Kiss Your Legal Job Goodbye: Relax

You’ve devised your script, created your list of VIPs and are ready to quit. But as you prepare to give your two-week notice to your first contact, you start shaking and feeling nauseated. What if they all hate you after you quit? Who will take over all of your assignments? You’ve been working on this one case since your first day at the firm, and you’re positive that the partner is going to go ballistic when you tell him or her you’re walking out. And what about all of your mentors? They’ve invested so much time in your career development, and now you’re ditching them . . . .

Relax. Breathe. Breathe again.

I have a newsflash for you: you’re not the first person to quit, so your departure won’t be all that shocking to your law firm. I’m not saying you’re not important to the firm—the knowledge and understanding that you’ve retained over time make you a valuable resource. And there is something to be said for the relationships you’ve developed within the firm and with clients.

But law firms don’t expect all of their associates to stay forever—it’s not possible for everyone to make partner. And plenty of associates leave each year, making you just another leaf blowing away in the wind. So unfortunately, even though your mom may think so, you’re not that special.

In this situation, though, being ordinary isn’t a bad thing. It means that you can chill out. No one will hate you. Your leaving to pursue other opportunities may create potential future business for the firm. And just like you want to retain your law-firm connections as you venture forward in your career, your colleagues want to maintain you as a contact. Who knows where you’ll end up? You could be a very valuable connection in the future.

So stop worrying. Shrug it off, and quit away.

Read More:
Pucker Up and Kiss Your Legal Job Goodbye: How to Quit
Pucker Up and Kiss Your Legal Job Goodbye: VIP ListKiss Your Legal Job Goodbye: Be Responsible
Kiss Your Legal Job Goodbye: Maintain Connections

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