My client was a junior associate at a big deal NYC law firm.  She was working like a dog-60, 70, 80 plus hours a week.  Sure, she was making good money, learning lots and surrounded by smart, challenging people, but she was miserable. No balance, no personal life, no light and not much of a sense that the relentless pace would ever end. 

Then it happened-she got called into the hiring partners office.  She had heard that they were planning to thin the ranks of a bloated associate class.  Her reviews had been great -- stellar as a matter of fact.  She went to a top-notch law firm (and undergraduate as well).  She got along with everyone and often did pro-bono work for the managing partner of the firm (a big deal for a junior associate).  So, she walked into the hiring partners office with a mix of trepidation and confidence.  And then he spoke the words:  “You are valued here.  Thank you for your service to the firm and the clients BUT, your skills and assets will be better utilized at your next employer.”