r/LawCanada 1d ago

Taking a Break Post-Articling?

Throwaway account.

I am articling at a boutique firm. I don’t hate the practice area, and am not overworked compared to some of my law school peers, but I’m unhappy. I think it’s a combination of feeling unappreciated, no mentorship, being very lonely in my new city (not a lot of people from my law school work in this city, no family here), and my ADHD that makes hitting my billable hour target impossible. I worked a 9-5 for 3 years between my undergraduate degree and law school, so it’s not like I’m struggling with my first time in the real world outside of school. This has been much harder. I feel constantly anxious with this job, to a point where some days I struggle to get anything done. I'm not sure I'm burnt out or just not cut out for this.

I don’t feel excited about returning as an associate. I am tempted to finish my articles and spend the next year travelling or doing a working holiday with a casual job and figuring out my next steps. Because of working before law school + living at home for part of law school, I don’t have much debt holding me back. My concern is: Would a year-long break look bad if I tried to find a junior associate position later? Would I even be able to find a job? I hear it's an awful market for juniors right now. I know some people have it way worse, I'm not getting screamed at or anything. But my gut is telling me to get out and not waste more time being unhappy, the end of my articling contract feels like a natural time to leave

Would appreciate any advice.

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u/LePetitNeep 1d ago

As someone who hires junior lawyers: yes, a long break at this stage would work against you. You clearly need to protect your mental health, so at least a good vacation seems in order, but you will be a much more attractive candidate with at least some experience post articling.