[mccreadj]

I know so many lawyers who started work at the ultra-prestigious megafirms, hated the hours and dealing with egotistic partners, and left for gov't or in-house positions that paid tens of thousands less, but they are much happier. You'll thrive in a megafirm if money/prestige is your primary motivation in life, and you can deal with having little to no interests outside of work. If you want to spend time with your family each evening and on weekends, and have other interests such as p***r, choose the small firm. In my experience, with law, you have to choose between mega-prestige and a huge salary, and having a life outside of work. You can't have both.