The Break-up: It's Not You, It's Me

I think we need to spend some time apart. It's not you, it's me. I'm at a point in my life where I need a change, I need something new. I think I've gotten the most I can out of this relationship -- I'm realizing I need more. You've been great, though, really. I have so many wonderful memories of our time together, all the fun I had, and how much you taught me. I have no regrets, and I hope we'll stay in touch and always be friends.

And someday, you're going to make another associate very, very happy.

And with that, I'm leaving the firm -- and firm life in general -- and starting a new job with the Biggest Employer of People in This Region (hint: it ain't private industry). I'm excited and sick to my stomach all at the same time. I really love the people I work with, and I like much of the work that I do. And I nearly cried when I had to break the news to those at work I'm closest to. I feel like I'm letting them down, and in some respects, I know I am. But the people I work with -- the good ones, anyway -- understand completely my reasons for leaving. And it really is a good time for me to try something new. I found what I think will be a great job with better hours (and the resultant lower pay, but still a substantial sum) that will teach me things I couldn't learn at the firm. And I won't spend my evenings and weekends thinking about billable hours or originations.

Hope this works out. I'll let you know.