Positive outcomes from difficult times

Following the recent anniversary of my Mum’s death, which I expected to be a VERY VERY difficult time, thanks to some kind words in a card from my best friend, I focussed on all I have achieved in the last 12 months.

The most obvious and most recent change- and one I know Mum would approve of- is becoming a consultant with Berlad Graham.

For about 18 months I had been considering alternatives to high street law. During that time a number of friends and family, Mum included, tried to persuade me to set up on my own. In this area of law that is not easy or financially viable. During my Mum’s brief illness my considerations and investigations of my options were put on hold.  After her death I read a letter she had written to me.  It told me to see more of the world and I realised I could not do that in the 20 days annual leave allowance.

Her loss also made me realise that life is too short to be sat behind a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week (and then some).  I had to find something which allowed me more flexibility, I needed to spend more time with the people I love without sacrificing the income (travel can get expensive).

In July of this year, after lengthy discussions with family, I made the leap. I contacted Berlad Graham and talked through my options with them and later that same month I handed in my notice. During July and August I was nervous and questioned whether or not I had made the right decision. Would the work still come in?  Would I still be able to maintain an income that I’d grown used to?  I am now little over a month into my time at Berlad Graham……and I need not have been concerned.

The work is coming in quicker than I originally anticipated. I have already felt the benefits of working from home and I am quickly building an income which will soon surpass the salary I was paid.  But it’s much more than the money; it’s the independence, the flexibility, the autonomy I have over my own career and the capacity I now have to follow my dreams.   So now I KNOW that I made the right decision and the flow of work already is manifestation of that decision.  I am glad that I will shortly be making plans to see more of the world- doing as I was told.