There’s no question that often a issue associates face a lot are partners who just, don’t get it. The ones who worked their tails off and think you should too. The ones that weren’t there when their babies were born, and who think you should make the same sacrifice for your jobs. They don’t get it when you make cries for help, and they just want you to work as much as they do.
Then there are the ones who get it. They hear your cries for help, and do something about it. Instead of thinking you’re a whimp, or that you just can’t handle the heat, they recognize the burdens you are facing and try to make it better.
These are the partners that our firms rely on. Because without them, associates will leave in flocks. Call us “millennials” if you want, but we just aren’t okay with the antiquated view of working over 2,500+ hours a year while missing all of our families’ events. We aren’t okay working until 3am in the morning and waking up the next day walking the office floors like zombies.
We want people who care. We want people who will listen. We want people who want to know about the type of work we want to work on, and who make sure it happens. Those are the partners that are our saving grace and who will carry us through.
Thankfully, I am blessed with one of these partners in my corner. She cares, and has a voice loud enough so she can intervene and fix things, without mentioning that you ever even vented to her. She throws the most elaborate parties, never forgets anyone’s birthday, and genuinely cares about her people. I am thankful for her.
Do you have someone in your corner? If you don’t, don’t fret. I feel you because I’ve been there before. Hang in there and consider moving to another job where you might be able to find that person for you. And if you do, treasure that person! They will be your saving grace.