5 p.m. is the new 9 p.m.

I had to cut this line while reducing The Successful Associate from 45,000 words to 30,000:

“5 p.m. is the new 9 p.m. I can’t chirp when they leave.”

It came from a partner who still believes in showing up in person, but has clearly softened since the pandemic. Most firms I know are moving back to in-person work, but the expectations have shifted.

This is less about work–life balance — you’re still expected to get the work done, no matter when you leave.

Instead, I think it’s about facetime.

When I was a junior, “facetime” meant the number of hours your face stayed in the office. Now, post-pandemic, it might mean the number of times your face shows up in the office. Are you a four-days-a-weeker? Every-dayer? Weekender?

Standards are evolving. This partner’s included. He still expects people to be present — but there’s a little more room now to make the practice fit the life you want.

Yet, I can’t help but think juniors will miss out on something. 🤔 I have some fond memories of playing soccer with other associates in the hallways late at night with a little plush soccer ball I kept in my office for just such occasions. And grabbing dinner together in the food court before heading back up made me really feel like I wasn't alone.

It’s still important as an entrepreneur, and I try to go downtown to meet people in person as much as possible.

What do you think the right balance is between being virtual and in-person?