u/Dazzling-Shock-6138

Hi everyone. Would really appreciate some guidance / wisdom as I feel a little stuck. I’m a 1st year associate just having finished 1 year in big law in Toronto since being called to the bar. I am looking for an in-house role but am pretty picky… (public company, hybrid, located in downtown Toronto, salary comparable to what 1st year big law salary is, big in house team so lots of people to learn from). I really like the mentorship I am receiving in big law, especially how I always have someone to ask questions to and how someone almost always reviews my work so I am able to learn. We obviously have great resources and I love the flexibility (wfh 2 days a week whenever you want). The lifestyle is obviously not sustainable for what I want in life. I see partners working all the time and most of the time they are in the office later than me. My only worry is that if I switch to in-house, the hours won’t be that much better and there will be little mentorship as people will expect you to know how to do the work. All while also taking a pay cut. I just want to know if what I’m looking for in-house even exists? For those who work in-house, do you have proper mentorship and resources? Do you have to work a lot of evenings and weekends? Are you happy with your salary and lifestyle?