Hi there! I've read through every post about employment frustration because I have one of my own. Last week, I decided that I was going to put out feelers for a new job. I have something that might come through (I was very strongly urged by the hiring attorney to submit my resume). Have you ever been in a situation where you might complain and are unhappy, but could suck it up for a few more years or maybe forever because you have a family? And ..also....compared to other attorney friends, you don't have it *that* bad? Well, that's where I'm at.
Current job:
-$83k base with extra 1-2k yearly based on weekend time, $1500 bonus at christmas (no other benefits, just salary; I pay insurance premiums of about $7k/year for the family)
-45-55 minute commute each way (owner doesn't like me to work from home, so I make the trek nearly every day)
-hours are pretty manageable
-I don't get micromanaged but owner can be eccentric at times
-I pretty much hate the practice area (I will never avoid doing this area as long as I am at this firm) and it is very high stress
-no partner track or other ownership interest; I am probably capped at my salary
Potential new job:
-new practice area that I have been interested in for years and I would be trained by the best
-very respectable position that would likely lead to other job offers (the previous attorney that held this position just got an offer from a big firm, making six figures)
-much closer - 15 minutes away
CONS: the salary is likely in the 60s at most and is a 1-2 year assignment. However, it would have benefits like insurance and employer match/retirement (so, I would not have to pay 7k in premiums/year).
What else should I consider? What else should I be thinking about? I have a mortgage and student loans (owe $110k) so I am not financially independent. Should I just stick with current job and get over it? I can certainly keep looking, but since I would be new to the practice area I am looking to get into, I don't think I'll see any offers close to what I am making now.