Sigh. Feeling very frusterated at my work situation.
IBackBevo
member
I'm really starting to feel like I'm getting taken advantage of at work.
Backstory: I'm an attorney. Went to T15 law school, graduated w/honors, etc. 5 years ago. Got a job in commercial litigation at a boutique firm that paid = to Big Law and was miserable. I took this job a year later at a very small firm (still doing commercial litigation) and have been there 4 years. First 2.5 years, I made low 6 figures.
Things started going downhill when I got pregnant. I could tell my boss wasn't happy. I had horrible m/s, but still never missed a day. I was so nauseated and one day I literally started dry heaving in front of him (out of my control) and my boss commented, "Isn't it a little early for that?" I was 10 weeks. And it was little things here and there--my boss used to always take me out to lunch, but no more after I announced the pregnancy.
I ended up with pre-e and my LO developed IUGR--likely in part due to my high stress job. My MFM wanted me to cut back. I talked to my boss. He actually gave me MORE work (and more stressful work) after we had this conversation. Ultimately, I was pulled from work at 34 weeks and put into the hospital on bedrest because things had gotten so bad. I was delivered at 37 weeks. LO was tiny. I was paid out for my vacation and then not paid for the rest of the leave. While there was no written policy (very small firm), our receptionist got 14 weeks of paid leave. 6 weeks of paid leave is pretty standard in the field. But whatever. I got over it and came back after 8 weeks. Basically, as soon as I was released by the doc as I had a C-section.
I came back 3 days a week and was paid 60 percent of my base salary. In 2010 and 2011, I received a $30k-40k bonus both years. At the end of 2012, I got $1,000. Another slap in the face, but again I got over it. So basically, now, if things continue and I get almost no bonus again this year, I will end up being paid about 40-45% of my prior *total* compensation. Problem is, I still have about 70-80 percent of the work...and I'm continuously called on my days off to either come in or do something. It has been 5 days in the last month including Easter and Mother's day...both LO's first. I don't mind answering an email, but I'm talking about at least a day's work. The most recent was today where I find out I am expected to do three 30b6 depos on my day off.
I'm really feeling unappreciated. I know that I am good at what I do. Part of the reason I don't want to leave is because I like a lot of my clients and the actual work I do...plus, I have a good commute. I guess I could also talk to my boss about extra money, but I feel pretty sure it will not go well. The other alternative is to give my notice and stay at home/help DH with his business. DH makes more than enough and the little bit I am getting paid after taxes, I really just pay for the nanny, the maid and work clothes. Frankly, the only reason I am staying at all is that I'm afraid that if I get out of the field, I won't ever be able to get back in.
Any suggestions? Ideas?
2011: FSH 13.3 & E 99; AMH 0.54 2nd FSH 6.2 E 40's AFC: 8
BFP from Clomid/IUI ~ Pre-e and IUGR during pregnancy ~ DS born 9/4/12
Feb./March 2013: AMH less than 0.16 (undectable) and AFC = 4;
BFP from supps ~ DS#2 due May 2014
May 2014 January Siggy Challenge:
Re: Sigh. Feeling very frusterated at my work situation.
I would attempt to talk to your boss or HR. at this point he is already treating you like ***. On another note, since you have such a good working relationship with clients could you take them with you?!
We don't have an HR. There are under 10 people in the entire firm.
I would be scared to even try take clients. Most of the clients have been with the firm for 20-30 years so even though they like me, I think their ultimate loyalty would be with the firm. My boss has been practicing for over 40 years and started his own firm in the late 70's.
2011: FSH 13.3 & E 99; AMH 0.54 2nd FSH 6.2 E 40's AFC: 8
BFP from Clomid/IUI ~ Pre-e and IUGR during pregnancy ~ DS born 9/4/12
Feb./March 2013: AMH less than 0.16 (undectable) and AFC = 4;
BFP from supps ~ DS#2 due May 2014
May 2014 January Siggy Challenge:
We sound like we are in a very similar situation. The "of counsel" idea sounds like a good thought. I don't know if my boss will go for it, but it doesn't hurt to ask. My DH points out that part of the problem is that my boss is getting the best of both worlds right now - he is paying me very little and still having me do a ton of work for the "privilege" of supposedly working part-time.
2011: FSH 13.3 & E 99; AMH 0.54 2nd FSH 6.2 E 40's AFC: 8
BFP from Clomid/IUI ~ Pre-e and IUGR during pregnancy ~ DS born 9/4/12
Feb./March 2013: AMH less than 0.16 (undectable) and AFC = 4;
BFP from supps ~ DS#2 due May 2014
May 2014 January Siggy Challenge:
I am also a litigation attorney. Honestly, no paid leave in the legal environment is rare. Your boss is treating you badly, and it sounds like it isn't going to end.
If it was me in your position, I would start looking for a new job.
I would definitely not talk to anyone at your office about your being unhappy. Nothing will change.
I'm a manager at a big law firm. I don't know all the ins and outs, but sister you are getting screwed and this guy isn't working with you and he's just going to screw you worse.
There are places that will treat you better and either give you a staff attorney position or really let you work 60%, you're experienced litigator and there are places you can go. I would start looking for a job now and see if you can get our of there in 3 months. If you can't, I still might quit. We have applications all the time from attorneys who were unemployed and no one really bats an eye about it at this point.
Yup, all of this. And really, if your husband makes plenty and you are doing litigation, why not cut your rate in half and hang out a shingle? Maybe you only do 1 case at a time for a while, but it keeps something on your resume and you'll probably net more.
I am also a litigator. I agree that you should not stay at this job and you should start looking at other options.
Also, you posted that you were only staying at the firm because you were afraid to leave the field. It is possible to go back to legal practice after some time off. My kid also had IUGR, as well as resulting developmental delays. I spent 2 1/2 years as a SAHM, and I spent a lot of time taking her to appointments with therapists and other specialists. After she caught up to her peers and started preschool, I was able to find work pretty easily. I don't have a traditional job at a big firm, but I work part-time at a small firm, and I've also had other opportunities come my way.
I would do some information gathering on what your peers at other law firms do. I know in my city the local women's lawyer association has put together studies identifying the various maternity leave and part-time arrangements at firms around time. That helps the attorneys who are at smaller shops like yours negotiate for their benefits. Hope the situation improves you deserve better.
(Although, take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. I went from full time to 80% as of May 1. Still so busy that I'm billing full days, but hopefully it will improve soon. And, at least I know my firm will compensate me well at the end of the year if I end up above my 80% billable target.)
Thank you so much for all of the responses! It makes me feel better to know that I'm not crazy in thinking I'm getting the short end of the stick.
2011: FSH 13.3 & E 99; AMH 0.54 2nd FSH 6.2 E 40's AFC: 8
BFP from Clomid/IUI ~ Pre-e and IUGR during pregnancy ~ DS born 9/4/12
Feb./March 2013: AMH less than 0.16 (undectable) and AFC = 4;
BFP from supps ~ DS#2 due May 2014
May 2014 January Siggy Challenge:
NOT crazy at all. I would def start looking for something else. You deserve to be appreciated. Good luck!