u/abnsea

Back story - I’m a former PD with at least 6 years of experience. I left that job after my kid was born because it was unmanageable to meet the caseload demands and no WLB with a toddler. Took a few months off and then applied around/networked for my next role. I had no trouble getting at least 5 offers in less than 6 months and ultimately chose a transactional role at a firm because it had the best pay and promised to be family friendly. Long story short, I got pregnant with my second and when I asked to take my full mat leave + an extra week of PTO the partner I work for started treating me differently. He had a long uncomfortable conversation with me about my request and it got to the point I had to go to HR and HR took my side. They apologized profusely for the things he said and told me that partner won’t be allowed to talk to me about my mat leave again.

Cut to I’m back at work and miserable. The partner treats me like his legal assistant (despite having two legal assistants). He makes me print his documents, schedule his calls, “jokes” about why I haven’t organized his office and emails for him etc etc. I have two girls now and I look at them and feel ashamed I put up with that kind of demeaning treatment that I’d tell them never to accept. I’ve been a lawyer for 9 years. I used to handle 200+ cases and do murder trials. But now today on my first day off in 4 months I get urgent marked emails from him asking me to help arrange an associate lunch for his law clerk today? It’s the first day I have off to spend with my girls in a long time and that email just put me over the edge. Am I totally overreacting? How bad would it be to take a few months off again and find a new role? I’ve done it before and I have confidence in myself I can do it again. I just know if I try to find a job while working with him I’ll end up desperation leaving to something I haven’t fully vetted just to get away. Our finances can stand me floating for a bit looking for something so I feel ok there.