As you may have heard, being a junior associate does not allow for a particularly predictable schedule. My area of expertise is corporate transactional work so I will speak that language but the following tips translate to litigation associates as well.
In most corporate firms, deals are staffed with a junior associate or two, a mid-level, senior associate and a partner. A robust team generally benefits junior associates because a lot of a deal’s twists and turns will be unknown. One downside of a stacked team, however, is that juniors are subject to the schedules of the senior members of the team. For example, the partner wants something by EOD Monday. This means that the junior (assuming the assignment is not above their expertise level) needs to complete it by Sunday evening so the mid-level and senior associates can review it before it goes to the client or back to the partner. Moreover, your mornings may be quieter than your afternoons. This happens because partners often have client calls earlier in the day and come back to their associates with what needs to be done. This could mean that your workday starts at 3pm and stretches on until 11pm. Kind of a bummer. The unpredictable hours under intense conditions may lead to associate burnout. So, what is burnout and how can you avoid it?
Burnout results when associates are pushed to their max a couple of times too far. Signs of burnout range from a newly developed disinterest in work or on the opposite end of the spectrum, hypervigilance. Burnout is detrimental to your mental health and can shake your confidence.
How can you avoid burnout? Do what you can to maintain control in your life.
· Ask about the timing of an assignment. Even if it’s a rush, having a concrete deadline can help you plan your other work accordingly. Having a written plan on my busier days makes me feel in control. Even better, the assignment might not be as urgent as you once thought and you can get a few extra hours to relax that evening. If that is the case, take a breather and don't feel guilty about it.
· Exercise regularly. Take 30 minutes or so to exercise, even if it’s just a walk or a free online workout video. Exercise is vital to your physical and mental health. Staying loyal to an exercise routine forces you to take time for yourself. This is helpful for those days when your tank feels empty because all of the people senior to you seem to need something ASAP.
· Make a budget and stick to it. When you start working, you will finally have money in your pocket, it will be a very good feeling. Try not to live above your means. If you have student loans, pay them off consistently and throw a little extra at them when you can. Managing your salary is important because living paycheck to paycheck induces stress that could cloud your professional judgment. Having a nest egg and a shrinking loan balance enables you to think clearly about your long- term career goals. Maybe you don’t love your job but it exposes you to prestigious deals and offers valuable connections so it is worth staying another year. On the other hand, if your position is detrimental to your health, it is time to hit the escape button. Adhering to a financial plan affords you the space to realize that you can select your career and are in control of whether you stay.
All of this being said, it is ok to treat yourself. You will work hard and deserve it. Just avoid splurging so much that you are anxious between pay periods.
I hope this helps!
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