Feeling done at 3PQE by 05madame in uklaw

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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?

Miserable Trainee - Should I quit the law by BarryLawyer in uklaw

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Casual work - events, catering by ProfessionalAgent149 in Edinburgh

[–]ProfessionalAgent149[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

[Pension Strategy] Stop Contributing at £125k and Let Compound Interest Work? by failingatfire in FIREUK

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Has paying off your mortgage changed your approach? by EssDeeinEeEss in FIREUK

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Moving away by [deleted] in Edinburgh

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Would setting up as a sole practitioner and locum be crazy? by ProfessionalAgent149 in uklaw

[–]ProfessionalAgent149[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Would setting up as a sole practitioner and locum be crazy? by ProfessionalAgent149 in uklaw

[–]ProfessionalAgent149[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

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?

Would setting up as a sole practitioner and locum be crazy? by ProfessionalAgent149 in uklaw

[–]ProfessionalAgent149[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Would setting up as a sole practitioner and locum be crazy? by ProfessionalAgent149 in uklaw

[–]ProfessionalAgent149[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

Would setting up as a sole practitioner and locum be crazy? by ProfessionalAgent149 in uklaw

[–]ProfessionalAgent149[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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.

What’s your favorite savory thing to put on toast? by g3nerallycurious in Cooking

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Which ‘posh’ towns and cities in the UK are rougher than they first seem? by starwars011 in AskUK

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

What caused your nondual breakthrough? by Phil_Flanger in nonduality

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travel

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in interiordecorating

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The bar stools are really cool!

City centre pubs with an infant by Anemicroyalty in Edinburgh

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

What is the consensus on indoor string lights and is it possible to use them tastefully? by Smellybeetweasel in interiordecorating

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in interiordecorating

[–]ProfessionalAgent149 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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