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– Sheryl Sandberg's new book, Lean In, is finally out — my copy is still hurtling through the mail to me. Belle at Capitol Hill Style is reading it and pondering “imaginary family planning” — making career decisions based on a husband/children you don't yet have. (Check out our similar discussion on planning for babies and career.)
– Along the work/life debate lines… Erin Callahan writes in the NYT about her regret for letting her job take over her life (and her child-bearing years). The WSJ has an interesting story on how singletons without children deserve work/life balance just as much as the parents.
– In someone related news, The Careerist has an interesting memo from a (male) law firm partner on how to “superplease” clients, including giving them your personal cell phone number, helping them with personal matters, and rescheduling vacations around their schedules.
– WSJ's The Juggle wonders how to fit exercise into your day. (Our last thread on midday workouts was an interesting one — we'll have to have another one soon.)
– In fashion related news, SheFinds takes a deep dive at the world of online consignment. And in fun office-supply news, PopSugar Living rounds up some cute tape flags.
Did we miss anything? Add 'em here, or send them to news@corporette.com. Thank you!
Equity's Darling
I’d love another midday workout thread! Or anything else health related:)
Sydney Bristow
That WSJ article about single people and the need for flexibility is interesting. I completely agree with it. If there is going to be any level of flexibility for work arrangements, then I think they should be equally available to everyone, provided that the individual ultimately complies with the requirements that come with the flexibility. There shouldn’t need to be a divide between people with kids or without kids on the issue. Flexible work schedules can be great for everyone as long as it works out great for the company too.
Anon Because I'm Cranky
I totally agree. While I am always happy to make adjustments to help out my colleagues/team members when they have family responsibilities, I often remind myself that whether or not I have children I am entitled to make time for an outside life.
Jennifer
Glassdoor just released its list of the 50 Highest Rated CEOs. Only one female on the list — Sharen Turney at Victoria’s Secret. I think its difficult to talk about what works/what doesn’t work for women in leadership positions when role models at the highest levels are limited.
Lyssa
How about we look at what does and does not work for the male CEOs? Other than dealing with pregnancy, the men can have children and family responsibilties as well.
And if the answer is “have a stay at home spouse who raises the children so that you can devote all of your time to work”, well, there you go.
Jennifer
Excellent point!
LawChick
Unfortunately I’m dealing with the issue of so-called “imaginary family planning” right now. I’m dealing with infertility. I finally got pregnant after an extended period of trying, only to lose the baby b/c of an ectopic pregnancy at 9 weeks. I’m waiting on the final consultation (based on the results of bloodwork and other tests) to know the final outcome, but if I want to have biological children, I need to lower my stress. While there have not been any studies which affirmatively link stress to infertility, stress can, and does in my case, prevent you from ovulating and manifest physically. Both of which obviously present problems with conceiving.
I work in BigLaw with a MP who is a female, but is adamantly opposed to female attorneys having children. I’ve been planning on leaving my firm anyway, but am dealing with whether to go to another large firm or take a pay cut and go to a smaller firm (with, hopefully, less stress). I think I know the answer if I want to have biological children, but it is a hard pill to swallow.
KLG
I am so sorry for your loss.
Just a word of caution regarding small firms. I worked at a mid-size firm and a very very small firm. My room mate while I was at both of these firms worked in big law. She definitely worked more hours than I did on average, but she also had a lot more freedom to work from home, flexibility to take vacation, a lack of client contact, was rarely in court, etc. such that she often said she would never trade her job for mine. I am now in an actual low stress job in the government (although I have friends that are gov’t attorneys who do not work low stress jobs). I would apply to both big and small firms and carefully evaluate the culture of each one and the partners for whom you will be working to see if the position really will be less stressful than your current position or not.
new york associate
Totally agreed. The private practice of law is shaped more by the partners you work with and the billing needs of the firm than the size of the firm.
Also, I am so sorry for your loss and wish you all the best as you figure out what comes next.
Lyssa
I’m sorry for your loss as well.
Personally, I disagree with the caution against “imaginary family planning” – I think that you should try to plan your career for the lifestyle that you want to have, whether that means lots of free time, travel, financial security, a sense of purpose, or family time. Of course, it’s possible that you may plan for something that never happens, but life is about risks.
Diana Barry
So sorry for your loss.
A friend of mine who was dealing with infertility in Biglaw decided to become a slacker. Basically, doing the minimum of hours and not worrying about advancement. She found that to lower her stress enough so that (combined with clomid) she could get pregnant. Maybe that strategy could work for you for a little while to reduce stress, while you look to see what’s out there and if you want to switch jobs.
k-padi
I used to spend so much time on “imaginary family planning.” In January, I decided to stop doing it. Best decision of 2013. I can’t believe how much it was stressing me out.
afl73
Thanks for the link to SheFinds – I’m now in love with a $14K ring.
Parfait
this site can be hazardous that way.