(no subject)

[vicarz]

I hate my job. I used to love this job, but the new atmosphere is just killing me. I feel so stupid for just realizing that every instruction I've received for 2-4 weeks now has literally been giving more work with less time to do it. Every modification adds another layer of idiocy. Oh, and the bitch-boy who was slower than all of us (but friends with the boss) has now been assigned to other duties which of course cannot be compared to ours. Only white people have to do clerical work - the black people (friends of boss) are not given any of that mess. Only, bitch-boy has to make her coffee.

I thought I nailed the shit out of the interview in MSHA - hell they applauded twice in a chorus to some of my answers. Still, it's 3 weeks and no callback so I didn't get it (no seriously, didn't get the job or even the 2nd interview). I've been applying to about a job a week and received little feedback other than declinations.

I'm at the point I'm thinking of looking at law in the private sector. I mean if I'm going to hate my job and be verbally chastised, perhaps I should get paid real 6 figures for it? I know it's worse out there, but how much worse? Ugh - my worst case scenario here is getting bitched at, yelled at, and receiving flat performance ratings (for the last 2 years I got the highest "outstanding," but paltry bonuses).

I'd laugh this place off as pathetic, but I don't seem to be able to move on. Being unable to solicit another job makes me question my worth and judgment.

Comments

[joanarkham.livejournal.com]

Is 3 weeks enough time to assume you didn't get it? You know how government offices are.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Yes, absolutely. Without question. They said they were going to set up 2nd interviews the next 2 weeks. Even if they didn't, 3 weeks of no notice after an interview is failure.

[grymnir.livejournal.com]

Call them, stupid. I know you want to wallow in this, but you have ample opportunity afterwards to wallow and thrash in morose self-flagellation and teeth-gnashing. Give them a call; perhaps the process is taking longer, someone in the decision matrix is out (it is Spring and indictments are flying about), or...someone is just sitting back on their tax-fattened ass.

If they have filled it, or decided, they'll tell you. If not, and you're still up for consideration, then you play noise-maker.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

I may call, what could it hurt?

[vicar.livejournal.com]

That's where I'm heading - good adivce, thanx both.

"Hi! I had interviewed, and at that time they expected to have a yay or nay in a couple weeks. I hadn't heard anything, and wondered if there was any news.

If bad news, I would really appreciate any input in areas I could strengthen as my search for employment opportunities continues. Thank you, "

[topaz720.livejournal.com]

That sounds good...especially asking for input regarding improvement. Give a call...then you'll know!

[anarcha.livejournal.com]

Dude, I have no way to compare government work to private work, but my sense is that you're right in that there's the same proportion of dysfunctional personalities in either. So, in that sense, it makes sense to go for the higher amount of money.

However, recall that you'll be paid the six figures for what essentially boils down to 24-7 availability. Is $135,000 enough more than what you make currently to compensate for working nights and weekends at someone else's call? Also, you'll probably have much LESS responsibility as a first year associate than you do currently.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

I don't mind less responsibility, but since I'm about 87k...I can say it's only 65% more. 2/3 more money, how many more hours?

Hell, I'd be happy to be a phone-answerer for 135k.

I know, I know...it's much worse. I only work 40 hours a week, and a predictable 40 hours. I have limits on how bad I can be treated as a person in terms of yelling, slurs, and personnel actions w/o documented reasons.

Still, this blows and it's making me unhappy.

[anarcha.livejournal.com]

My take:

I have limits on how bad I can be treated as a person in terms of yelling, slurs, and personnel actions w/o documented reasons

At a law firm, you'll actually face much less direct conflict (i.e. yelling, slurs) but much more indirect gamesplaying and back-stabbing. And you may not see this so much at the lower levels. As you get more senior, it really does start to resemble a game of Survivor.

I only work 40 hours a week, and a predictable 40 hours.
See, that's the rub. Remember, being a junior associate at a large law firm means not knowing when you'll be able to go home, or whether you'll be free that weekend. It's not the hours that suck as much as it is their unpredicatability. Are you willing to toss away your ability to say "fuck this" at 5:00 pm every day?

In terms of your life, you'll probably have as little personal time while working in biglaw as you do now while balancing law school and work. And your schedule will be much more unpredictable. Think of it as going to law school at night, but with no idea of when your exams are or when papers are due.

Also, recall that the vast majority of associates work 2-3 years, and then drop out or are forced out. So, chances are that you'd only be making that salary for 2-3 years before shifting back to the government or looking for in house positions.

If I were you, I'd actually start looking for in-house positions that involve employment law. Seth would know all the good websites, but one good one is acca.com.

[seth6666.livejournal.com]

heh... ACCA is a freaking godsend. i go to their events on an almost weekly basis. and, believe it or not, monster.com seems to always have assloads of HR/labor law attorney positions. oh, and "the ladders" has a lot of good stuff too, but it's a pay site.

though i think your best bet is to get and use a good recruiter if you want to go in-house.

-S

[vicar.livejournal.com]

I don't know that it would be more backstabbing - I'm just used to that part.

It's not the hours that suck as much as it is their unpredicatability. Are you willing to toss away your ability to say "fuck this" at 5:00 pm every day?
Well, yes generally. I can't now due to law school, but the idea doesn't seem like a big deal.

I hadn't really thought about biglaw so much as mid or small-law :) However, the in-house jobs sound way spiffy. Thank you AND SETH BELOW for the link(s) and endorsement.

At a glance they do look kinda neat.

PS do headhunters suck?

[anarcha.livejournal.com]

Like anything else, headhunters range widely in variety, from the highly competent to the incompetent. If you're serious, I could do some digging.

With regard to mid-law or small-law, you will NOT be making $135,000. My guess is that you probably won't be making much more than you do now.

[anarcha.livejournal.com]

Examples of mid-law starting salaries:
Littler Mendelson: $95,000
Gatsby and Hannah: $85,000
Kutak Rock: $77,000

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That's what I keep returning to - same money, more hours.

I've recently entertained the idea of passing the bar and then seeking law work - getting my feet wet and returning to government if it doesn't work out. I'm not quite serious enough, or haven't been serious enough long enough, to ask for any help outside the conversational stage.

Thank you though :) As usually, good info and points.