What would you do? career advice?

[Jagdjsyal]

I used to work as a lawyer for 11 years but hated it. I left and started working a random job but have since left that job as I used to get shouted at by the MD (he shouted at everyone). After 10 months I couldn’t do it anymore so I left but don’t have a job lined up yet. I have some interviews lined up for law firms again but I feel like I don’t want to work there as it feels like I’m going back again. Pros - high salary, easily get back into that job due to my experience/ qualifications. Cons - hated the job. I liked the industry of the job I just did (just not the company) so I applied for a job with a rival company. I loved them when I went to interview but it was just speculative so they don’t have an opening right now. They called me the next day to say they loved me and felt the same way as I did but they spoke to the MD and they don’t have a vacancy for the role I would be suited for but they hope to be in January maybe February so can they keep in touch with me to see if the timing works for me. Would you hang on and wait for the company in January to see if that works or would you go ahead with a role that pays well and could go into immediately. I am being paid until the end of January anyway and my husband can cover bills and we have savings etc.

[AI Opinion]

In your situation, consider prioritizing long-term satisfaction over immediate convenience. Since finances seem stable until at least January, you have time to thoughtfully evaluate your next career move. Reflect on your past experiences and determine what aspects of your previous roles you wish to keep or discard. Waiting until January for a role in a company you’re enthusiastic about could lead to greater job satisfaction. Meanwhile, staying open to opportunities and continuing your self-development might provide valuable insights. Balancing passion with practicality often results in a more fulfilling career.

[Oliverlogan263]

Whoa, that's a really tough spot you're in, girl. I can totally understand why you're feeling so conflicted about the different career options in front of you. On one hand, going back to law might be the safe, well-paying choice, but it's clear you really hated that job. And on the other, this other company you interviewed with sounds like a dream, but there's no guarantee they'll have an opening when you need it.

It's a tricky balance, for sure. But if I were you, I think I'd lean towards waiting it out a bit and seeing if that other opportunity pans out in the next couple months. Even though it's not a sure thing, the fact that they reached out the next day and expressed how much they liked you is a really good sign. Plus, you said you really loved the industry, so that seems like it could be a much better fit for you.

Yes, the law job would give you that financial security right away, but at what cost to your happiness and overall well-being? Eleven years is a long time to be stuck in a role you despise. And it sounds like that shouting MD at your last job really took a toll too. You deserve to be in an environment where you feel valued and fulfilled.

My advice would be to try to be patient and see if that other company can make something work in the next few months. If it doesn't pan out, then you can revisit the law firm option. But I wouldn't rush into that if your heart's not in it. Maybe you could even try to negotiate for a better work-life balance or different responsibilities if you do end up going back.

At the end of the day, you gotta do what's best for you, girl. Don't settle just for the money or security - focus on finding a career path that truly lights you up. With your husband's support and your savings to fall back on, you've got a little wiggle room to take a chance. Trust your gut and don't be afraid to go after what you really want!

[Anonymous]

The real downside is the company you want to work for could be paying you lip service to let you down gently or they may just hire someone else that may come along between now and then. I've had glowing interviews before for companies that were like, we'd hire you in a second, and I spent a couple months checking back and eventually calling to see if there was anything, and it never went anywhere. This is the risk you take, BUT it may yield a high reward like the job of course, and good mental health.

I would suggest if you are going to wait, taking up an interim temporary job or side hustle just so you can have some extra coin in the bank if this tanks even if your husband can pitch in. I would also say keep applying, if you wait, because you may well find something even better and hiring sooner.