Many women attorneys in private practice are dealing with a constant stream of after-hours work communication. The late-night texts, even the ones that say “no rush,” can build into a steady source of stress, distraction, and burnout. This post explores the quiet toll they take—and how to start shifting the dynamic.

What’s one thing you’ve been tolerating that quietly drains you, day after day?

Maybe it’s the frequent late-night texts from a partner that always end with,
“Let me know, but no rush.”
Yet every time one pops up on your screen, your heart rate spikes and your body tenses like it’s a fire drill.

This exact scenario comes up with the vast majority of my coaching clients.

If something consistently irritates or depletes you, you owe it to yourself to address it.
Fix the problem, or shift your response so it no longer prompts a stress reaction.

Because it’s rarely just about the message itself.
It’s the accumulation.
The slow build.
The constant low-level hum of stress that makes it hard to be present, even when you’re home.

Why One Text Isn’t Just One Text

These small things can take a toll.
That’s why “the straw that broke the camel’s back” is a timeless expression.
It’s rarely the big moments.
The smallest things, left unaddressed, can do real damage over time.

Instead of assuming this is just life in a law firm,
Ask.
Ask clearly.
Ask with a plan.

That often means:

⚜ Being specific about the action that’s getting under your skin
⚜ Getting clear on what you’d rather experience
⚜ Choosing the right moment to speak up
⚜ Framing your ask in a way that supports both you and your team

You don’t need to wait until you’re burned out or convinced your only option is to leave.
It’s a lot easier to address an irritant than to fix a full-blown problem.

Don’t settle. You deserve to thrive in private practice and life.

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. I see you, and I can help.