Lawyers Who Remain on the Job May Feel Guilty About Grousing

Lawyers and legal staffers who were lucky enough to escape layoffs may face increasing difficulties at work, but they may be reluctant to grouse about it.

Problems for those who remain on the job include worries about additional layoffs, an increased workload, lost office friends and, in some cases, pay cuts, the Washington Post reports. Many of those who hold on to their jobs feel anger, anxiety and a sense that they are trapped in their jobs.

Despite those emotions, employed people often try to keep a stiff upper lip.

One unidentified lawyer at a top New York law firm told the Post of the frustrations. "I'm actually starting to resent the fact that I'm not allowed to hate my job, I'm not allowed to have a bad day, because I'm supposed to be so thankful to have a job at all,” the lawyer said.

Psychologist Kenneth Reinhard warned about survivor's guilt in a Wall Street Journal story published in February. The newspaper advised that those who are still working can comfort laid-off colleagues simply by listening and saying, "I'm sorry." A goodbye gathering outside the office may also be a good idea.