On the verge of getting endometriosis. My partner doesn’t believe in the team prioritising their health since he/she is a newly made partner. Partner doesn’t let me take even lunch breaks and I work everyday even on weekends and public holidays no matter how bad my health situation is. I don’t think I will survive in the team for too long and I will be easily replaced since that has happened to few others in the team (got replaced due to poor health and poor health is due to partner not pushing back on bad deadlines and major understaffing by the partner to increase profit margins). Hoping I find a supporting partner in another law firm who is already settled in his or her profession and doesn’t need to sacrifice his teams health to show numbers.

I was working with a Tier 1 Law Firm and was aware of the pressure points before taking on the assignment. The stress was obviously debilitating and took its toll on me. I eventually had to quit. Immediately post quitting, my body started exhibiting certain signs and symptoms never experienced before or I failed to take notice.

I was soon diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. After a few months, I was diagnosed with ADHD, PMDD and some other conditions.

I have come to realise that stress management is the ultimate key, but with Tier 1 pressures, it’s almost impossible to find time to lead a holistic life. There’s no way that an honest disclosure of these conditions to the firm will yield any good, in fact, they will want you to leave and create miserable work conditions.

Well this is challenging. So, a few years ago I was diagnosed with endometriosis, this condition made mensuration unbelievably painful for me, the cramping was debilitating, also cycles weren’t regular (so couldn’t exactly predict period dates and accordingly manage work) and it drove me to a point where continuing with a high pressure tier 1 law firm job was impossible. I did not even have the luxury of wfh for just one day in a month. So for many years (almost three, I think), every month during the first two days of my periods, in the early mornings I would go to the emergency room and take a pain killer injection- just to be able to sit through the day and get my work done. I would take regularly take iron therapy, etc. I especially thanked my stars if my periods started on a weekend, cause that meant I had some relief. But I spent countless month being miserable with pain and agony- it drove me to a point where I just had to quit my job and the option of working with a big law firm.

I’m currently in talks with my doc about getting a hysterectomy ( side note:I am in my late 30s, single and don't have any kids, so its been tough to convince Indian doctors) and I hope to get back to my career goals, after my health is taken care of. I am sorry I can’t offer much helpful advice or insights, since I am still battling with this chronic illness.

But I will tell you to not stop fighting for what you want out of your life, a break is not the end of ur career. Do not settle for anything less than what you truly desire. I see my illness as just another challenge in my path, not everyone gets dealt the same cards, but its really about how you play your hand - the sooner you figure that bit out the easier life gets.

All that gyaan aside, I really do hope that your suffering ceases soon and you go on to achieve all your dreams. All the best!!!