To give up a career I've done for 20 years

[bellissimiaow]

I've changed some details but the main points are the same. I've worked as a solicitor for over 20 years, and have worked from home since March 2020. I've never enjoyed working alone at home, much preferring the social interaction of the office, and have become increasingly isolated, anxious, lonely and depressed.

I've tried so many things to get round it, suggesting meeting colleagues for coffee, working from private shared office spaces etc but ultimately my work contract is now permanently 'from home'

Although we talk about not enjoying it, the rest of my team seem to have all fallen into a comfortable routine and most seem now to actually enjoy being at home. For whatever reason I never have. This week its finally got the better of me and I've broken down, my gp has signed me off work for 4 weeks with stress and depression and all I want to do is hide and sleep.

I'm seriously considering leaving my job completely and looking for something like part-time shop work just to get out of the house and to be with people. It sounds ridiculous but I can't bear the thought of sitting at a desk in front of a laptop for the next 20 years now - either at home OR in an office. I've lost all enjoyment and motivation for it.

I'm going to take the 4 weeks to have a good think about what to do. I also have a small business that does get me out of the house that I could potentially grow as well, but again its nothing to do with my trained-for day job that I'm considering giving up.

WWYD?

Taking shop world seems a bit dramatic. Dealing with the public will soon get old, I'm sure.

Can't you look for work at a firm that is working in the office?

I keep hearing on MN that businesses that don't allow WFH will lose staff but I think there are just as many who would leave so they can work in an office again.

Take the time first though.

Take the 4 weeks to recharge. Update your linkedin and research firms that are at least operating a 'hybrid' model. Speak to ex-colleagues in your sector and location to see what their firms are doing. Consider in-house work that will get you into a new environment. Good luck.

Our city you can rent a desk in a shared office space. Could you do that?

Why don't you just move to a different law firm where WFH is over now? I work at a London law firm and everyone is back in the office as if the pandemic never happened.

What’s your financial situation? If you don’t need the money, then why not. Just be careful about your pension as well.

Sounds like you know yourself well - why not take shop work to wrench you back into a more social working life, while you take time to consider your future? I don’t think that’s mad, that’s sensible.

Surely there are other firms??

Can’t you just find a similar job that facilitates office working? Plenty of companies won’t do wfh full time forever,

@Gemma2019

Why don't you just move to a different law firm where WFH is over now? I work at a London law firm and everyone is back in the office as if the pandemic never happened.

Same here. I love being back. Was depressed , unproductive and slid into bad habits (eg conference calls when doing school run etc) when was working from home

Our city you can rent a desk in a shared office space. Could you do that?

Im never sure why people are putting that forward as a desirable ption. Im sure she doesn’t want to pay for office space when other jobs will offer that for free,

There is no reason anyone has to stay in the work they trained for if they would rather do anything else.

I think you should do something other than what you are doing now, clearly WFH isn't for you.

I'd take the opportunity to explore your options, maybe just change firms, or maybe grow your business. There is other work people trained in law can do too. Maybe do something completely different.

If you can afford it, you could also think about getting some other training, or even just something like shop work. It might seem like a step down but there is something to be said for a job that gets you out of the house, but which you never have to bring home.

What area of law do you work in? Do you enjoy aspects of it? Having worked as a solicitor for 20 years I assume you must do? I’ve left after 2 years as I hate private practice. Obviously I’m not cut out for the stress!
It’s great you have another business. I found Lawcare quite helpful to talk through options, maybe give them a call. X

Change law firms. I live abroad now but my old London law firm has brought people back part time and all my friends in the City are back at least one day a week.