Career Clinic: My understaffed team is reaching burnout

Very tough indeed; that's why ultimately, it is not a good question. You know the options, so make a decision!!

If it needs spelling out for you, you've already given us the answer. You suspect the partners know the position. Surely they must do. If they are aware, then they have factored in the reducing quality of work and they are happy to take the risk. Like you, they are under pressure. Your whining will do nothing. I would joke about the workload in the hallway at most, but nothing more.

If you conclude that the partners do not know, then hit yourself over the head and think again. How could they not know? Again, joke about it in the hallway and see what happens, if anything.

I would personally soldier on, happy with employment in these difficult times. The markets are picking up and when the firm gets back into its stride, your endeavour will be rewarded with hope!

Best of luck.

Me -15 Jul 2010 | 14:58

This is why so many firms are posting record profits despite record drops in revenue.

IHateBPP -15 Jul 2010 | 15:04

Leave

Get a better job, I did.

Stupot -15 Jul 2010 | 17:50

Options?

I agree that whining will get nowhere. Current climate in particular - consider options but accept some times they are limited and give it six months then review again. Moving in-house is not always easier.

Gillian -16 Jul 2010 | 08:42

ur not the only one being shafted

This is why most firms are turning in higher PEP despite falling revenues as they are really squeezing out the very most they can from what they've got.

private client solicitor -16 Jul 2010 | 12:00

Leave if you can, grin and bear it if you can't.

As a lawyer, you need to think of yourself as an asset to be sweated by the business. If you can do that, you will never be surprised by the partners' indifference.

Anon -16 Jul 2010 | 12:12

You are not alone...

Welcome to the post-crisis legal world. Not sure it will be better somewhere else... Start/keep looking for options!

Andreas -22 Jul 2010 | 17:54

Keep an eye on your stress levels

Your experience is all too common and firms stand to lose a lot of talent if they continue in this way. The whole structure of law firms and success unfortunately creates this, and more people are going sick with stress and anxiety which will cost more than supporting staff with managing stress.

There is a tipping point when pushing yourself too far can lead to break down and time off with stress which the firm will want to prevent. Email me and I'll send you some stress management tips to help for now - rachel@liberateyourtalent.com

Rachel Brushfield -28 Jul 2010 | 14:23