OP here.

Small Firm A was extremely toxic. Very abusive and you were dumped in the deep end. I was marked already from day 1. Everybody leaves and quits. Work was just a living nightmare. Probably got PTSD from the workplace. Everybody sabos each other.

Small Firm B was well, a mismatch of practice areas.

I joined current firm #04, as they offered a position in the area which I truly wanted. (Sorry I won’t say what as it will reveal myself), but the area I truly am interested in.

I spent 1 year at mid size A as well I had ties there, but the paltry allowance was well paltry.