stressed - in need of wisdom

[cpbp]

I am extremely stressed. Working in a very pressurised environment. Main breadwinner. No matter how hard I work boss expects more. Am a senior lawyer in a US firm. Think it is affecting my mental health. Dont seem to be able to think clearly anymore. Feel like resigning. Would I be mad? Anyone else in a/been in a similar position? Doesnt seem to be much work out there for lawyers of my pqe. Hubby says the problem is I am a perfectionist. Honestly thrive on hard work but I seem to constantly have a pile of stuff which all needs to be done NOW. Have an assistant but she is 1 year pqe and doing well but needs supervision in the technical area in which we practice.

All and any thoughts would really be appreciated.

Thanks.

Isn't there some work-life balance legislation for parents? or even just parental leave or a sabbatical? I can imagine that such requests would not be well received by your boss even if you did get the correct technical responses. But is there any possibility of somehow getting fewer hours in your current role?

Thanks back2work. I am techically doing 4 days a week but very long/intense hrs and permanently "pestered" on my day off so easily working way more than full time hours. Working less hours would just mean more pressure and hassle about unfinished work..

Going to have a nice, long bath tonight and a glass of wine and get ready to face another day. Realise I am lucky to have a job in the current climate.

Thanks for taking the time to reply..

Sounds tough. Thinking long term, could you move into a less pressurised area or law or into a not for profit working in law? Not sure if taking a salary drop that that kind of thing would inevitably entail, is an option?

Short term, can you take a few days off, turn your phone off and re-charge?

Is it worth speaking toyour gp about how strressed you're feeling?

Do you think counselling or coaching would help you learn (I know this kind of stuff is not easy in that kind of environment) to set very firm boundaries about how much you do? Cbt is very good for that type of issue.

cpbp no advice really just to say I was in a similar position to you (but magic circle) and ended up jacking in my job and downsizing followed by 2 children. (I dont know whether you have children). Much lower income has been very hard to get used to but although there are some stressful aspects to my job and my boss is totally mad and annoying and I work more than my required hours (although not as bad as you do I think) it has helped to have regular hours with tiny babies in the house.
No suggestions really apart from do everything you can in what tiny spare time you do have to look after yourself and it will make you feel better - i.e. bath and glass of wine is exactly right
good luck