After 15 years in law, Mel Storey walked away to build Career Big Sis, a movement helping ambitious professionals back themselves, set boundaries, and take the first step even when they can’t see the whole staircase. We go deep on burnout, the moment everything broke after Covid, rebuilding with a mental health plan, and the practical maths she used to leave corporate safely. This one’s honest, useful, and fiercely encouraging. 00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation matters 01:45 – 15 years in law → leaving corporate 08:22 – The moment of freedom: VidCon & creative permission 10:47 – “Could I make money not as a lawyer?” Optionality & identity 12:29 – Covid, quarantine, and the slide into anxiety & depression 15:26 – GP, mental health plan, psychologist & treatment 17:13 – 2021 crisis → the breaking point & leaving law 18:59 – Regret, shame, returning part-time 24:32 – What clients really need: confidence, not tactics 25:55 – Networking, intros & fear of applying 26:40 – “Throw your hat in the ring” (process over perfection) 27:41 – You don’t need the whole staircase; just the first step 32:06 – Minimum baseline & runway: the quitting calculus 33:40 – Savings, lifestyle inflation & backup plans 37:25 – Seasons, super & why fallback ≠ failure 39:15 – Dad’s ultimatum: “I’ll be disappointed if you don’t try.” 41:19 – The 80-year-old self filter (no regrets) 44:23 – Tough love for grads: cold calls & action 45:49 – Mel’s BD moves: QR cards & “Career Big Sis” cookies 56:45 – Money vs meaning: choosing flexibility & creative work 1:01:25 – How Mel posts & shares her story online 1:07:10 – Wrap up, socials & closing reflections Connect with Mere Mortals: Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/ Connect with Mere Mortals: Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcasts Value 4 Value Support: Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/support Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
