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
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Connect with Mere Mortals:
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