Hi, People of Grapevine!
About 6 months ago I made a post looking for suggestions on whether I should quit a work project that paid me 1.5L per month. I’m happy to report not only did I quit that company shortly after, but I got an offer from a sort of a mentor to work at a Dubai based law firm (remote, of course). To months ago, I also got two new clients on retainer for 1.5L each.
The firm is quite good, unlike traditional Indian law firms, and the work pressure is not super intense. However, I feel like I’ve come to realise… I just hate working “for” someone else. With my personal clients, I have a sense of “freedom”. Like I can work from any part of the world, but with the firm, I feel this sense of being “bound”. I’m bound to my desk from morning until evening. I haven’t been able to visit events and even though I usually would be working anyway, I would sometimes work from a relative’s place, sometimes go out with my family or if need be, or even travel! There are a couple of business events and conferences I missed out on as well. The thing is… I’ve never really worked in a traditional law firm or office. Even though, this isn’t a traditional law firm either, it’s the closest I’ve come to and I’m wondering if the fact that I want to quit within barely 6 months speaks something larger about my ability to work?
I know I am ambitious and I want to become the go-to expert in my field of work, do you guys think by being unable to work in a firm or office setup like this, I would be hampering that? Also, I’m good at what I do, great, infact. But of course, to a lot of people the “firm” tag matters. I also acknowledge that this might be the only time in my life I can really work “under” someone as I feel later in life it might be too late. I guess, I’m wondering… Would quitting and focussing on my practice and choosing only client based work hamper my career growth in any way?
-Continued in comments-
I don't know much about lawyers / legal hierarchy. So, my 2 cents will be based on my experience and observations.
I know of people who are in a similar situation. They are in a high paying job, good at what they do, and wanting to start their own practice.
The think that's stopping them right now , is that they haven't built a brand for themselves. Which obviously means, soliciting work is an issue. And their track record isn't built out yet. So, they are staying put, learning the trade of client management and at the same time, trying to build their own brand - whether it is through thought leadership or networking with senior leaders in the space.
The decision to quit also depends on your risk profile. That question only you can answer.
Also, you should think about what's the thing that's really bothering you currently. Is it less flexibility: If so, can you ask for more. If you are valuable to your firm, they wouldn't mind extending it. And if you start-up, do you want it to remain as a one-person consultancy, or expand into a full-fledged law firm. Because the restrictions that you are running away from, will come if you enter into an established setup.
The good thing is, you are young. Either ways, wasting two years of your life won't affect your career growth in long term. Whether you are on your own now, or wait two years and start up later, it won't matter so much.
If you've actually found a good law firm then stick with them a few years at least. You will make good connections through them which will be useful to you later, along with the experience ofc.
Going solo I wouldn't recommended unless you have 10-15 YOE at least.
Thanks!
The firm is Dubai based and doesn't really intent to focus on an Indian market. I've learnt quite a lot about UAE laws, I'm not sure how useful it's going to be especially since I intend to stay in India.
I already have my own practice, I've been running once since 2022 and as I mentioned, I have a decent client base as well. Technically speaking, money and a lack of clients (at least in the present) isn't a concern for me
I see. I guess you're pretty well set then. I'd recommend talking to a senior/mentor occasionally to bounce ideas off of and for advice in general.
Baki sab first class hai.
Continued - Do you guys think I’m more likely to experience stagnancy and slow my growth? Of course, the firm is also paying me an additional 2.5L, so if I quit, I would be letting go of that (I don’t really have any family expenses or obligations as of now). There is also the fact that ever since I joined the firm I’ve literally been living just for the weekend. I feel like my life is slipping by me.
Also, if the figures sound braggy or anything, I don’t intend for them to! I know I’m lucky and super privileged and this is a first-world problem of sorts and many people would kill to be in my position.
I would appreciate some help/advice!
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