I’m at a crossroads.
Background: I am 35, and a solicitor in Scotland. I work for a large firm. I have previously worked for smaller firms and have definitely preferred the large firm environment. I have been with my current firm for about 6 years. I work 3 days per week as I have two young children (one in school, one in nursery).
They’re a decent employer and I have a good team around me. It’s decently paid for 3 days per week and I can increase those hours “whenever I feel ready”. On paper it’s a brilliant job and I have a good thing going.
But in all honesty...I have begun to hate it. It’s stressful, all consuming and difficult. The workload is huge (I work a lot at nights). I’m a grafter and actually I’m ok with a heavy workload but I think it’s the level of responsibility that is getting to me. There’s a lot of pressure and competition and big clients and fee targets. I think to cut to the chase, I’ve just had enough. I just don’t want to do it any more. I want out.
Soooo I had resolved that 2020 is going to be the year I deal with this issue. My life is lovely apart from my work, the stress drags me down. So a no-brainer on the face of it.
But we have a good standard of living (high outgoings as a result). Want to move house etc. So I can’t really afford to take a significant pay cut. I could go to four days. Five for the right job although I need to discuss this with the nursery (I don’t feel good about that particular aspect).
DH is usually very supportive. And true to form he has said “if this is what you need to do then I’m behind you”. But he has also said “this is a really good job you’re leaving”. “Do you really want to give up being a solicitor?” Etc. Yes. I feel like I do. But I’m worried it’s a huge mistake.
I have always wanted to work for the NHS (I don’t live close enough to their CLO for that to be an option but I could do something else). So I want to pursue that. But then all the jobs require previous NHS experience.
I guess I don’t really know where to even begin.