I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Long... sorry...

I work for a very small firm right now. The pay sux, but the trade off is I have the most flexible schedule of anyone I know - I come and go as I please and no one questions me on it, and I don't have any hourly time requirements. The atmosphere is wonderful, the people are so nice and laid-back, and I'm given a tremendous amount of responsibility.

Well, like they say, all good things must come to an end. A large, VERY large NJ firm is acquiring us in the next couple of weeks, which means, BIG firm atmosphere - no respect, boring, menial work, more hours and a lot more butt kissing, beaurocracy and red tape. I was originally told that all the current associates (three of us) would be brought in at an entry level salary, which is double my current salary. I figured, ok, as long as they're paying the big bucks, I'll tolerate the longer hours.

I just found out that they aren't bringing us in at an entry level associate salary, but instead, giving us a $10k raise, which isn't much considering my salary was squat to begin with. I've been told I need to wait it out because in October they will do another review and at that time there will be an opportunity for another raise, and that "gradually" they will bring me to the pay level of an associate with my level of experience. The expression they keep using is it's a "leap of faith" on both sides, and we need to just wait it out.

I feel so insulted - what a smack in the face - to work big firm hours for a ridiculous pay! All of my friends who work the kind of hours they are going to expect of me are making 6 figures - why should I settle for less? It feels like I have to prove myself all over again, as if I'm a first year associate, when I'm not. It doesn't help that I have an 8 month old baby, and I'm terrified that this is going to mean even less quality time with her.

Hubby keeps telling me to keep a positive outlook and try it out for a few months. My inclination is to tell them to go screw themselves, and go find another job. What do you guys think? I need an objective perspective...

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I would look for another job with a higher salary. If you are going to work the long hours, you should be paid for it. First year associates usually make six figures. If you have more experience, you should be making at least that much. Good luck!

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I'd leave. I'd be PO'd that the old supervisors did not advocate more for you to bring you in at a higher level and salary, and honestly knowing the commitments of a baby you might not be able to commit the time they assume you will be able to give. That said, my brother is at a huge NYC firm and works every night and weekend...Maybe look for jobs as counsel for a university or not for profit? Those hours seem more family-friendly.

Message edited 5/22/2006 9:25:11 AM.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I would start looking for a new job now while your hours and schdule are flexible.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I say stay there and look for another job in the meantime. If something better comes up before they "decide" to pay you what you deserve than take the other job. Good lucK!

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I agree with your husband. Try it out for a few months....and meanwhile keep looking for something new. You never know what the actual expectations of the new firm will be on you. Maybe you can discuss your flexible working hours with them and tell them about your baby. Address right from the start so that you dont get into the long hours working routine.

Good Luck!

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Well, since you can't be 100% sure about the hours they will expect from you and how much flexibility in your schedule you would lose, I would say try it out for a month or so. If your expectations realize, then leave. It sounds like your flexible schedule is very important to you, more so than pay, and I can totally understand that. So, to give that up without even getting significantly better pay for it, wouldn't be worth it - I agree with you there.

Just start polishing up your resume and getting it ready but plan to try it out for a month or so to see if there is a chance you will want to stay.

Good luck!

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I would definitely update my resume and start looking around elsewhere, post my resume on the job boards and Craig's List.

Also- I have worked for companies that have merged-- and all these big changes are supposed to happen-- however they do take fairly long to actually get instituted.

So-- start looking around, but also see how things actually play out. Larger companies that only do merit and salary reviews once a year- are very strict with this. THis is why they are probably throwing you $10K now-- and are telling you that you need to wait for the rest of the pay increase. If you are happy at this place-- I would at least wait to see what you get in Oct-- it's not too far away, and I bet your hours won't change that drastically in that amount of time-- as I said-- things take a long time to integrate.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Ok, thanks everyone - I needed an outside perspective on this.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

they say the grass is always greener on the other side

i would say stick it out for now and casually begin looking. If your fears are realized, then go hardcore.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Like others have said, I'd look for another position. Hopefully you can do that while you are working there. Good luck~~!

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I say stay at the company & look for another job too.

I'm may be finding myself in a similar situation in the next 6 months. My plan is to update my resume & start interviewing soon. At the very least, I can get practice interviewing.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

everyone makes the decision for themselves, but as someone who works for a veryyyy larrrrrge company... all I can say is yes the benefits are the best part...
but corporate america is not all it's cracked up to be.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I'd leave. My experience has unfortunately been that if they have lied to you already, then it will not be the last time.

Good luck

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I sent you an FM.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

Posted by Lisa

I agree with your husband. Try it out for a few months....and meanwhile keep looking for something new. You never know what the actual expectations of the new firm will be on you. Maybe you can discuss your flexible working hours with them and tell them about your baby. Address right from the start so that you dont get into the long hours working routine.

Good Luck!

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

As a fellow attorney who used to work at a major law firm I completely see your problem. First off you can pretty much guarantee the you will be working crazy hours - i know there are a lot of people who say maybe it won't be - but I think there is 99% chance that it will be. To me, the only thing that makes the misery of a large law firm bearable is the pay. Maybe I am jaded - and I was at an NYC law firm which may be a little different than NJ - but it seemed to me that no one cared about whether anyone had an outside life. I don't mean to sound negative but I think your first instinct is right - i think you should probably look for another job. I know I would not want to bill 180-200 hrs for lower pay than everyone else.

Good Luck

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I don't know what year you are but I'd be really PO'd if they were paying you less than a 1st year.

I am an attorney and have worked for a huge NY firm, a big NJ firm and am now at a satellite of a national firm in NJ. I know how difficult it is to be a mother and lawyer and have realized that working at the right firm is crucial to making it work.

Although all the firms I worked at were big, some were more family friendly than others. Some firms are finally waking up and realizing that if they want to retain quality women lawyers, they need to be flexible.

Also, is your firm going to be all the same people or are new lawyers joining you in your office? Sometimes, satellite offices maintain their culture (e.g. hours) after acquisitions.

I'd say see how it goes but get yourself a good headhunter in case you are not happy with the new arrangement. On the bright side, being acquired by a big firm, may add some cache to your resume and make you more marketable.

Also, I am very familiar with the NJ market. Having a lot of friends who are mommy lawyers, I know the culture and family friendliness of most NJ firms. So, if you want, FM me the name and I will let you know if I have any inside dirt on the firm.

Good luck.

Re: I'm ticked. Need opinions...

I'd probably give it a chance for a few months, but I'd start sending out my resume soon so I could keep my options open. I don't think it's fair that you'll be working the same hours as the associates in other offices at the firm, but will be paid significantly less. I know typically there's a slight difference in salary based on where the office is located (b/c of cost of living), but the salary should be comparable to your hours. Give it a few months and see what it's like. I hope it's not as bad as you expect it to be. Good luck.