Growing up in a household with two attorneys, I was no stranger to the pressures and expectations that come with the legal profession. My early years were marked by an almost constant struggle with anxiety, a theme that continued to shape my life and career. From the relentless pursuit of achievements to silent battles with low mood, my journey has been both a driving force and a burden. Today, I open up about how these experiences influenced my foray into Big Law and the overwhelming stress that came with it. This episode is a heartfelt account of my initial steps toward therapy and meditation, and how a friend's vulnerability taught me that I wasn't alone in my struggles.
In 2016, my entry into Big Law brought unprecedented levels of stress, leaving me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I discuss how managing billing and high expectations from multiple bosses became a daunting task, exacerbating my anxiety. Despite finding some solace in therapy and meditation, I often felt like I was suffering in silence—until a colleague's openness about his own anxieties helped me realize the power of honest conversations. Tune in as I emphasize the significance of community and vulnerability in coping with the pressures of the legal industry, and share insights into finding our own grace periods in this demanding profession.
Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.
