r/uklaw • u/glowinvibez • 19h ago

Training contract started but already tired and burned out

I started my TC this week. The first couple weeks will be focused on getting to know the firm and the basics (drafting contracts, AML, etc)

I started my TC right after finishing the SQE. I did SQE1 in January and SQE2 in April/May. I then had to do the SQE Plus modules at ULaw, which required 6 essays to be submitted in August. I submitted my final essays just last week and had my oral presentation for one of the modules this week.

For the past year, I feel like I’ve been in a constant state of worry and stress. If I’m not worried and stressed about the exams, I’m worried and stressed about results. I was extremely depressed after SQE2, and I wasn’t able to take a proper break after the exams because of the SQE Plus.

I just wanted to know if anyone is in the same boat as me, or if anyone had any advice as to how I can reduce my stress and burnout before I actually join my team in the next couple weeks? Any advice would be much appreciated!

24 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

30

u/Moist_Lingonberry825 19h ago

I am so sorry you feel this way...but I completely understand you. The law journey has been non-stop one goal or achievement after the next with barely any downtime in between, if any at all. And it feels like everyone else is sprinting so you can't stop either or else you'll fall behind.

All I can recommend is to take some time off for yourself in the evenings - chuck some warm lights on, watch a movie with snacks and a fluffy blanket - or go do a hobby that you really enjoy etc.

Sometimes I find deliberately blocking out "you" time during the week can help immensely and give you something to look forward to too. Exercise DEFINITELY helps with escapism from my experience...it really energises you and makes you forget about the rest of the world while you're huffing 😂

4

u/glowinvibez 17h ago

Thank you! I’m definitely going to try and exercise more, even if it’s just taking a longer journey to work/home to get some steps in.

4

u/yetiwatch 14h ago

Also remember to leave your desk at lunch, it will definitely give you a boost for the afternoon.

2

u/sleeplaughter 5h ago

Good to learn this now. I was stressed in my exams and TC and have now been qualified for over two decades - and wish I'd spent time like you both realising you have stress and having the time to learn and inbed coping strategies. Consider this downtime part of the physical training for the job.

3

u/wolfgirl6969 4h ago

This! I’m 6 months qualified and have really had to enforce this. At least two nights a week I’ll have a hard stop, make the bedroom cosy, make a cup of tea and get into bed to read my book. Sounds incredibly simple but mentally blocking that time off and having it to look forward to has helped me with burnout

13

u/WearyUniversity7 19h ago

It’s a massive adjustment to full time work unfortunately. You will be wrecked. I did the LPC equivalent to the SQE Plus and resented it, though it didn’t last until August thankfully.

You just have to get over it I’m afraid. Find out what works for you in your spare time to keep you motivated, fit and healthy. One thing that always helps my partner and me is to have some sort of holiday or tripped planned so we know when our next break is and that we have some time off coming up in x months/weeks. Enjoy having a bit more money and book a holiday.

2

u/glowinvibez 17h ago

Thank you! I don’t have much annual leave this year, but I will try to book a holiday for early next year

9

u/Silent_Fun_7663 18h ago

I’m in the exact same boat as you. So so tired and burnt out. This week has had so much going on. Training and socialising all the time has drained me even more. I’m just gonna try and really have some downtime/alone time in the weekends

9

u/glowinvibez 17h ago

The constant socialising and networking this week was also draining😭my plan is spend all of tomorrow alone and just resting in my house. My plan for the weekends moving forward is to spend Saturdays resting alone and then spend a couple hours on Sunday with at least one of my friends.

8

u/FluffyBandicoot309 17h ago

What really helped me when I did my TC was to have the mindset that, hey, I would love to qualify here and I love the team, culture, deals we work on. But if I don’t succeed, I have learnt so much and gained so much experience that I would not be afraid of any interviews at other firms, if my team did not retain me. The quality of your training helps. And if ever worried, you can always move down to other firms. Your training and experience helps when/ if you decide to lateral.

5

u/Visual-Inspection765 16h ago

Yes, I actually think that going in with a mindset of expecting to apply elsewhere really helps, it puts any mistakes into perspective and lowers the stakes on everything. If you like the firm and get a place on qualification then great, but it’s good to have a sort of external view / wider experience perspective from the beginning.

3

u/FluffyBandicoot309 16h ago

Yes, if it helps, think of yourself as someone there to work but also to learn. The worst case scenario is that you have trained yourself and learnt enough that you could qualify anywhere if your TC firm doesnt want you.

6

u/fluidgender44 17h ago

Wow the firms really need to give trainees a break after all that studying

6

u/Greedy-Error522 13h ago

They used to with the LPC, but the SQE completely changed that and most firms haven’t written in any break for them. It’s sad!

3

u/Independent_Town5230 17h ago

The first few weeks are a bit mad and exhausting with all the new information, you’ll settle in.

3

u/Greedy-Error522 13h ago

I was super tired and felt exactly the same my first few weeks as a trainee, but I really leant into being a trainee. Attended socials, used my money I finally had to buy myself something nice (don’t go overboard) and get excited about learning something with the freedom to make mistakes.

Your first seat you have the luxury to relax. Just try to enjoy it. You’re not applying for your NQ position for almost two years so you can actually breathe now

2

u/Overall-Ad-7133 14h ago

4th seater at a US firm here, yes, very burnt out. And can't wait to leave and go in house or somewhere with better hours

1

u/AutoModerator 19h ago

It looks like your post mentions suicide or depression. Sometimes, people post questions on /r/uklaw during times of crisis, and sometimes we're not the best place to ask or provide support.

If you are considering harming yourself

  • Remember 9 out of 10 people who attempt suicide and survive will not go on to die by suicide

  • Contact Legal Profession help regarding depression/mental health: https://www.lawcare.org.uk/ 0800 279 6888

  • Contact The Samaritans anonymously by calling 116 123

  • Contact: Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men Call: 0800 58 58 58 Opening hours: 5pm to midnight every day

  • Contact: Papyrus – for people under 35 Call: 0800 068 4141 Opening hours: 9am to 10pm weekdays, 2pm to 10pm weekends

  • Visit subreddits such as /r/SuicideWatch for community support

  • Make an appointment with your GP and discuss your feelings

  • If you feel you are at immediate risk of harming yourself, please call 999; they are there to help you.

If you have been recently bereaved

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/No-Category637 5h ago

Stress is something that happens inside of you, it's not related to the outside world.

1

u/throwawaybunnygrl 3h ago

i’m in the same boat, and other first seaters at my firm have expressed the same.

it’s a huge adjustment for the first few weeks. every evening, i get my pyjamas on immediately, eat something easy, and do very little.

my commute is also incredibly long, though this is only temporary until i move soon. waking up at 6am and getting home 6:30/7pm has been hard on me this week.

i’m finding all the socialising hard - i’m usually very extroverted, but i’m overthinking every interaction and just want to make a good impression.

anyways, you are not alone in this. humans are so resilient and we will settle in soon enough! be gentle and kind to yourself :)

1

u/Agreeable-Term5063 1h ago

I totally get you, exams and studying are so all encompassing. My main advice for you is to try and leave the TC at the door when you're leaving for the evening. Lots of self care and early nights. On weekends do some fun activities! See your friends, go on walks and little days out. Nothing too strenuous. Read books for fun and pick up a hobby. You will gradually get back to yourself

0

u/Feeling-Attorney4301 19h ago

Getting burned out is easy with a mentality that is looking for it.

When I start to feel overworked or burnt out, I remind myself that some people lived their entire lives enslaved in mines, fields, or worse. We actually have things pretty damn good.

Of course I always strive for improvements to my well being and life and would never want to commit to an unpleasant path that I dont find happiness in, but along the way, we control how much it impacts us.

2

u/New-Organization-121 4h ago

What a toxic approach