursery.

In your case I would ask for an increase in hours and see if one of those can be home based. May as well take the extra money.

Then job hunt. Can you try recruitment agents? I found them easier when negotiating part time as they did that it for me!

Agencies are a great idea actually. Will make some calls on Monday.

My concern is that, in this small city, it may well get back to my boss who is well known. But then maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

My caseload is the same as a full timers case load. They acknowledge this is “not ideal” but the reality is that we are so under resourced that there is literally nowhere else for the work to go

It sounds absolutely ideal from their point of view. They've got you doing 5 days worth of work for (presumably?) three days pay. They're got no incentive to change that status quo.

Good luck with the job hunt!

Are you on linked in? Update your profile to say open to opportunities (or whatever it is), I was approached by quite a few recruiters on there and by a few firms directly.

It's definitely worth a look around, what's the worst that can happen? Good luck!

As a solicitor you go in-house? I hear the hours are way better! I'd say get out....life's too short. You must be smart to be a solicitor so there will be other options for you!! Good luck!

*could you go in- house?

I don’t feel smart right now. I feel very down. I don’t feel like I’m any good at my job and I’m going to be found out. I really just want to be at home with my girls but it’s not an option right now.

Very limited in house opportunities here sadly.

I’m a solicitor and after years of working full time in the City, I now have 3 children and work 3 days a week. Two days in Canary Wharf and one day at home. I’m in house now for a bank. These jobs are out there and you can find one - good luck x

Apologies, cross posted. Have you looked into the legal agencies where you can work from home?

I am not a lawyer but I could have written your post almost word for word. I have resigned and will leave my own job at the end of this year after also working silly hours, feeling sick and anxious, waking up at night and with a boss/company who acknowledges its is not ideal...
I feel so much better just to have taken back control. Like you I am highly educated and successful so have to believe there is something better out there for me. Ultimately you are working for a company that does not care about you so it is time to move. Good luck. You won’t regret it!

Oh Pamplemoussed your post gives me a lot of hope. Have you found another job or are you looking just now?

Don't let this experience erode your confidence, op. I think as lawyers we have a tendency to overthink and to fear the worst. Remember all the hoops you've already jumped through to get to where you are and how well you've already done to have qualified into the profession. Most professionals I know have a fear that they are going to be "found out" but I largely believe this is a sign of our being conscientious. All the best, whatever you decide to do xx

Thank you xx

Went for a run and now having a large wine in the bath so I’m feeling a bit better. Going to have a proactive weekend coming up with a plan

CoronationChicken I am going to start looking in the new year. I am keen to have a month or two off and renew my batteries before starting something new.

Apply for an in house role- Much less stressful.

@CoronationChicken did you take the plunge? How did it go? In a similar situation x