A personal post about April being the Stress Awareness Month and taking the plunge into a new venture and the strains and stresses that come with it.
This is not a topic I would normally think or indeed write about, but as I am going through a big change in my career, its brought about a new type or should I say a different type of stress, as well as opening up some old concerns that I had long since become immune to. As most will know, I recently made the decision that I needed to take the plunge for something new and different or I would have stagnated, become frustrated and left with that lingering feeling of what if.
I reflected back to about 10 years ago when my brother passed me a book called Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, which was written by Susan Jeffers Ph.D. The book was first published in 1987 and has since become a popular self-help classic, focusing on overcoming fear, building confidence, and taking action despite uncertainty. Its something that has served him well in his life choices and as a result he has become very successful.
I therefore made the decision to follow through with the mantra and serve my notice and venture into the 'big bad world' on my own, to do something different. It was not lost on me this was always going to be risky and challenging and from what I have experienced so far, it has been.
It got me thinking about experiences of the past and the many people I have worked with during the course of my career have had similar experiences of being in a position where they have struggled and gone through what I would coin as a bit of a 'wobble'. In years gone by the prevailing attitude was whatever personal issues you were experiencing, they needed to be left at the front door before entering the office. You had to demonstrate a considerable amount of resilience and for a profession that prides itself on robustness and resilience I did.
But too often, that’s code for burnout.
The relentless deadlines, high expectations, and emotional tolls became normalised. But here’s the truth: chronic stress isn’t a badge of honour it’s a warning sign.
By chance I saw a post by the SRA on their LinkedIn account linking to their guidance, entitled “Your Health, Your Career,”. The guidance is clear we all have a professional duty to manage our well-being. If stress begins to impact our ability to practice safely or competently, it becomes a regulatory issue not just a personal one.
So please speak those around you in your workplace and family members. I would encourage you all to read the guidance here:
🔗 https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/resources/all-other-topics/your-health-your-career
As someone working with firms on compliance and risk, I see how cultures of silence around stress still linger. But there is change happening firms are beginning to invest in well-being, training mental health first aiders, and opening the floor to real conversations.
Here’s what you and firms should be asking:
Are we monitoring workload stress and burnout risk?
Are our internal policies genuinely supportive?
Are leaders modelling healthy boundaries?
If you're in leadership, you have a duty to do more than comply you can set the tone. If you're struggling, you're not alone, and you're not weak.
Support is available:
LawCare (confidential legal mental health support)
Solicitors’ Assistance Scheme
EAPs or HR in your firm
Let’s move past performative well-being. Let’s build a legal profession that’s not only brilliant but sustainable.
Before I close this post off, I would like to make it clear that I would be lying if I said the new challenge has not caused me some anxiety or worry. By proxy this has also extended to my loved ones, notably my wife, kids, family and friends. I have realized I may be luckier than some in that regard, because they have all been very supportive and backed me all the way. So what I would say is that if you are a lawyer and pride yourself on resilience, but starting to struggle or feel overwhelmed, do not be afraid to lean on family and friends for support, because in my experience they will provide it when you need it the most.
I would just like to end it, by saying thanks to anyone who has provided me with the support so far and something I will always be extremely grateful for. It is this very support which has only added to my drive to make the next steps I am taking in my career succeed. So once again thank you and much love to you all.