H1B Interested in Switching Practice Need Advice Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi all, I am currently a junior/mid-level tax/EBEC associate in one of the major markets (SF/LA/DC). I am on a H1b visa. I am beyond miserable and really want to switch to a non-tax/EBEC practice, but with the H1b visa attached, it has been very difficult. I wonder if any of you have switched practice while on a H1b and can give me some advice. At this point, I really don't care what practice I end up with - I've broken down multiple times because I feel stuck with tax/EBEC work, and I am about to reach to my breaking point. Any other practice would be a life savior for me. Thank you so much in advance!

[NoLongerALurker]

It’s not clear to me how a practice area switch would be problematic. Can you provide a little more color?

[Anonymous User]

M&A/capital markets/etc. are just as miserable. That's what we signed up for. At least the hours are much better than Hong Kong.

[Anonymous User]

It’s not clear to me how a practice area switch would be problematic. Can you provide a little more color?

For one, the visa costs money. Two, the H1b has a six year limit, after which my employer will sponsor me for a green card, or I leave the country for a year and then reapply for the H1b. Because I already used a few years on my H1b, I only have a couple of years left before a firm absolutely needs to sponsor me (if they want to keep me around). If I retool, I likely will start as a first or second year. Firms won't be in a position to sponsor me within a year or two because I will still be too junior. They also don't want someone who will only be around for a couple of years and then will be forced to leave. A couple of reliable sources have told me this. I figured this also is affected by the current job market. If the job market were good, I might have better luck.
Also, I checked that I cannot switch practice group within my current firm.

[Anonymous User]

M&A/capital markets/etc. are just as miserable. That's what we signed up for. At least the hours are much better than Hong Kong.

OP Anon here - I've been numbing myself with the "that's what we signed up for" point; that's how I made it so far. The hours and unpredictability don't break me. I actually like doing deals, sitting on client calls, negotiating the provisions, etc. It's the substantive tax work that breaks me. To me, tax law is so technical, dry and complicated. I honestly don't understand how anyone actually enjoys the work or lasts for a long-term in tax.

[NoLongerALurker]

It’s not clear to me how a practice area switch would be problematic. Can you provide a little more color?

Also, I checked that I cannot switch practice group within my current firm.

Oh, got it. I thought you meant you were switching within the same firm.

One thing to consider is targeting firms with foreign offices so that when your H1B is up they can then cycle you out and back in on an L-1. That at least is one thing that might help from the runway length perspective.

[M458]

Have you asked your current firm if they'll begin your green card process? This wouldn't help you right away, but if they start the process now, in approx. a year and a half you could have your green card and, with it, the added flexibility of working for any employer without the extra hurdle of visa/green card sponsorship.