Saying No

“You have to earn saying no.”

Maybe that's too extreme--there are, afterall, boundaries more than worthy of protecting from the second you walk into your firm.

I try to find a balance between honesty and reality with associates.

But, the truth is: you have to earn credit.

In turn, you get to use that credit to set more boundaries, say no more often, and step away without much explanation.

That doesn’t mean you can’t do those things right away.

It’s more: you have to be intentional and respectful and without making assumptions about how others will feel about it.

You have to put in the time and prove yourself still and to a degree.

It’s better than it used to be and some partners are much better about these things than others, but:

It’s still a corporate job and there’s a give and take for the salary and prestige.

It’s not impossible, but it’s not automatic.

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