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 matters01:45 – 15 years in law → leaving corporate08:22 – The moment of freedom: VidCon & creative permission10:47 – “Could I make money not as a lawyer?” Optionality & identity12:29 – Covid, quarantine, and the slide into anxiety & depression15:26 – GP, mental health plan, psychologist & treatment17:13 – 2021 crisis → the breaking point & leaving law18:59 – Regret, shame, returning part-time24:32 – What clients really need: confidence, not tactics25:55 – Networking, intros & fear of applying26:40 – “Throw your hat in the ring” (process over perfection)27:41 – You don’t need the whole staircase; just the first step32:06 – Minimum baseline & runway: the quitting calculus33:40 – Savings, lifestyle inflation & backup plans37:25 – Seasons, super & why fallback ≠ failure39:15 – 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 & action45:49 – Mel’s BD moves: QR cards & “Career Big Sis” cookies56:45 – Money vs meaning: choosing flexibility & creative work1:01:25 – How Mel posts & shares her story online1:07:10 – Wrap up, socials & closing reflectionsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/ Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast