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Message: <blockquote data-quote="M&amp;A" data-source="post: 87281" data-attributes="member: 3290">Hi,I'm far more inexperienced than you, as I'm just a "future trainee". However, I'm a career changer (mid thirties) and my comment is concerning the worklife balance and life style choices in general In my view the attrition rate in US firms is so large as to make the move completely unappealing. From what I have seen on LinkedIn and talking to people, junior lawyers just leave US law firms pronto. My honest belief is that there is a serious case of burn out and it is an absolute shame that so much talent gets diverted away from the profession. I read Legal Cheek comments, admittedly many may just be bored students without a VAC but there seems to be this frenzy about landing the highest paying position at the junior end. But where are those people 7 years down the line?Mind, money is important, and the current packages in those firms appear better. (I note that you don't mention this as a consideration by the way). But my experience of US model in a different industry is that the pension contributions are dismal, so you end up having to put a lot away. Also so much gets wiped with tax.. that I don't think it is sincerely worth it to be totally burned out in 5-7 years time.Are you happy at your current firm? Do you get on with your colleagues? If yes, I think this is also a massive selling point for staying. I think working in an environment where you feel valued and supported is hugely important. Could also happen at US firm of course. But do you personally know the particular team you would be working with? Another consideration though is practice area. Is any of the other firms you are considering better in your chosen field? Are any practitioners there that you admire more or think that you could learn more from than at your current outfit?All in all, unless you don't like your colleagues, or your practice area in your firm is not strong, I personally would stay for at least a year or two and carry on developing there. You will still be at your prime in terms of marketability and you can reasses your options.The extra 200h on paper *and I strongly suspect it is more than that* may take a very heavy toll on your well-being and outlook on the profession. I don't think it is worth it. I know that I'm a career changer, so I'm definitely not against changing track. But I followed my passion in my youth so I have an inherent feeling of having done what I wanted to do when I could do it. I don't think that working every hour under the sun and some more is necessarily conducive to a happy and sustainable life in your 20s.Sorry that I wasn't able to properly answer any of your questions!! And instead asked some more <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> In any event, you are in a fantastic position being able to choose, so congratulations and good luck!</blockquote>

Verification: Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?

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