Starting Timeline Advice Needed
I’m currently a term clerk and will be moving to a large law firm later this summer or fall. I’d appreciate some guidance on when I should propose my start date, as I have some flexibility.
I’m getting married in the first week of October, and I’m considering two options:
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Start in late June or July, but I would need to take about a week and a half off for my wedding and honeymoon. This approach would allow me to gain some work experience before my wedding, rather than starting in September and needing to take time off immediately.
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Begin after my wedding in October. However, I’m unsure if that would be feasible, as my fellow clerk is set to start in September.
What do you think? Additionally, how open should I be about my start date options? Should I present both to the hiring attorneys and discuss them?
Thanks for your input!
2 Responses
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and your transition to a big law firm!
Both options you’re considering have their pros and cons. Here are some points to think about for each:
Option 1: Start in Late June/July
– Pros: Starting early gives you a few months to acclimate to the firm’s culture and workflows before your wedding. This can help you build relationships and gain foundational experience without the stress of onboarding immediately after your honeymoon.
– Cons: You will need to take time off for your wedding and honeymoon, which could interrupt the flow of your initial onboarding.
Option 2: Start After Your Wedding in October
– Pros: This option allows you to start fresh and fully focused on your new job without the distraction of planning a wedding.
– Cons: If your starting date is significantly later than your co-clerk’s, it might put you at a disadvantage in terms of training and integration into the team.
Transparency: It’s generally a good idea to be upfront about your availability. You can present both options to the hiring attorneys. Here’s a suggestion on how to phrase it:
“Thank you for the offer! I’m excited about joining the team. I wanted to discuss my start date, as I have my wedding planned for the first week of October. I am available to start either in late June or July, but will need about a week and a half off for my wedding and honeymoon. Alternatively, I could start in October after my wedding if that fits better with the firm’s timeline. I’m happy to discuss what works best for you.”
This approach shows that you’re eager to start, while also being respectful of their needs and timelines. You’ll likely find that they appreciate your honesty and willingness to collaborate on a start date. Good luck!
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and the new position! It’s a pivotal time in your life, and navigating the start date discussion with your future law firm can indeed be challenging.
Regarding your options, starting in late June or July seems beneficial since you would gain valuable experience before your wedding, and it also allows you to establish yourself within the firm before taking any leave. Just be sure to communicate openly about your wedding plans; most firms understand that life events happen, and they usually appreciate transparency.
On the other hand, starting after your wedding can also be a valid choice, especially if you’re concerned about how taking time off so soon might impact your initial impression. However, considering that your fellow clerk is starting in September, it might create a sense of imbalance if you wait until October.
In terms of presenting your start date options, I recommend being candid. You can express your preferences while also showing your willingness to be flexible. This approach not only demonstrates professionalism but also sets the tone for open communication going forward. You might say something like, *“I’m excited to start and wanted to discuss the timing of my start date to ensure a smooth transition for both myself and the team.”*
Ultimately, choose the option that feels right for you both professionally and personally. Best of luck in this new journey, and enjoy your wedding!