My work life

[rubeelum]

I made such a mistake going into law. Before kids I was career driven and wanted to make it to the top in law. I loved my job, it took a lot to bother me. Having DCs was the best thing I ever did but it totally and irrevocably changed me. I am so much more sensitive, anxious and so much less resilient.

I am lucky in that I work remotely. The area I live means finding an alternative job that still pays well is difficult. I know there are options out there. I don't even know what else I would do in any case.

I feel flakey and useless. Like I can't hack it. I don't think it will ever change.

Could you perhaps look at a different aspect of law? One that is less stressful. Or could you reduce your hours?

Do you feel flakey because you are constantly stressed and chasing to keep up? I think a lot of full time working mums feel like that all the time. We are all essentially trying to do two full time jobs, ie our 'work' and then run a house, raise a family, and deal with all the life-admin as well.

Some people can cope with one high stress 'stream' like law, but add a second stream of child-raising in and they find because they can't give all of their attention to their work, they start to struggle. Being a perfectionist is not always a good thing.

I don't know what you do but could you change employer from a charge-by-the-hour solicitor to an in-house lawyer. Public sector?

Can your dh step up and do more around the house?