To ask if it’s possible to find a job that isn’t anxiety inducing

[StuartBroadBarmyArmy]

I need some inspiration. I have work anxiety (and it is just purely work related). I’m 39 and dream of being able to give up work. But I love working in general - can’t just sit around, love to be busy. But my job (law) has ground me down and I constantly experience some level of anxiety.

Please give me some hope. Are there other jobs out there that pay ok, and are enjoyable? I’m scared to take the leap because I’m on a good salary and what if I move into something horrible?

Well yes, but I think you need to work on your anxiety also.
What is it about work that you create anxiety around?
I say create, because nothing externally causes anxiety, you create it yourself.
Otherwise everyone would be anxious about the same things, which they're not.

What is it about your current role that induces anxiety, do you think?

I mean, I don't experience performance anxiety in MY role but I'm sure others might. And there are jobs that may suit many people but would likely send me screaming for the hills.

We need to know what you think it is that is the trigger before any advice can be given from posters about what might suit.

Sorry you feel this way. Have you always felt it or has it developed?

You could try using your legal background in a different setting, so many organisations need their own legal teams. Could this work?

I knew this would be law.
I've posted a bit about this lately. I had the same job in PI for years and was literally crying in the shower each morning with anxiety about logging on. People on here inspired me to try and find something else. I started a new job last week in a different area of law and so far so good. I'm sure it will still be hard but a change is as good as a rest and I feel really good about it.
Maybe just try a different area.

Re anxiety - the nature of the job, is to attack the other side’s arguments, to criticise and be criticised. People are waiting for you to trip up. Things can go wrong due to human error but the consequences can be catastrophic. Clients are difficult. Billing Targets have to met. Scrutiny from all angles - regulator, employer, Court etc. I also have DDs now and I think you need a passion to thrive - my passion has gone. My DDs are my passion.

@Oysterbabe what are you doing now? In all honesty I don’t think I even want another area, I want out.

I run a joinery and welding workshop, I’ve taken several people on who had anxiety with facing the public who have thrived in our happy , busy , active environment. We work physically hard but also drink a lot of tea , listen to r4 and do crosswords in our mandatory 3 hourly tea breaks . There are jobs out there for you !

Would in-house legal be less stressful? Or government legal department? You'd probably take a pay cut (in GLD) but would have more flexible working hours and work life balance.

This sounds like my dream 😭

I've gone into property. It's just a better company though which is the main thing. My last one had some pretty unrealistic caseload expectations.

There are non fee-earning areas of law that might be a better fit for you. In-house, as someone said, or look for something PSL-like at Thompson Reuters or Lexis. Or a lot of the bigger firms have strategy, legal tech, knowledge or even BD roles which our lawyers move into for a slightly quieter pace. Would something like that appeal?

Following

I knew this would be law.
I'm a commercial property lawyer.
I've just had a week off and feel sick at the thought of going back. I probably won't sleep tomorrow night.

I was wondering whilst away what other jobs I might like and could do.

As a lawyer you can'take a mistake you are negligent and can be sued. You are the client's bitch and time recording is designed to make you justify your existence.

It's awful.

I'm wondering if HR could be an option.

I'm going self employed, in compliance. That's quite a good fit for law?

Either way, people don't tend to argue about compliance. They're shit scared about following the rules, and they're too disinterested in the subject matter to argue!

I have the same I work for a big-4 company and am currently on a career break because I just couldn’t cope anymore.

I’m confident in every other aspect of my life and no one would know I have these issues but my work place anxiety is off the scale. I’ve had lots of CBT and counselling which hasn’t helped at all long term. I’m mid 40’s and it’s just getting worse, I wish I had some answers for you but I’ve had to take time away just to try and recover and gather the strength to face it again in a few months.

Is a break an option for you?

I would suggest inhouse lawyer at a uni or somewhere like that. IME they provide advice but if something goes to court, then legal firms are hired. Unis have lawyers for eg research contract development, general legal etc

I’m an in house lawyer and whilst I have the usual work stresses it is nothing compared to when I worked in a firm before that. I’d never go back! I also know of a few colleagues who have gone into legal operations types of roles, so more operational less actual legal practice.

(I used to cry every Sunday night with dread before going to work in the firm, in house has been a completely different experience- plus work/life balance. Salary is likely less though)

@Ringshanks Do you have any positions vacant please?

HR can be extremely stressful. I’ve had to take time off in the past as everyone blames you for everything, talks to you like a piece of shit, nothing you ever do is good enough no matter how much effort is put in and the pressure you are put under to solve everyone’s issues is huge. You’re also not seen as an employee with feelings in your own right. That said, I’m sure it’s less stressful than what you are experiencing and there’s ways of managing it, I’m in a much better place now. It’s probably a good move skills-wise. But not for someone looking for a much less stressful role that doesn’t induce anxiety.

Can I come and work for you please?

This is me. I’m sorry you’re experiencing it. I don’t think a break will help.

I'm public service and we have people coming from law jobs having quit because of the long hours and stress. You will have many transferable skills and knowledge that will make you an ideal candidate in other employments.

Can you tell me more?

We all want to go and work for @Ringshanks now ❤️

Another one saying HR can be like this. Having to deliver the company's bad news, dealing with terrible employees who need to be performance managed, dealing with terrible manager's who should be performance managed, and a big one for me, payroll deadlines that seem to require a ridiculous amount of other people's input so it's not like I can just get on and do my job.

You’ve hit nail on head. Everything I’ve read about mental wellness talks about accepting imperfections. But law doesn’t allow you to be imperfect.