(Please see my previous post for context)
Last Monday, I had my interview with the director for the job I wanted. It went very, very well.
So well, in fact, that he gave me an offer at the end of the interview. The salary range posted was $48k-$55k – I was prepared to ask for $52k, but he didn't even give me the option. He offered me $55k without me even asking, and I start on May 23!
On paper, this job is an improvement across the board. Work hours are 9am-3pm. I can work remotely 2 days of the week. It's an 18% salary increase from my current role. I won't be interacting with the public on a daily basis. The cherry on top? Because it's not a law firm and they aren't profit-driven, I never have to worry about making my billable quotas again!
…As for my current job, I ultimately decided that it was not worth burning the bridge, so I gave my notice on Monday morning. My supervisor (the micromanaging attorney from previous post) did not look pleased or surprised. He told me that I was great and that it was no surprise that I was leaving for a bigger pond. He also told me if I ever wanted a reference, he would be happy to give one. All in all, looks like I'm leaving with intact professional relationships with this firm.
My 25th birthday is coming up, and I'm pretty damn proud of myself. Exactly 1 year ago, I was a COVID college grad getting rejected from every job I applied to. I felt completely worthless, and refused to celebrate my 24th because I was ashamed of getting older while not achieving anything. Fast forward to NOW, and I've accepted a position to be a Law Office Manager for my alma mater at just 24!
The lesson I learned from this mess was this: know your worth, and use it as a weapon to defend yourself. My attorney got complacent and assumed I wouldn't find something better, and he was sorely mistaken.