Big Sis Briefing: 12 Weeks Post-Lawyerin’
A Quarter Out
Three months have passed. One quarter in the old corporate calendar. But enough time for the initial excitement to fade, for reality to set in and for something new to start taking shape.
I'm proud of myself and I'm grateful. Importantly, I haven't had to touch savings yet. From day one, people backed me, invested in me and trusted me. Yes, I’ve also reduced my lifestyle expenses significantly but if this is going to be sustainable, savings isn’t a business plan.
So, that’s a milestone worth acknowledging.
Experimenting and Surprises
I've tried many different approaches. Some ideas didn't work out. Others exceeded expectations, like the hats! I never expected to be researching dropshipping strategies and shipping prices but here we are. That's the benefit of autonomy: nobody else controls the priorities anymore.
I've also rediscovered my love of writing. Not rushed content or emails refined through multiple approval layers. Just authentic work that belongs to me.
The Crash and the Rhythm
The initial leap brought euphoria. Then came the downturn. Then a more stable foundation emerged. Now, when a new idea surfaces, I can pursue it immediately.
But unlimited freedom also created problems. Skipping alarms seemed liberating at first. By week eight, this freedom had become a burden. Oversleeping drained my energy, scattered my thinking and affected my mood incredibly negatively.
So, I made corrections. I re-established a consistent sleep schedule. I found balance between my natural night-owl creativity and the structure that keeps me functioning well. This change made a significant difference. Rest is crucial but routine is what maintains stability for me.
Family and Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages has been my availability for family when they need support. No leave requests. No justifying absences. Just being there and contributing to my support network and my ‘village’ again in a way that feels much more present.
The Community That Built This
Six years ago, I began posting daily on Instagram @theinhouselawyer. Consistent effort built recognition, credibility and trust. That foundation enables what I'm doing now.
My community returns far more than it receives from me. Every message saying "this is exactly what I needed" or "how did you know I felt this way?" connects me directly with the people I want to help. These conversations provide far richer insights than any survey or report could offer.
The challenges I hear about are widespread:
✨ Questioning career direction
✨ Feeling ‘behind’
✨ Burnout and losing connection to passion
✨ Guilt about wanting better work-life integration
✨ Fear of requesting pay rises, promotions or new opportunities i.e the confidence gap.
These aren't legal profession problems. They're human problems.
The Silence and the Shift
Losing the constant stream of corporate communications felt unusual at first. Initially I felt like I was ‘wagging school’, sitting in cafes writing blog posts and creating Reels instead of responding to emails. That guilt disappeared quickly as my stress hormone levels adjusted. Now I feel calmer and think more clearly. The hyper vigilance of someone watching and the weird sense of “I’m going to get in trouble” is a distant memory.
What's Next
Season 5 of the podcast is so close, I promise! The interviews are complete. The first episode is with the editor. Progress is steady across all projects.
Twelve weeks in, the lesson is clear: this approach works. Experimenting, connecting with people, creating content that brings them value and designing work and life according to my values.
I have no regrets and only learning experiences. Only appreciation. Only moving forward from here.
If You're Feeling the Pull
If any part of you feels energised reading this or if you wonder whether you might pursue something similar in your own way, here's what I've learned:
What made this transition possible wasn't chance. It was years of developing my voice, my brand and creating content around my core themes. It was understanding modern communication tools, investing time to learn each platform properly and recognising their true value. Yes, that includes LinkedIn.
If you're considering your own next step, you need to begin where you are right now and with what you have. No one procrastination and no more “waiting for the right time” (it doesn’t exist). Remember that the best time to plant a tree is ten years ago and the second best time is today. The time will pass anyway.
I can provide guidance to get you started: I've published free resources, downloadables and I work directly with people who want 1:1 support. I also offer longer-term coaching programs. As I continue testing, learning and growing, I'll keep sharing what proves effective so we can all level up and keep enjoying this one wild and precious life together.
Mel
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