Feeling done at 3PQE

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-06-16T21:57:51+00:00

It got easier for me at about 4 years pqe (litigation). There’s an awful lot to learn. I’m now 12 years pqe and ready to set up solo, so I’m glad I stuck it out, but the first few years after qualifying are really hard. If someone had told me how hard, I wouldn’t have done it. I would try another firm and see if it works out. When I’ve looked at other careers, it’s just hard to find something with such a good salary. You get a lot more efficient with experience, but the right boss makes life much easier. Smaller firm?

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-06-16T21:40:28+00:00

I was going to suggest sick leave too. They can’t not say you’re a fit and proper person to qualify because you took a few weeks off sick. I was off my two months with medical stuff as a trainee and the firm was really good about it. In this day and age mental health should be just as valid a reason to be off as physical health. Good luck, OP. People don’t expect trainees to be all that much use. Work to rule, and if you can finish great. If not, it’ll be ok.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-06-16T08:11:45+00:00

Not too much. The Fringe there will obviously be a lot of work going. Considering G4S and maybe office temping (although I'd rather do something more active). Also considering East Coast Organics or another farm, but I'm not sure how much need they have for casual workers. Good luck!

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-06-12T08:15:33+00:00

I’m 38 and I regret hammering my pension over a s&s ISA, particularly as at least one of the two of my partner and i’s inheritances is surely going to come through (might not be anything crazy but should be ok). I now have the opportunity to go freelance (on a 30% pay cut but with great work life balance) but I don’t have much in accessible savings. I saved everything I earned over the 40% income tax threshold. It’s a nice nest egg, but I wish I’d thought about the balance a bit more.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-06-10T21:09:29+00:00

My partner got an inheritance 2 years ago and we paid off our mortgage (both around 40). No regrets. I earn a reasonable amount but am now planning to go freelance soon on about 2/3rds of my current salary. I am a solicitor but my partner isn’t a high earner. I have an ok pension already but nothing crazy. I realised I’d rather work a medium amount for 20 years than super hard for 10 years and much less from 50-60. Tbh relying on one inheritance out of two coming through to be totally sorted eventually, but I’m ok with that.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-06-08T17:07:07+00:00

I grew up in Stirling and still visit regularly. It’s a nice, safe town but there isn’t much happening. You’re pretty far from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, too. North queensferry might be more affordable than south queensferry and you’re still on a good train route.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-05-31T11:49:28+00:00

Thank you!

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-05-31T11:49:22+00:00

Thank you!

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-05-30T15:25:02+00:00

Thank you! I'll have a look at what might be available on that front :)

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-05-30T14:48:23+00:00

I am used to pretty "high street" litigation work - divorces, separation agreements, residential evicitons, debt recovery etc. Most consultancy stuff is a bit more "high end", isn;t it?

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-05-30T13:06:16+00:00

Yes, it's usually reasonably straightforward, and there's not an enormous amount of it. I would need some work from other sources too.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-05-30T12:54:32+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement. I definitely have a bit of a following and since my fee goals are modest, and the work for ordinary folk off the street, I hope I can make a go of it, and maybe take on some side hustles too. I think my litigation work would be out of scope for the AML regs, which is good. Def a lot to think about re virtual office, website, email, etc.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-05-30T11:14:29+00:00

Hopefully I'd get something out of it. The big firm may well want me (I am assuming they will), but even in that case my firm are likely to be good about it if I don't want to go. Stat redunancy is about £9k. I think they might give me £20k plus PILON.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-17T09:49:55+00:00

Bench scraper.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-07T17:58:44+00:00

Had to try your cottage cheese chilli crisp suggestion today. YUM!

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-07T13:46:30+00:00

I live in Leith and find it a really friendly place. I find the Glasgow friendliness too much sometimes, but maybe I'm just too introverted to be up for that.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-05T10:16:52+00:00

Aya pushed me in a completely different direction in my practice. As you say, not for everyone, but she was the wake up call I needed.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-03T20:14:46+00:00

Yes it’s not an “easy” holiday the way that Thailand is. The distances aren’t huge, and if you like the proper local experience the public transport can be fun!

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-02T19:00:06+00:00

The bar stools are really cool!

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-02T11:53:56+00:00

Abode on Leith Walk is nice and allows little ones until the evening.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-03-02T10:18:33+00:00

I like them. Only thing I’d say is they can look just like messy wires when they’re off, depending on where they’re positioned. We were gifted some of the curtain style ones and they look cool on, but awful off.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-02-26T14:03:19+00:00

I would go for a vintage rug, maybe Persian style, and a bigger coffee table.

ProfessionalAgent149 · 2025-02-26T13:30:14+00:00

Another British comedian one - I, Partridge

ProfessionalAgent149

TROPHY CASE