It doesn't feel all THAT new anymore, in that I've been there for over two months, and I feel pretty integrated into the department. People within the firm but outside the department have started calling me directly for advice in my practice area, and I've figured out the technology.
You guys, this job is so good.
I try not to overplay it. I'm in the honeymoon phase, I know, and I'm terrified of the other shoe dropping, but seriously, it's working out so well right now.
The department is small, and I've had a chance to work with everyone. I've been busy but not too busy, working on projects that are challenging and exciting. One of my biggest fears in leaving my old firm was that I'd already developed relationships with the people I worked with, that I'd already established myself, and that gave me credibility and a bit of freedom to maintain the flexibility I want. I needn't have worried.
Even when I'm working a lot (like last week, billing 13 hour days) I have still been able to leave the office pretty early (for BigLaw - or, I suspect, just about AnyLaw). Usually I'm walking out at 4:45. Sometimes it's more like 5:15, but when 5:15 seems late, you know things are totally awesome. Billing 13 hours from 9am to 10 or 11pm is So. Much. Different. than billing 13 hours from 9am to 5pm and 8pm to 1am. For me, it's different in a pretty amazing way, because it means I'm home - and present - with my family for two or three hours, playing Candyland with Eden, teaching Leah to say new words, hearing about Bryan's day. Eating dinner at the table with my three favorite people. And to not feel guilty about that from the work side, to know I'm supported by my coworkers and bosses, makes it that much sweeter.
Today I was in a meeting - with a client - that started at 3:00. At 5:02 my boss (the practice group leader) suddenly started, and very sincerely exclaimed - "Katie! Do you need to go? I'm so sorry for keeping you!" I told him it was OK, I could stay, and he said, "Are you sure? If you need to go, we can pick this back up later." I said it was fine, and stayed to finish the meeting, but it was FANTASTIC to have him recognize that this was not anyone's expectation of me. And I and still left at 6:00, waving an enthusiastic goodbye to him as I left the office, and was home for some play time and bedtime. Then I logged in and turned a draft of the document we were working on.
Seriously, this might be sustainable. I just pray I'm not putting my foot in my mouth.
Dear Eva (12 Years)
1 year ago
4 comments:
That is SO AWESOME! So happy for you! It makes a big difference when people are respectful of your time and obligations outside of work :)
Yay! That's crazy you werent able to do that at your old firm and I'm glad you can do it now. Seems like a minimum to be able to have those few hours w the kiddos - definitely how I am able to manage. Aren't you tired though?
So glad it's working out! I was wondering how things were going at your new gig. You're such a trooper for working until 1 am! I have a similar arrangement--leave the office at 4pm, play with toddler/dinner/bath/bedtime and then turn drafts at night. But I find it all too exhausting--although yes, very grateful to have time with the toddler. Exhuasted, but grateful, but exhausted!
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