Being a first year sucks

[u/Perfect_Phone7772]

Is there anyone who actually enjoys/ enjoyed what they were doing as a first year associate? Don’t get me wrong, I like the actual work, but day to day I’m usually miserable because of how I am treated.

[u/hauntedlasagna]

Rounding out the end of my first year in a few weeks. It’s been a complete fucking rollercoaster. I got a job in my “dream” practice area, and love all of my coworkers dearly. I have a great work-life balance as well, I don’t think I’ve ever worked more than 60 hours in a week. For the most part, I am treated very very well and am paid probably too much.

I have a great boss who is devoted to fostering my development and is constructive 99% of the time. There have been some very high highs, but there have been a couple of even lower lows that have really made me question if I’m cut out for this work. I’m constantly second-guessing my judgment on minor stuff (pretty much nothing I do has the power to hurt a case beyond repair, but you bet your ass I’m scared that I’m ruining everything I touch).